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NEW CARS

2027 Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 Get Major Updates With New Design, Smarter Tech and Enhanced Safety

Volvo is giving its popular 40 series a comprehensive technology and design update, bringing a sharper exterior, a more sophisticated interior, a larger infotainment display, Google Gemini AI, and a significantly upgraded suite of driver-assistance and safety systems.

The refreshed Volvo XC40, Volvo EX40 and Volvo EC40 are designed to make everyday driving easier, safer and more connected while extending the appeal of a family of models that remains an important part of Volvo’s global lineup.

The update is more than a styling exercise. Volvo has upgraded the cars’ electronic architecture, cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, while introducing new software capabilities that can continue to improve the vehicles through over-the-air updates.

A Sharper Look for the Volvo 40 Series

The most obvious changes arrive at the front of the updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40.

The familiar Thor’s Hammer lighting signature has been redesigned with new Matrix LED headlights, giving the 40 series a more contemporary interpretation of one of Volvo’s most recognizable design elements.

The front end also receives an upgraded grille, redesigned bumper, bonnet and front wings. Together, these changes give the compact Volvo models a cleaner and more confident appearance while retaining the restrained Scandinavian design language that has become a defining characteristic of the brand.

At the rear, the Volvo XC40 and EX40 receive redesigned LED taillights, an upgraded tailgate and a new rear bumper. The EC40, meanwhile, retains its distinctive rear-end design.

The Volvo XC40 will also be available with new 18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch diamond-cut wheel designs, adding further opportunities for customers to personalize the SUV’s appearance.

According to Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for the 30 and 40 series at Volvo Cars, the combination of design, technology and safety improvements is intended to create the strongest versions of the 40 series to date.

New 11.2-Inch Infotainment Screen

Inside the cabin, one of the biggest changes is the introduction of a larger 11.2-inch central touchscreen.

The new display is designed to provide a sharper image and a more intuitive user experience, while reducing the number of taps required to access commonly used functions.

That matters in everyday driving. Rather than simply adding another larger screen to the dashboard, Volvo says the updated interface has been designed to make interaction with the vehicle quicker and easier.

The updated infotainment system also brings Google’s latest artificial intelligence technology into the 40 series.

Google Gemini Comes to Volvo’s 40 Series

One of the most significant technology upgrades is the integration of Google Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant.

Unlike traditional voice-command systems that often require users to remember specific phrases, Gemini is designed to understand more natural conversation.

Drivers can use the system for tasks such as planning journeys, identifying interesting places to stop and managing messages while on the move.

For example, instead of navigating through multiple menus to find information about a destination, the driver can communicate with the vehicle more naturally. The objective is to make the infotainment system feel less like a conventional command interface and more like a conversational digital assistant.

The technology also fits into Volvo’s broader strategy of using software to keep its vehicles current after they leave the factory.

More Practical and Premium Interiors

Volvo has also concentrated on making the 40 series more comfortable and useful for everyday life.

The cabin retains the practical storage solutions expected from a compact family vehicle while gaining an updated wireless phone charger and other integrated features designed around daily usability.

New upholstery and interior trim choices further differentiate the refreshed models.

For the first time, Volvo XC40 buyers will be able to specify Arianne Cardamom leather upholstery combined with Brown Ash wood decor elements. Customers can also choose Black Ash or aluminium interior finishes.

Refined cabin illumination adds another layer of sophistication, giving the interior a more premium atmosphere, particularly during nighttime driving.

The result is an interior that attempts to balance Volvo’s familiar minimalist Scandinavian design with modern digital technology.

Volvo Upgrades the 40 Series Safety Technology

Safety remains one of the most important areas of the update.

The new Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 benefit from a substantially upgraded sensor and software platform designed to provide the vehicle with a more comprehensive understanding of its surroundings.

The hardware package includes new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and updated parking cameras.

Together, these sensors allow the vehicle to monitor traffic and objects around it more effectively, providing the foundation for a range of upgraded active-safety and driver-assistance functions.

Volvo’s approach is based on its long-running real-world accident research, with the company’s safety systems designed not only to warn the driver but, when necessary, intervene to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.

Automatic emergency braking can apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected, while automatic emergency steering can help the vehicle steer around an identified hazard when appropriate.

New Door Opening Alert

One of the new safety features is Door Opening Alert.

The system is designed to detect approaching road users, including cyclists, and warn occupants before they open a door into the path of passing traffic.

It’s a relatively simple feature, but one that addresses a common urban-road safety problem. As cities become increasingly dependent on bicycles and other forms of micromobility, preventing a vehicle door from being opened directly into the path of a cyclist can make a meaningful difference.

Pilot Assist Gains Lane Change Assistance

Volvo’s optional Pilot Assist driver-support system has also been enhanced.

The system now includes lane-change assistance and has been refined to follow the road more smoothly, with the goal of providing greater comfort and confidence during longer journeys.

As with other advanced driver-assistance technologies, Pilot Assist is intended to support the driver rather than replace the person behind the wheel. Drivers remain responsible for monitoring the road and maintaining control of the vehicle.

3D Camera Makes Parking Easier

Parking technology receives an upgrade as well.

The optional 360-degree camera system now provides a 3D view, giving drivers a more comprehensive visual representation of the area surrounding the vehicle.

The technology is particularly useful during low-speed manoeuvres in tight parking spaces, garages and crowded urban environments.

For a compact SUV such as the XC40, this type of technology can be particularly valuable because it reduces blind spots and makes it easier to judge the vehicle’s position relative to surrounding objects.

Volvo EX40 and EC40 Continue the Electric Push

The updated 40 series remains an important part of Volvo’s electrification strategy.

For buyers ready to switch to an electric vehicle, the Volvo EX40 offers up to 575 km of range on a single charge, while the Volvo EC40 can travel up to 584 km, depending on specification and market.

The EX40 and EC40 therefore continue to provide a fully electric alternative within Volvo’s compact SUV and crossover range.

The XC40, meanwhile, continues to serve customers who prefer the flexibility of a conventional powertrain.

This multi-powertrain strategy allows Volvo to maintain the 40 series as a broad offering while the company continues its transition toward an increasingly electrified model lineup.

Over-the-Air Updates Keep the Cars Improving

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the updated Volvo 40 series is that the vehicles are not necessarily finished evolving when they leave the factory.

Volvo says the XC40, EX40 and EC40 can receive regular over-the-air software updates that introduce new features and improvements.

That means owners can benefit from changes to the vehicle’s software without necessarily having to visit a dealership.

This approach is becoming increasingly important across the automotive industry, as modern vehicles rely on software for everything from infotainment and navigation to driver assistance and vehicle functionality.

Volvo 40 Series Black Edition Also Available

The refreshed 40 series will also be offered in Black Edition specification in selected markets.

Order books for the updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 are now open in selected markets, with production scheduled to begin later in autumn 2026.

Availability, equipment, powertrains and specifications will vary depending on the market.

Updated Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40: What Has Changed?

The latest 40 series update can be summarized by four major areas: design, technology, safety and connectivity.

The exterior gains redesigned lighting and bodywork, while the interior receives a larger 11.2-inch infotainment display and new premium materials.

The technology package is strengthened by Google Gemini, while the safety architecture receives new cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors. Pilot Assist gains lane-change assistance, the 360-degree camera gets a 3D view, and Door Opening Alert adds another layer of protection for cyclists and other road users.

For electric-car buyers, the EX40 and EC40 continue to offer up to 575 km and 584 km of range respectively.

Rather than replacing the 40 series with an entirely new generation, Volvo has chosen to significantly upgrade an established model family. That strategy makes sense for a vehicle line that already has a strong customer base: improve the areas drivers notice every day while adding the software and safety technology needed to remain competitive.

The refreshed Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40 therefore represent a substantial evolution rather than a simple facelift. With a sharper design, a larger touchscreen, Google Gemini, improved driver assistance, new safety hardware and continued over-the-air software updates, Volvo’s compact 40 series enters its next phase with considerably more technology under the skin.

Source: Volvo

News

Horse B20 Is A Hybrid Engine Designed To Work Underwater

Horse Powertrain has developed an unusual new gasoline engine designed for hybrid vehicles that may have to deal with one of the biggest challenges in serious off-road driving: deep water. The new Horse B20 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an IPX8 water-resistance rating, allowing it to continue operating when the vehicle is submerged in water up to 1.1 meters deep.

While electric motors and water are generally a problematic combination, conventional internal combustion engines are not immune to the dangers of deep-water crossings either. Water entering an engine’s intake, electrical components or drivetrain can quickly turn an ambitious off-road adventure into an expensive recovery operation. Horse Powertrain believes the B20 could offer hybrid SUVs a significant advantage in exactly those conditions.

Horse B20 Was Designed Specifically for Hybrid Vehicles

Unlike many gasoline engines that are adapted for electrified applications, the B20 was developed specifically for hybrid powertrains. Horse says the engine is suitable for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extending electric vehicles (EREVs).

Depending on its configuration, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine produces between 190 and 252 horsepower, while torque output ranges from 300 to 380 Nm.

Despite its capabilities, the B20 weighs approximately 130 kilograms, giving manufacturers a relatively compact and lightweight combustion engine for electrified off-road applications.

But horsepower and torque are not the most interesting aspects of the B20.

Its most unusual feature is its ability to operate underwater.

IPX8 Water Resistance Makes the B20 Different

Horse Powertrain has engineered the B20 around an IPX8 water-resistance rating. According to the company, the engine can continue operating when submerged in water as deep as 1.1 meters.

That capability is particularly relevant to off-road hybrid SUVs, where river crossings, flooded trails and deep water can present serious challenges.

To achieve the required level of protection, Horse has sealed critical electrical components and sensors. The company has also developed a dedicated sealing solution between the engine and transmission, helping prevent water intrusion into areas that are essential to the powertrain’s operation.

The result is an internal combustion engine designed to tolerate conditions that would be extremely challenging for a conventional powertrain.

The Engine Can Adapt When It Detects Deep Water

The B20’s waterproof construction is only part of the system. Horse has also designed its engine-management software to respond when the engine detects that the vehicle is operating underwater.

The control system can automatically adjust throttle response or reduce engine power depending on the conditions.

That approach is intended to help maintain stable engine operation during a water crossing. Rather than simply relying on mechanical protection, the B20 combines sealed components with electronic controls designed to adapt the engine’s behavior.

For drivers tackling difficult terrain, that could make the difference between successfully crossing a flooded section of trail and being forced into an expensive recovery.

Horse B20 Is Built for Extreme Off-Road Gradients

The B20 isn’t designed exclusively to survive deep water. Horse also says the engine is capable of operating on a 100 percent grade.

A 100 percent grade means the vehicle gains one meter of elevation for every meter traveled horizontally. In geometric terms, that corresponds to an incline of approximately 45 degrees.

A 45-degree climb is an extreme challenge for any production vehicle and is normally associated with highly capable off-road SUVs and specialized terrain vehicles.

The B20’s ability to support this type of application highlights the fact that Horse is targeting demanding hybrid vehicles rather than conventional road-going passenger cars.

48.4 Percent Thermal Efficiency Could Be the B20’s Biggest Advantage

Water resistance may be the B20’s most unusual feature, but its efficiency figures are arguably even more significant for the broader hybrid market.

Horse claims the engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 48.4 percent.

For a gasoline internal combustion engine, that is an impressive figure. Conventional gasoline engines typically operate with thermal efficiencies substantially below this level, while some of the most efficient modern hybrid engines have pushed beyond 40 percent.

The B20 achieves its claimed efficiency using a Miller-cycle combustion strategy combined with direct fuel injection, specially designed pistons and intake ports engineered to generate strong swirl within the air-fuel mixture.

The objective is to extract as much useful energy as possible from every combustion cycle while reducing energy lost as heat.

For hybrid vehicles, high thermal efficiency is especially valuable because the gasoline engine can be operated closer to its most efficient operating range while electric motors handle additional power demands.

Dual Cooling Helps the Engine Survive High Loads

Extreme off-road driving can place enormous thermal demands on a powertrain.

Long climbs, low vehicle speeds and heavy loads can leave an engine working hard for extended periods, making effective cooling particularly important.

Horse has therefore equipped the B20 with an active dual-cooling system designed to regulate temperatures during sustained high-load operation.

The system is intended to maintain appropriate operating temperatures during demanding situations such as steep climbs and difficult terrain, complementing the engine’s water-resistant construction.

The Horse B20 Is Already Entering Production

Perhaps the most interesting part of the B20 story is that this is not simply a technology demonstrator or an engineering project that may take years to reach production.

Horse Powertrain first presented the B20 at the Beijing Auto Show, and the engine has already entered application in the Chinese market.

The Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 is among the first vehicles to use the new engine. In that application, the B20 forms part of a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is paired with Horse’s three-speed hybrid transmission.

That gives the technology an immediate real-world application rather than leaving it as a concept designed only to demonstrate what might be possible in the future.

Horse Powertrain Is Targeting the Next Generation of Hybrid Powertrains

Horse Powertrain was established in 2024 through a partnership between Renault and Geely, with the company focusing on internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrain technology.

The B20 illustrates the direction in which the company sees the internal combustion engine evolving.

Rather than attempting to compete with electric motors purely on their own terms, the engine is designed to complement electric propulsion. High thermal efficiency can reduce fuel consumption, while its sealed construction gives hybrid vehicles additional capability in extreme environments.

For off-road vehicles, that combination could be particularly compelling.

A hybrid SUV equipped with a highly efficient gasoline engine, electric propulsion and a waterproof powertrain could potentially deliver strong low-speed electric performance while retaining the range and refueling convenience of an internal combustion engine.

What the Waterproof Engine Means for Off-Road Hybrids

Deep-water capability has traditionally been associated with rugged body-on-frame SUVs and specialized off-road vehicles. Hybridization introduces additional engineering challenges because electric motors, high-voltage components, sensors and control systems must all be protected against water intrusion.

Horse’s B20 addresses one important part of that equation by creating a combustion engine specifically designed to tolerate deep-water operation.

Its claimed 1.1-meter submerged operating capability, 48.4-percent thermal efficiency, 190-to-252-horsepower output and ability to handle a 100-percent grade make it an unusual combination of efficiency and extreme-terrain capability.

The B20 also demonstrates that the internal combustion engine still has room for significant development in the hybrid era.

Horse B20 Could Give Hybrid SUVs a New Off-Road Advantage

The Horse B20 is not revolutionary simply because it is a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Its significance comes from the combination of technologies packed into one powertrain.

It is designed specifically for hybrids, offers up to 252 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, claims an impressive 48.4-percent thermal efficiency, incorporates active dual cooling and, most unusually, is engineered to continue operating when submerged in water up to 1.1 meters deep.

With the engine already finding its way into production vehicles such as the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700, the B20 provides a glimpse at how combustion engines could remain relevant in increasingly electrified off-road vehicles.

For drivers who want the efficiency and instant response of hybrid propulsion without giving up serious off-road capability, a waterproof gasoline engine could prove to be a surprisingly important piece of the puzzle.

Source: Horse Powertrain

Sale

1990 Porsche 928 S4 Gemballa Wide Version II: A Rare Piece of German Tuning History Is For Sale

The Porsche 928 was already one of the most unconventional sports cars of its era, but in the hands of Gemballa, even Porsche’s futuristic V8 grand tourer could become something far more extreme. Now, a 1990 Porsche 928 S4 transformed into a documented Gemballa Wide Version II is up for sale, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own one of the outrageous Porsche tuning creations that helped define Germany’s tuning scene in the 1980s and 1990s.

Unlike a conventional modified 928, this car reportedly carries documentation identifying it as a Gemballa 928 S4 Wide Version II. The conversion combines dramatically widened bodywork with distinctive aerodynamic additions, BBS wheels, upgraded suspension, a quad-exhaust system and a heavily reworked interior.

Underneath the extravagant styling is the familiar 5.0-liter V8 of the Porsche 928 S4, producing 320 horsepower and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

For enthusiasts of classic Porsche tuning, it is the combination of provenance, period-correct styling and rarity that makes this 928 particularly interesting.

Gemballa Turned Porsche Tuning Into an Art Form

Gemballa began operations in Germany in 1979, initially concentrating on high-end automotive interiors. The company gradually moved far beyond upholstery and cabin customization, developing increasingly ambitious modifications for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz models.

During the 1980s, Gemballa’s creations became famous for their extravagant styling, extensive electronic upgrades and highly personalized interiors. The company’s work eventually became so extensive that its modified cars were regarded as substantially different from their factory counterparts.

Under founder Uwe Gemballa, the company developed a reputation for building some of the most visually dramatic Porsches of the era. Rather than simply increasing engine output, Gemballa frequently approached each car as a complete transformation, with the bodywork and interior receiving as much attention as the mechanical components.

That philosophy is particularly evident in cars such as the 930 Turbo Avalanche and later Gemballa creations based on the 993 and 996 generations of the Porsche 911. The company would eventually produce even more ambitious projects, including the Mirage GT based on the Carrera GT and the high-powered Tornado derived from the Cayenne.

The 928 S4 Wide Version II represents that same unmistakable Gemballa philosophy.

A Porsche 928 S4 With Gemballa Widebody Styling

The fourth-generation 928 S4 introduced substantial improvements over earlier versions of Porsche’s front-engine V8 grand tourer. Its 5.0-liter V8 produced 320 hp, giving the large luxury coupe serious performance while retaining the long-distance touring character that defined the 928.

Gemballa’s Wide Version II conversion fundamentally changes the car’s appearance.

The most obvious modification is the extended widebody treatment, giving the 928 a considerably more aggressive stance. The conversion is complemented by two rear spoilers, creating a silhouette that looks dramatically different from a standard 928 S4.

The car also rides on BBS wheels, one of the most recognizable names in period German performance tuning. KW suspension components reportedly provide the chassis upgrades, while a quad-exhaust system adds another visual and mechanical signature to the rear of the car.

This is not subtle tuning, and that is precisely the point.

During the peak of the German tuning scene, companies such as Gemballa were creating cars for customers who wanted something that could not be ordered from a Porsche showroom. Wide fenders, bespoke interiors, unusual aerodynamic components and sophisticated electronics were all part of the formula.

Inside, the 928 received a reupholstered interior, continuing the Gemballa tradition of treating the cabin as an integral part of the customization rather than an afterthought.

320-HP V8 Power and Classic Porsche Performance

Despite its wild appearance, the mechanical foundation remains unmistakably Porsche.

The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 produces 320 hp, which was a substantial figure for a luxury GT of the period. Power is sent through a four-speed automatic transmission, matching the 928 S4’s grand-touring character.

The 928 was conceived as a different kind of Porsche. Rather than relying on the rear-mounted flat-six configuration associated with the 911, it used a front-mounted V8 and transaxle layout designed to improve weight distribution.

That engineering helped make the 928 exceptionally stable at high speed while providing the refinement expected from a premium long-distance sports car.

Gemballa’s modifications add a completely different visual personality to that engineering package.

More Than €50,000 Reportedly Invested in 2021

One of the more significant details surrounding this particular Porsche 928 is the reported amount spent on its restoration and refurbishment.

According to the available description, more than €50,000 was invested in the car in 2021 at the Porsche Classic Center Arnhem.

That investment is noteworthy because maintaining and restoring heavily modified classic cars can be considerably more complicated than preserving an original example. A documented Gemballa conversion requires attention not only to the underlying Porsche components but also to the specialized bodywork, suspension, wheels, exhaust system and interior.

The reported work therefore adds another layer of interest for potential collectors.

For a car that combines Porsche’s factory engineering with one of Germany’s most recognizable tuning brands, documented restoration history can be just as important as the specification itself.

The Legacy of Uwe Gemballa

Any discussion of a classic Gemballa automobile inevitably leads back to Uwe Gemballa, the company’s founder and the man who established its distinctive identity.

Gemballa’s success was built on the idea that wealthy Porsche owners did not necessarily want another factory-standard sports car. They wanted something unique, and the company became exceptionally good at delivering exactly that.

Uwe Gemballa disappeared while traveling in South Africa in 2010. He was subsequently found dead near Pretoria, bringing a tragic end to the story of one of Germany’s most influential tuning entrepreneurs.

Following the liquidation of the original company, the Gemballa name and assets changed hands. Andreas Schwarz and investor Steffen Korbach subsequently took control of the brand.

Uwe Gemballa’s son, Marc Philipp Gemballa, later established a separate automotive company and continued the family’s high-performance philosophy with modern projects including the Marsien and Marsien GT.

Why the Gemballa 928 Matters Today

The classic German tuning market has changed dramatically. Cars that were once considered extravagant aftermarket creations are increasingly being viewed as historically significant examples of automotive culture.

That shift has particularly benefited rare Porsche conversions from companies such as Gemballa, Ruf and other specialist manufacturers.

The 928 itself is also experiencing renewed appreciation. For years, Porsche’s front-engine V8 GT occupied an unusual position within the company’s history, overshadowed by the iconic 911. Today, collectors are increasingly recognizing the 928 for its sophisticated engineering, distinctive design and importance to Porsche’s evolution during the late 1970s through the 1990s.

A documented Gemballa Wide Version II brings those two stories together.

It is simultaneously a Porsche 928 S4, a piece of period German tuning history and an example of the excess that made Gemballa famous.

A Rare Opportunity for Porsche and Gemballa Collectors

The combination of a 5.0-liter 320-hp V8, automatic transmission, Gemballa Wide Version II body conversion, BBS wheels, KW suspension, quad exhaust and reworked interior makes this 1990 Porsche 928 S4 anything but ordinary.

More importantly, the reported documentation of the Gemballa conversion gives the car historical significance beyond its appearance.

As the market for significant 1980s and 1990s German performance cars continues to mature, period-correct tuning conversions are becoming increasingly interesting to collectors. The cars that once represented the wild side of the aftermarket are now snapshots of an era when tuning companies were willing to push factory designs to extremes.

This Gemballa 928 S4 is a perfect example.

It may not have the understated appearance of a concours-original Porsche, but that was never the purpose of a Gemballa. The entire idea was to take an already exceptional Porsche and create something dramatically different.

More than three decades after it left the factory, this 1990 Porsche 928 S4 Wide Version II remains a striking reminder of just how far Germany’s legendary tuning houses were willing to go.

Source: Silodrome