Wilvo S40 test drive since 2007 sedan

Volvo S40. From 1 034 900 rub.

Not so long ago, gearboxes working without expanding power flow were used only in the design of Formula 1 cars. Today, more and more manufacturers are equipped with serial models, and VW completely made its DSG almost folk. In the spring, Volvo also made the industry in the development of the industry, having built POWERSHift KP for models C30, S40 and V50

Unlike VW, developing its first gearbox, which works without breaking power, in Volvo instead of a seemingly universal system with a dry crankcase chose a simpler and cheap circuit with a good old oil bath. Including two independently working couplings, the 6-speed PowerShift operates, in fact, as two parallel KP. One coupling works with odd gears and the back, the second with even. While one clutch is included in the work, the second, like a good basketball coach, is already raising the next player from the bench. Depending on the traffic mode, the control unit in a fraction of a second decides who he will release: during acceleration, the processor in parallel turns on the increasing gear, when braking a decrease. At the time of switching, it remains only to throw the load from one coupling to another, taking the working clutch on idle. Thus, controlled by an electro -hydraulic module, both couplings are alternately driven, ensuring the constant transmission of traction efforts without failures and power loss. As a result, switching becomes smooth, almost invisible, even when processing a large torque: in the case of Volvo up to 450 nm.

It was under a diesel engine with a high torque that Powershift was originally developed. However, for Russia, where the middle -class Volvo with diesel engines does not supply at all, the Swedes were planted by PowerShift with 2 liter gasoline engines. Compared to the usual automatic transmission, fuel consumption is reduced by 8%. As for the smooth switching, PowerShift is inferior to DSG VW slightly.

Powershift vs DSG
The first in the history of the serial automotive industry gearbox with two clutches, working without an interruption of a traction, was installed on the Volkswagen Golf R32 in 2003. At the end of 2007, the German concern began serial production of 7? Stepped DSGs. Compared to a traditional automatic box with a hydrotransformer, modern DSG saves up to 20% of the fuel. These indicators exceed the interest efficiency of the Swedish PowerShift. However, it should be noted that the ceiling of the maximum torque, which is capable of processing the new Volvo 450 nm box much higher than that of VW boxes: 350 Nm for 6? Step DSG and 250 Nm for 7? Such a solid supply significantly expands the capabilities of PowerShift aggregation with powerful diesel engines.


Driving
Constant traction without failures and power losses have a beneficial effect on the behavior of the car.

Salon
The usual Scandinavian design with soft faces. The appearance of a new KP on the interior, of course, did not affect.

Comfort
Soft and almost invisible switching made Volvo equipped with PowerShift, a little more comfortable.

Safety
Traditionally, the main priority of Volvo.

Price
For 40,000 rubles. cheaper than a 140 -wheel 2.4 -liter S40 with a traditional automatic transmission.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Decrease in fuel consumption, soft transfers.
- A little bit tangible blows inside the box when the rear gear is turned on.

Specifications
Mark and model - Volvo S40 PowerShift
Dimensions - 4476x1806x1454 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1999 cm3, 145 hp/6000 min -1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed KP
Dynamics - max 205 km/h
Competitors - VW Golf, Seat Leon


Author: Vladimir Makkaveev
Photo: Sergey Krestov

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [August 2009]