Originally posted by cooltouch Monochrome, I certainly can't dispute anything you've written. But as an automotive enthusiast, it sure as hell doesn't make me like it. Your second paragraph explains the ultimate reason why many a model has been discontinued -- because people didn't want them anymore because they had become ill-performing pigs. Bean counters should not be allowed to participate in decisions that require engineers -- and enthusiasts! -- to make.
What you mention about Honda reminds me of a couple of things. First, Honda should have never discontinued the CVCC engine and the small cars that they were installed in (look at what an old Civic from the 70s sells for these days!) Second, it reminds me of Volvo's most recent power plant decision. I've been a Volvo owner for over 20 years. I can recall, back in the 80s, that for the 760, which was Volvo's top-end model, two power plants were offered -- a V6 and an I-4 turbo. The smart buyers bought the 2.3L Turbo because it was faster than the larger V6. That seemed to work well for them to the extent that Volvo appears to be taking a page out of its old playbook. Now Volvo has reduced its engine selection from three basic sizes -- a 2.5L turbo, a 3.2L i-6, and a V8, to one -- a 2.0L twin turbo. Regardless of vehicle size, Volvo will be offering *only* this one engine size. I can understand their thinking to a point. I mean, when you can extract over 300 reliable horsepower from a 2.0L 4 cylinder, is anything else really necessary? Well, ask me, the answer is yes. Hell yes. If Volvo can offer a 300+ hp 4-cyl, then why not a 400hp 6-cyl? or a 500hp 8cyl? Some people might say that such performance numbers aren't in keeping with Volvo's image. Well, Volvo has, since the 80s at least, always been something of a dichotomy on wheels. They've always promoted safety, but they've also always had this wild streak, typically most often seen with their performance wagons. Volvo has even raced wagons! So I don't see why they can't still stress safety as well as performance -- the way Mercedes Benz does, for example. I suppose time will tell, but I think limiting themselves to only a single engine size across all platforms is a mistake.
As a former Volvo owner (1962 PV544s ) I read your post with interest. It does on the surface seem odd that Volvo is offering one engine size, a 2 liter 4 cylinder.
I've noticed Chevy with it's Equinox dropped the 3.6 liter DOHC V6 (great engine one our cars has this engine) and only offer 4 cylinder engines. If memory serves me correct a 1.5 liter turbo, a 2 liter turbo and a turbo diesel...all 4 bangers.
Lately I've been reading a fair amount about the coming electrification of powerplants over the next number of years, from many vehicle manufacturers. Some seem to mention that they plan to offer complete electric, hybrid electric/ internal combustion (IC) blend, less diesels , mostly 4 cylinder engines.
There seems to be significant change of propulsion power for vehicles over the next decade or so. My impression is that electric and hybrid (electric/IC) vehicles will take over the market and be the dominant powerplants.
I understand Volvo will go electric or electric/internal combustion starting with the 2019 model year...no more Volvos just solely powered by an internal combustion engine. That I think explains why Volvo will have only one internal combustion engine and that engine will always be part of a hybrid..electric motor/internal combustion engine combo. Given this they need only one remaining internal combustion engine. My view anyways,
I have some questions..as to how all this will work out.
Currently we have two large American sedans one older (2007)...one newer (2015). Both have larger displacement V6 engines. My driving preference is a large sedan with a healthy V6 engine. Unfortunately I seem to be a minority when it comes to my preference for a large sedan with a V6 engine. In the future I'm quite sure, that it will be increasingly difficult, perhaps near impossible to find an vehicle such as this. Both large V6 engines and large sedans (the older car is a 6 seater ) are both endangered species.
Last edited by lesmore49; 04-08-2018 at 09:44 PM.