The existing petrol engines have been modified for E85, with the 2.0L unit producing 145hp (107kW) and 185Nm of torque, and the 2.5L unit developing 200hp (147kW). The flex-fuel variants of the Volvo S40, V50 and C30 will continue with the four-cylinder 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, which produces 125hp (92 kW) and 165Nm of torque.
To make the conventional engines flex-fuel ready, engineers needed to adapt the fuel hoses, valves and gaskets to handle ethanol's more corrosive properties, add reinforced injection valves and mod the engine’s electronic management system.