Talks are currently taking place to see how easy it would be to alter the necessary technical systems, and to establish how quickly such changes could be made.

"It's time to stop counting cylinders. At the Frankfurt Motor Show we will reveal a new concept car. It proves that downsized engines can go hand in hand with our customers' expectations on luxury and driving pleasure," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

Bad penalty by Alex

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Initially yes, but only for 20 miles or so. There's no escaping the fact that you're no longer in charge of making the cogs mesh, and I did miss, and do continue to miss, the mechanical interaction. But PDK has its pluses. These chiefly concern the way it interacts with the new engine. They feel utterly harmonious, two seamless components that perfectly complement each other. And what's so special is what happens when you pull a paddle at the red line, experience an utterly instantaneous drop of revs and an equally immediate take up of the next gear, right in the thick of the power band. It's a small act, but it never failed to make me grin. Double-clutchers have left me a bit cold up until now, but at full chat this one is a bit special. Good, firm paddle action too.