ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN IMPROVEMENTS FOR VOLVO'S S70 AND V70

All Volvo TLEV engines have been upgraded with new, improved engine management systems: a Denso manufactured system replaces the Motronic 4.4 system on all normally aspirated engines and a Bosch Motronic 7.0 system for all turbocharged applications (high and light pressure). These systems are compatible with the new Electronic Throttle control system.

S70 and V70 T5s will continue to be offered with a more powerful version of the high-pressure turbocharged engine, rated for 1999 at 247 hp, with 243 lb/ft of torque. All T5s will be available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The base S70 and V70 engine is naturally aspirated with 162 horsepower and is available with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The S70 GLT, S70 GLT AWD, and V70 GLT, AWD and AWD Cross Country feature a High Torque/Low Rev engine with 190 horsepower and 199 lb/ft of torque that is available at 1800 rpm.

The automatic transmission continues to be the proven and dependable Aisin Warner-sourced unit. But for 1999, the unit has been updated to include several new features. Thanks to a special Transmission Control Module which receives inputs from both the gearbox and the Engine Control Module, the transmission automatically adapts to the driver's style and does away with the need for any "Economy/Sport" switch. However, to help ensure easy starting on slippery roads, the S70 and V70 retain Volvo's Winter Mode, which is activated by a center console-mounted rocker switch. As before, Winter Mode locks out First and Second gears for a Third-gear start.

Automatic shifting is controlled by the Transmission Control Module. The TCM also determines when to lock the torque converter. The TCM does this by governing the transmission's hydraulic control system, oil flow and oil pressure to the transmission's clutches and brakes as well as electronically operating the solenoids. Lock-up normally occurs in the Third and Fourth. The TCM determines when to engage lock-up.

The Transmission Control Module bases its decisions on inputs from sensors in the transmission as well as information supplied to it via the network from the Engine Control Module. Among those decisions are the transmission's actual shift points. Primarily the TCM bases shift-point decisions on the accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed and engine speed. By monitoring the rate of change of accelerator pedal position the TCM can determine whether the driver rapidly accelerates and decelerates and therefore is driving in a sporty fashion. The TCM constantly monitors all sensors and constantly adapts transmission performance to conditions. In addition to the driver's inputs, the TCM also takes into account such factors as whether the car is climbing or descending a slope, altitude, exhaust gas content, transmission temperature and differential between transmission shaft and road speed.

Shift harshness is greatly reduced because the Transmission Control Module can alter shift quality by signaling the ECM to momentarily to reduce engine output. In addition, since the TCM controls hydraulic pressure within the transmission, it can also reduce shift harshness by regulating pressure at each shift.

The Volvo engineering and design philosophy has always dictated that any new feature or technology is only of value if it does not complicate the driving experience. So engineers have designed a simple, user-friendly AWD system that makes driving more sure-footed and safer under most adverse road or weather conditions. It automatically makes traction transfer decisions so quickly that a driver never needs to think about selecting either front wheel drive or all-wheel-drive models. Volvo's AWD combine the single most desirable feature of an SUV platform during takeoff traction, with superior ride, handling, comfort, safety engineering, performance and fuel economy.