Geely’s investment in Volvo seems to be paying off again — this time on the technological side. A recent Swedespeed.com article says that Volvo is working on SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture) with “groups of cars that share the same basic chassis structure, seat frame, electrical system and driveline.” Apparently, Volvo could make the same components work in vehicles regardless of their size. Another article also mentions Volvo going back to four cylinder engines. With turbo charging, it would be possible to develop high horsepower and better fuel economy. The new engines are to be lighter and 35% more fuel efficient. An 8 speed automatic transmission and a Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) are also being tested.
It makes me wonder what SAAB will be able to do once Pang Da and Youngman are on board.