EngineLabs has already been teased about the possibility of a tri-boosted Volvo 4-cylinder engine that makes 450 horsepower. Now the automaker is confirming it’s leveraging technology from that Drive-E powertrain platform to develop a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine.

“The development program for the new 3-cylinder engine is very advanced and we have already begun prototype testing of the unit,” says Dr. Peter Mertens, senior VP of research & development at Volvo Car Group.

The turbocharged engine will boast a broad range of performance levels, approaching 180 horsepower in some applications. The engine carries the same 82.0mm bore and 93.2mm stroke cylinder dimensions as the 4-cylinder models, but the 3-cylinder version will likely have a balance shaft to smooth out the vibrations. Other similarities, however, include direct injection, variable-pressure oil pump and exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head.

The move to a 3-cylinder is a natural step in the company’s downsizing strategy. After 2017, Volvo says no vehicle have an engine with more than four cylinders.

“We have learned a lot from the development of our 4-cylinder Drive-E engines and translated this into a highly responsive, compact and powerful premium quality 3-cylinder engine. The engine is being developed primarily with our new CMA architecture in mind but will also provide power for our 60 Series cars, thanks to Volvo’s advanced turbo technologies, while also meeting Euro 7 emission targets,” says Michael Fleiss, VP of powertrain.

“The beauty of the new 3-cylinder engine we are developing is that it can be built on the same production lines as our 4-cylinder engine, offering flexible production potential which can be adapted to suit business needs as we grow,” adds Mertens.