C30 Efficiency Concept Goes Green in Style

Germany’s carmakers are taking strict measures to make their cars fuelmisers, but they’re not the only ones. Though Mercedes-Benz’s engineers have created the brilliant Diesotto engine that combines the benefits of gasoline and diesel into one, BMW their uncompromising Efficient Dynamics, Audi their “e” line of efficient vehicles and Volkswagen now with BlueMotion, it looks like Swedish automaker Volvo is also attempting to squeeze the most mileage out of the least amount of fuel.

Volvo has turned its most recent model, the stylish two-door C30 hatchback into a veritable green machine for the Frankfurt Auto Show. The brand will be showing off its C30 Efficiency Concept, a reworked version of the entry-level C30 1.6D diesel hatchback, which travels more than 52 miles per gallon of diesel fuel used. That’s equal to what the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion uses, which was featured in yesterday’s news, although its horsepower rating is grater despite its engine being smaller.

As with any dedicated fuel-saving model, a series of modifications were made to the C30 in order to make it more efficient. The car’s airflow was studied andmodified to include a new rear spoiler, new rear bumper, smooth underbody and new 16-inch alloy wheels that have been aerodynamically optimized. The main grille has been filled in as well, which required revisions to the cooling system. Meanwhile, the car’s manual transmission receives longer third, fourth and fifth gears plus low-friction gear oil. The tires have been switched over from standard all-season or summer tires to low-rolling resistance rubber.

The heart of the C30 Efficiency is a 1.6-liter diesel engine that makes 105 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is the same as the standard C30 1.6D, though the engine management computer receives a new program designed to help it eke more out of less. These changes give the Efficiency model an advantage of 4 mpg and 0.5+ oz/mi of carbon dioxide, for a new total of under 6.8 oz/mi. This allows the C30 Efficiency to qualify for a 10,000 Kronor rebate ($1,400) in its home country.

Volvo is also using the Frankfurt show to launch its brand new dual-clutch gearbox, making it amongst the many brands that have now hopped aboard this impressive technology. Dubbed “Powershift”, it not only improves shift times over current automatic transmissions, but reduces power loss as well. Volvo claims that its new gearbox slashes fuel consumption by about eight percent. Powershift gearboxes will spread throughout the Volvo lineup, eventually being offered on the C30, S40 and V50 when equipped with the 2.0-liter diesel engine. The C30 Efficiency won’t be just a demonstration vehicle, by the way, as starting in 2008 Volvo will be offering this car for sale … though unfortunately not in North America.