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This study focus on the aerodynamic influence of the engine bay packaging, with special emphasis on the density of packaging and its effect on cooling and exterior flow. For the study, numerical and experimental methods where combined to exploit the advantages of each method. The geometry used for the study was a model of Volvo S60 sedan type passenger car, carrying a detailed representation of the cooling package, engine bay and underbody area. In the study it was found that there is an influence on the exterior aerodynamics of the vehicle with respect to the packaging of the engine bay. Furthermore, it is shown that by evacuating a large amount of the cooling air through the wheel houses a reduction in drag can be achieved.

Frontal collisions account for the majority of car accidents. Regulations have been in effect since the late sixties, aiming at assuring a basic safety performance for cars in this type of crash. From a legislative point of view tests as e.g. FMVSS 208 are about to be complemented by other frontal impact configurations. Two of the reasons behind this is to allow assessment also of asymmetric loads to the vehicle front and the level of passenger compartment intrusion. This paper offers a comparison of different frontal crash tests, including Volvo's Severe Partial Overlap Collision (SPOC) and offset tests against a deformable barrier. The methods are evaluated with respect to their results, both from a dummy performance point of view and based on car deformation characteristics. Also, the practicability and possible effect on vehicle designs are discussed.

This paper describes the OBD II System in the Volvo 850 Turbo. This car is equipped with a new engine, a 5-cylinder, in-line, 2.3 liter design, mounted transversely in the car. The system uses the new Bosch Motronic M4.3 Powertrain Control Module, The realization of the new diagnostic regulation is described with examples. The development of new, specialized diagnostic equipment is also described.

This paper describes some of the engineering situations encountered during the development of a three point belt for the rear center seating position in a sedan car. The belt will be sold as an accessory for the after market. The reinforcement of the parcel shelf to achieve a sufficiently strong anchorage for the retractor and the geometrical locations of the belt anchorages are presented. The conflict between the geometrical requirements, the design and the visibility will be focussed. The need for updated requirements for belt installations in the rear center seating position will be pointed out. Data from the performed tests show that all demands from regulations and “in-house” requirements are fulfilled.