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Volvo is well known for those who want to play it safe; the new S60 is a stylish and well-designed sport sedan. Awarded as Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is the 2011 Volvo S60 sedan very enjoyable to drive - even if it trades off a bit of edginess for comfort and refinement.

Pros: Smooth, sweet powertrain, Adjustable steering feel, Nicely damped ride, World-first pedestrian detection, Stylish interior doesn't look like every other sport sedan

Cons: Lacks the sharp response of class-leading sport sedans, No paddle-shifters or true manual control, Seats aren't as dreamy as in other Volvos

Download 2011 - 2012 Owner's Manual. Source: AtoZAutoCar.com

The Volvo S60 is being further refined, with the sights firmly set on sharpening the sedan model’s already sporty profile.

“We’re making the S60 even sportier in every respect,” says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service “We’ve both spiced up the design and fine-tuned the chassis to create a car with even greater driving appeal.”

The front spoiler (option) has been redesigned to get a more pronounced and protruding contour at the bottom. On optional variants the entire front spoiler, including the sills and rear lower bumper, are colour coordinated with the car body. The boot lid can also be specified with a sporty new wing spoiler.

The 2007 model also gets a new grille with a larger and more pronounced Volvo emblem in the form of the classic but rejuvenated iron symbol.

The door mirrors feature integrated side indicators. At the same time, a practical new indicator function is being introduced: Press lightly on the lever and the indicator flashes three times.

Three new exterior colours – Electric Silver, Orinoco Blue and Maple Red – give increased freedom of choice, as do the three new aluminium wheels – Nodus (7x16 inches), Tucana (7.5x17 inches) and Eudora (8x18 inches).

Sportier interior with metal decor trim and twin-tone leather upholstery

The interior has a number of new features, including new Grid Aluminium metal decor panels. These panels are optional and have been designed to create a more three-dimensional impression and tactile feeling. On the column stalks, the air intake controls and the steering wheel, aluminium bright work has been added. The bright work is also included on the new three-spoke sports steering wheel in perforated leather (option).

To further enhance the sporty tone, the instrument panel can be optionally specified with the same type of watch-like instruments introduced in the new Volvo S80 and that were previously the exclusive preserve of Volvo’s sportiest model, the S60 R. Another new option is the interior rear-view mirror with built-in compass.

The range of upholstery has been renewed with a sporty leather upholstery option in two contrasting shades and textures topped with contrasting stitching.

Increased driving pleasure with advanced chassis

In order to highlight the car’s sporty nature out on the road, the standard chassis has been further developed in a number of areas. Firmer shock absorbers and springs front and rear increase the car’s torsional rigidity by about 25 percent. The anti-roll bars are also sturdier than before and the bushes are solid, which together promote a harmonious balance between reassuring road manners and supple ride comfort.

“The further-developed chassis makes the S60 even sportier and more enjoyable to drive without compromising on comfort,” says Gerry Keaney.

Active Bi-Xenon Light – turning headlights

The Volvo S60 can also optionally be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon Light – the moving headlight beams that follow the curve of the road. A mini-processor is used to measure and analyse a number of parameters and optimise the beam pattern accordingly. The headlight beams can be turned up to 15 degrees in either direction, and can thus illuminate a longer stretch of road even in curves.

Technorati Tags: Volvo+S60, 2007, facelift, Automotive, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release, images, pictures

At the end of May, Volvo is going to reveal a facelifted version of its XC90 SUV (2007 model). The most important exterior changes concern the new front & rear light clusters and redesigned bumpers that give the XC90 a more aggressive look. Also, the 2007 XC90 gets new auxiliary turn signals, which are housed in the side mirrors. In the interior Volvo enhances the XC90 with new materials and chrom-plated elements.

Aesthetics aside, the most significant change of the 2007 XC90 is well hidden under its hood as the Swedish SUV gets Volvo’s new straight 6 engine that was previewed in the 2007 S80. The 3,2 litre engine produces 235 Hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm.

Technorati Tags: 2007, Volvo+XC90, facelift, autos, auto+news, automotive, images, pictures

A long term solution for the future or a marketing gimmick? Although opinions differ between Europe and the US, fact is that millions of people have embraced Hybrid technology in cars, so it was just a matter of time till we saw it’s use in professional vehicles.

Volvo Group presented their vision for a Hybrid truck in the form of a concept vehicle, which promises to offer a fuel saving of up to 35 per cent. Volvo’s hybrid will undergo a wide range of tests, but the company predicts that a production version bearing the Volvo badge will be available on the market within a few years.

PRESS RELEASE: "We envisage opportunities to accelerate developments in commercially viable hybrids for heavy vehicles. This can be significant for both our customers and for the environment," says President and CEO of Volvo, Leif Johansson.

The Volvo Group’s hybrid concept provides maximum fuel-saving effects on routes with frequent braking and accelerations, for example in refuse collection, city bus traffic and city distribution. Calculations indicate that fuel savings can amount up to 35 per cent. Maintenance costs for vehicles can also be reduced through reduced wear on the braking system.

The hybrid concept is designated I-SAM and it consists of a combined starter motor, drive motor and alternator, along with an electronic control unit. I-SAM interacts with Volvo’s I-Shift automatic gear shifting system. The batteries are recharged by the diesel engine and whenever the brakes are applied.

The electric motor offers smooth performance at low speeds, supplementing the diesel engine’s excellent performance as speed rises. This solution allows the truck to accelerate under electric power alone. This promotes lower fuel consumption, lower emissions and lower noise levels. And there are several additional features that contribute to the lower fuel consumption.

"Thanks to the electric motor’s capacity, the diesel engine can be automatically switched off when the truck stops to make deliveries, pick up loads or pauses at traffic lights," explains Lars Martensson, environmental affairs manager at Volvo Trucks. Auxiliary functions such as the servo pump, AC compressor and so on are driven electrically in the hybrid truck instead of by the diesel engine.

Thanks to efficient interaction between the two power sources, the vehicle can be fitted with a smaller diesel engine without compromising on performance. This gives customers a cost-effective solution that reduces emissions.

"The hybrid is a long-term and highly interesting solution for efficient and environmentally-adapted transport activities. We are aware that oil prices for our customers will rise, and therefore, all solutions that reduce fuel consumption are highly attractive", says Leif Johansson.

"The diesel engine in our hybrid solution can also be operated using biofuels, and consequently, transport activities can be conducted without carbon dioxide emissions. This paves the way for interesting developments toward long-term sustainable transport solutions", he continues.

The Volvo Group is also participating in the development of a new type of battery – Effpower - which is based on proven lead-acid technology used in start batteries in today's vehicles. Through this new technology, the power output has been doubled, while at the same time manufacturing costs for the batteries can be significantly reduced compared with alternatives on the market. With Effpower, the cost efficiency in electrical hybrids can be further enhanced.
Volvo, Hybrid, truck, autos, auto+news, press+release

OKAY, has little to do with Carscoop blog, but I thought id lighten up with all those Geneva Car & Concept presentations coming one after another, with a new truck from Volvo that call itself the most powerful in Europe. Its got a 16litre diesel engine with a 660 hp and….316 kgm or 3.100 NM of torque. Maybe some crazy enthusiast could come up with a contender to the Viper….:)

EUROPE’S MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION TRUCK
With its 660hp 16-litre D16E engine, the new Volvo FH16 – launched today – is Europe’s most powerful production truck. Now equipped with a newly-developed engine brake (VEB+) - which increases braking power by 15 per cent – and Volvo’s I-Shift, the celebrated automated gearchanging system, the FH16 is now dimensioned to handle gross combination weights of 60-tonnes and more.
"With the new Volvo FH16, we’re extending our lead in the prestige segment. We are combining top performance with intelligent resource utilisation, economy, comfort and safety," says Roar Isaksen, European director of Volvo Trucks.
The Volvo FH16 is more competent than ever and provides the necessary prerequisites for high average speeds even in the most demanding transport operations. Intelligent power utilisation means using energy when the power is really needed. This is the approach that characterises the Volvo FH16 that is now being launched with the higher power outputs of 660hp and 580 hp (3100 Nm and 2800 Nm respectively). Maximum torque sector is available over a wide rev range, with 90 per cent of the torque available within 2 seconds.
Power and torque give strength and driveability. Irrespective of whether we are talking about difficult starts when hauling timber on a muddy forest track, or forging ahead up a mountain pass towing a fully loaded trailer, the immense pulling power makes the driver’s job so much easier.

EXCLUSIVE: VOLVO REVEALS FIRST DETAILS OF ITS ALL NEW S80 SALOON

· All new Volvo S80 saloon will make its world debut at the Geneva motor show.

· 2^nd generation of Volvo’s flagship executive saloon.

· Safety: Collision Warning and Brake Support with Active Cruise Control.

· World first: Personal Car Communicator (PCC).

· Excellent driving dynamics – benchmarked against class leading premium rivals.

· New Volvo 315bhp V8 with AWD and 3.2 six-cylinder petrol engines, plus latest D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel.

· Scandinavian luxury broadens choice in executive car segment with class-leading interior, 'floating' centre stack, premium materials and colour schemes.

· Prices and specifications to be announced in the spring.

The S80 is the largest of Volvo’s S-range of saloons and this second generation S80 offers a competitive alternative to the dominant, German luxury saloon rivals thanks to its own distinctive Scandinavian style, combined with excellent ride and handling characteristics benchmarked against the class leaders.

“We are convinced that the all new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender in its class and win over many new customers considering the other popular premium brand rivals. We expect to sell 50,000 new S80s a year around the world, of which 70 per cent will be new Volvo customers,” says Frederik Arp, Volvo Cars CEO. “The main markets for the all new S80 will be the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK and China,” he continued.

Evolutionary Exterior Design

At its launch in 1998 the first generation S80 heralded a bold new design direction for Volvo, which still looks modern today, but now Volvo’s designers have carefully and cleverly evolved Volvo design language to be more youthful and dynamic as well as introducing new Volvo safety technology and powerful new engines – including Volvo’s V8 (315bhp), available with AWD (All Wheel Drive).

“The all new S80 is about evolutionary design,” says Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director. “All the shapes and materials it uses represent a continuous development of the Volvo design language. We have given the all new S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance, and created an even more inviting atmosphere by using refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology,” he continued.

World Class Safety – new technology

New safety technology for the all new S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and new active safety systems – Collision Warning and Brake Support – with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a patented body structure developed at the award winning Volvo Safety Centre.

Personal Car Communicator (PCC): The new S80 includes an optional key fob offering 'keyless drive' and incorporating a world first innovation – the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) which features intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor which warns if there is anyone in the car.

Collision Warning and Brake Support: The Collision Warning system alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible.

The new active Bi-Xenon headlights improve the driver’s visibility at night by turning the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned.

Scandinavian Luxury

The all new Volvo S80’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ differs from the traditional, or Teutonic, luxury offered by the majority of the other premium brands. Instead, Volvo’s ‘Scandinavian Luxury’ radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way.

The interior design offers a distinctive blend of intelligent, elegant and unpretentious Scandinavian style with a slim 'floating' centre stack, luxury materials for upholsteries and a choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together.

Premium Sound audio system

Volvo’s Premium Sound audio system for the all new S80 will include 5x130W D-class digital ICE power amplifiers from Alpine, Dolby^® Pro Logic II Surround Sound^™ and Dynaudio speakers to create the finest, high quality audio system.

Powerful Engines – D5, 2.5T plus new V8 AWD and 3.2-litre in line 6-cylinder

The two new engines available for the all new S80 will be Volvo’s V8 petrol engine, offering 315bhp and 440Nm of torque, which will be combined with AWD (All Wheel Drive) with Instant Traction^™ for maximum traction and driving pleasure. Four catalytic converters and advanced electronics also make it one of the cleanest V8 engines available.

The second engine will be a completely new, naturally aspirated 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit delivering 235bhp with 300Nm of torque and like all Volvos will be fitted transversely to provide maximum space and improved crash performance with more space to absorb any impact.

The new engine was designed by Volvo and will be built at the Ford group engine plant in Bridgend, Wales alongside six and eight-cylinder units for other PAG brands, such as Jaguar and Land Rover. Despite being a six-cylinder unit, it has been designed to be more compact than Volvo’s five-cylinder engines thanks to the camshaft drive mechanism and ancillaries being relocated and integrated into the engine block itself.

In addition, two of Volvo’s five-cylinder engines will be carried over from the current S80 – the 200bhp 2.5T petrol unit with 320Nm of torque and the latest D5 (185bhp) turbo diesel with 400Nm of torque.

Driving Dynamics

Extensive testing and development of the all new S80’s driving dynamics has been undertaken in demanding and extreme conditions around the world. Excellent handling characteristics and driving pleasure have been achieved by benchmarking it against the highest standards of the well known leaders in the premium large saloon class.

Advanced technology in the new S80 includes the options of Volvo’s active ‘Four-C’ chassis with three settings which constantly adjusts chassis settings to suit driving conditions and preferred driving styles, plus servotronic steering offering variable steering torque. In addition, there will be All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction^™ (initially with the V8 engine) and all models will have DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).

Technorati Tags: Volvo, S80, official, 2007

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: Volvo is revealing a sporty two-door concept car at Detroit on 9 January, which gives a strong indication of the design of an exciting, new smaller Volvo C30 model it will launch at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The C30 Design Concept has a compact, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and a distinctive glass tailgate. It is capable of 0-62mph in six seconds thanks to a high performance 260bhp, five-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine producing 350Nm of torque for plenty of flexibility from 2,100rpm.

The styling of the C30 Design Concept is inspired by the classic Volvo P1800 ES and Volvo's recent SCC (Safety Concept Car) and incorporates today's modern Volvo styling cues such as a boat-shaped aerodynamic front section and shapely rear shoulders enhanced by the horseshoe-shaped rear light clusters.

"The rear light pattern is so unusual that you'll never be in any doubt about what car you have in front of you," said Steve Mattin, design director at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo has a busy schedule of new model launches in 2006, but the C30 will be one of the most significant as it does not replace an existing model and is designed to appeal to new, younger customers without children who want a compact premium car that's good to drive and has plenty of style. It will take Volvo into a new sector of the market, to compete against the popular Audi A3, BMW 1-Series or Alfa 147, and is part of Volvo's strategy to broaden its model range to achieve its global sales target of 600,000 cars per annum⁴.

"We know there are a large number of younger people who are attracted by the Volvo brand, but cannot find a compact model in our range that exactly matches their taste and needs," says Volvo Car Corporation's new President and CEO, Frederik Arp. "The Volvo C30 Design Concept has been developed precisely for this potentially important group of new customers," he continued.