S40 and V50 are offered in Australia with choice of two engines:

A naturally aspirated 2.4-litre inline five cylinder developing 125kW and 230NmA low-boost turbocharged 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder developing 162kW and 320Nm

The powertrain in S40 sedan and V50 wagon is characterised by:

• New generation of compact low-friction engines
• Compact format benefits collision safety
• Five cylinders and large displacement
• Long stoke enhances torque and throttle response
• Six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox from S60 R and V70 R
• Meticulously balanced chassis and accurate steering

Despite the S40's and V50's compact dimensions, a transverse five-cylinder inline engine lives under the bonnet - a unique performance feature in the compact segment. Compared to its European competitors, S40 and V50 set the power benchmark for the compact luxury segment.

Volvo powertrain and safety engineers have worked together to develop an engine that is quite compact in outside dimensions but quite large in internal capacity. The result is an S40 and a V50 offering high performance and excellent driveability. The engine's compact dimensions also advantage the car's excellent crash safety.

The chassis has been developed in parallel with the new engines to provide on-road dynamics exceeding those of Volvo's larger sedan models.

Slimmer is better and safer
The new petrol engines are a further development of the low-friction engines that power the large Volvo models. The new generation is named RNC, with C indicating Compact. Most of the engine's external components have been designed and packaged so that the engine installation takes exceptionally little space.

• Exhaust manifold outlets are angled down towards the engine block
• Manifolds on the turbo engine is cast together with the turbo unit housing for added compactness
• Inlet manifold is compact-cast in fibreglass-reinforced plastic and is routed up over the engine. The fuel injectors are installed in an aluminium section for safety reasons
• Alternator, water pump and air conditioning compressor are of compact design and are very efficiently packaged
• The air conditioning compressor is relocated and well protected

Keep 'em separated
The RNC engine is 200mm slimmer and 25mm shorter than the five-cylinder engines found in the large Volvo models. An additional benefit of these 'sizeable' modifications is a reduction in engine weight. The carryover effect is an engine range that gives the all-new S40 new-found levels of performance. Combined with Volvo's architecture - transverse engine installation - it also contributes to high crash safety since there is added space for deformation in the engine compartment.

In a collision, the engine can be pushed 150mm to the rear before the crankshaft comes into contact with the cross-member near the bulkhead.

There is 70mm of free space above the engine between the cylinder head and bonnet. This allows the bonnet to crumple gently, thus reducing the risk of head injuries if a pedestrian or a cyclist should collide with the car.

High kilowatts and revolutions without vibrations
The new five-cylinder inline engines have a displacement of 2.4 and 2.5 litres. The five cylinders and large displacement provide high torque from low engine revs - along with swift acceleration.

Both five-cylinder engines are undersquare - meaning the stroke is quite long in relation to the bore. The 2.4-litre engine achieves 2435cc with an 83mm bore and a 90mm stroke.

The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine achieves 2521cc with an 83mm bore and a 93.2mm stroke.

In both engines, the leverage provided by the long stroke has a positive effect on the torque curve and on low-rev driveability. What is more, a five-cylinder engine with a long stroke has a more relaxed, more pleasant character owing to its low vibration level and smooth operation.

The engines in the Volvo S40 and V50 share the same technology as the units that power the larger Volvo cars:

• Four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts - for high power and alert throttle response
• Variable camshaft timing (CVVT) - for high power and high torque in combination with lower consumption and reduced emissions
• Electronic engine management system with precise and adaptive control - for efficient combustion and good performance

More kilowatts versus kilograms
The light S40 T5 is the sportiest model in the range. It has a 2.5-litre petrol engine breathing through a light-pressure turbocharger. The turbo system is tuned to provide exceptional torque from exceptionally low revs. Peak torque is reached at 1500rpm and holds firm to 4800rpm, and turbo lag is non-existent.

The T5 engine offers a maximum of 162kW and 320Nm of torque. The S40 T5 and V50 T5 will later become available in combination with all-wheel drive. The AWD version will be launched in Australia in early 2005. It will use the same type of light-weight, compact Haldex coupling as found on Volvo's larger AWD models such as the S60 R and XC90.

S40 and V50 range of engines

Volvo Car Australia will not offer a diesel engine in S40 nor V50 in the short term. However, Volvo Car Australia is considering the addition of a diesel engine to the range in the longer term. We believe the Australian luxury compact car buyer is not yet interested in diesel, despite recent legislation to improve the quality of diesel fuel.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
S40 2.4 manual: 8.7L/100km combined - 208 CO/CO2 kg/km
S40 2.4 automatic: 9.2L/100km combined - 219 CO/CO2 kg/km
S40 2.5 T5 manual: 8.8L/100km combined - 208 CO/CO2 kg/km
S40 2.5 T5 automatic: 9.2L/100km combined - 220 CO/CO2 kg/km

Transmissions taken from the S60 R
The six-speed manual gearbox developed for the Volvo S60 R and V70 R now makes its entry in the Volvo S40 T5 and V50 T5. The six forward ratios are spread to combine swift acceleration with high top speed. The gearbox has triple synchromesh and a reassuringly distinct change pattern with a precise gate.

The normally aspirated engines are mated to a new generation of Volvo's five-speed manual gearbox. It has been further developed with triple synchromesh for faster changes and distinct, positive feel. The five-speed manual is offered in S40 2.4 and V50 2.4 as standard and as a no-cost option in S40 2.4 SE and V50 2.4 SE.

Adaptive automatic transmission
The five-speed automatic transmission for the Volvo S40 and V50 is the same as that used in larger Volvo models. It is a five-speed unit with an adaptive gear changing pattern; in other words, it adapts to the current driving style.

Volvo powertrain engineers have invested considerable time in matching driveshafts and universal joints to the high engine power outputs to ensure smooth, snatch-free power delivery under acceleration. Clutch feel, manual shift feel and overall refinement of the powertrain were a priority.

Chassis with large-car properties
S40 and V50 have been developed to exceed the handling performance and steering control of previous Volvo models. Chassis turning experience gained from the advanced S60 R formed the basis for the new compact sedan and wagon.
"A modern Volvo should obey the driver's slightest command - immediately and without fuss," emphasises Peter Ewerstrand, the project manager for the all-new S40. "It should be as enjoyable to drive as it is safe. In chassis tuning S40 and V50, we had particularly high ambitions when the project got under way. And we're more than pleased with the result."

Independent suspension with a multi-link system at the rear provides a superb combination of comfort and consistent response. The wider track and longer wheelbase, compared to the current Volvo S40 model, also contribute to the car's stable behaviour on the road.

Front suspension geometry has been carefully calculated to provide quick and precise steering response and minimise torque steer. Not such an easy achievement considering the S40 and V50 both deliver impressive power from their five-cylinder engines.

The steering is electro-hydraulic with light, distinct and controlled feedback through the steering wheel. "The new powertrain and the carefully matched chassis in combination with the body's exceptional torsional rigidity, make for a particularly pleasant driving experience. This is a car you'll truly look forward to driving whenever you get the chance," promises Ewerstrand.