The i-ART technology uses pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of using a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail, making it possible to continuously monitor and adapt fuel injection per combustion in each of the four cylinders.

‘Increasing the rail pressure to an exceptionally high 2,500 Bar, while adding the i-ART technology, can be described as the second step in the diesel revolution. It is a breakthrough comparable to when we invented the groundbreaking lambda sensor for the catalytic converter in 1976. It's another world-first for Volvo,’ says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group.

He adds: ‘Each injector has a small computer on top, which monitors injection pressure. Using this information, the self-adapting i-ART system makes sure that the ideal amount of fuel is injected during each combustion cycle.’

According to Volvo, the combination of higher injection pressure and i-ART technology gives the customer an engine with improved fuel economy, considerably lower emissions and high performance output as well as a powerful sound character.

The forthcoming modular range of engines will also include direct-injection petrols and will see the use of turbo charging to ensure range flexibility. Volvo also says that it is explore options for certain engines to be paired up with electric motors or other spearhead technologies.

The new range will be launched this autumn alongside a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

‘We will create smaller, more intelligent engines with so much power that they will turn V8s into dinosaurs. Our four-cylinder engines will offer higher performance than today's six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than the current four-cylinder generation. On top of that, electrification will bring us up into power figures in today's V8-territory,’ said Mr Crabb.

The engines will be built at Volvo Car Group's engine plant in Skövde, Sweden.