New Volvo Drive-E engine delivers 444bhp – from just 2.0 litres

The new Volvo Drive-E engine (pictured) delivers 444bhp When Volvo announced its new Drive-E engine range would consist of just a single petrol and diesel engine of 2.0 litre capacity, we did wonder if Volvo had given up on the idea of delivering properly powerful road cars. But it seems not. We already know that the T8 hybrid powertrain for the new XC90 will deliver 394bhp, but now Volvo has revealed a Drive-E concept engine that delivers an even more impressive 444bhp without the aid of electric motors and batteries.

Manzoni, Ingenlath and Hildebrand to speak at Auto Design Prague

The fourth annual Auto Design Prague conference will take place on 18 September at the National Technical Library in Prague-Dejvice. The event is open to professionals and the wider public, and will include a program of 10 presentations by designers including vice president of Ferrari design, Flavio Manzoni; Volvo design director Thomas Ingenlath; Jaguar's advanced design director, Julian Thompson, and Qoros head of design, Gert Hildebrand. Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari In addition to the talks, visitors will also be able to sample the wares of conference partners that supply a host of design tools and services, including virtual prototyping software, 3D printers, and prototype construction.

Mercedes E Class Estate leaked

The first picture of the new Mercedes E Class Estate has leaked out The new Mercedes E Class leaked and then launched earlier this year, and the E Class Coupe turned out to be a C Class Coupe in disguise. We also reported in May that Mercedes was considering delaying the launch of the E Class Estate and E Class Cabriolet for a year or so until the economy recovered. But it’s now clear that the next instalment of the E Class story – the Mercedes E Class Estate – will launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and the first picture has leaked our way!