Volvo's 3.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-6: For Real

Safety and Scandinavian design have been hallmarks of the Volvo brand for decades. Now, powertrain excellence can be added to that list.

The auto maker's “T6” 3.0L Turbocharged I-6 in the all-new S60 sedan truly is deserving, with its meaty mid-range power band, minimal turbo lag, expressive exhaust note and outstanding NVH characteristics.

The all-aluminum I-6, internally known as the B6304T, features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing on both the exhaust and intake side of the engine and meets ULEV2 emissions standards.

The latest iteration is a heavily modified version of the T6 originally introduced in the '09 XC60 cross/utility vehicle.

Its specs are wholly competitive. With 300 hp, the T6 matches the output of BMW AG's 3.0L N55 I-6 (also a 10 Best Engines winner this year) and actually betters the Bavarian mill on the torque meter by 25 lb.-ft. (34 Nm).

The T6's 325 lb.-ft. (440-Nm) torque rating equals that of Volvo's 4.4L V-8 and reaches its peak 1,800 rpm earlier.

Even more surprising, while the BMW engine uses direct injection, Volvo manages quite nicely without it, saving krona by the handful.

The T6 is destined to become a workhorse. This engine is for real.

DISPLACEMENT (CC): 2,953

BLOCK/HEAD MATERIAL: ALUMINUM/ALUMINUM

BORE × STROKE (MM): 82 × 93.2

HORSEPOWER (SAE NET): 300 @ 5,000 RPM

TORQUE: 325 LB.-FT. (440 NM) @ 2,100-4,200 RPM

SPECIFIC OUTPUT: 100 HP/L

SPECIFIC OUTPUT: 9.3:1

ASSEMBLY SITE: BRIDGEND, U.K.

APPLICATION TESTED: '11 VOLVO S60 T6 AWD

EPA CITY/HIGHWAY: 18/26