Volvo – Page 10 – Automobiles Review

Volvo Ocean Race Editions at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Volvo will exhibit a full range of Ocean Race Edition models at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. These include the Volvo V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60 as well as V70 and XC70 Editions for customers with a taste for a more dynamic look and handling.

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most gruelling ocean adventure. The route includes 11 cities in 11 countries, and the teams cover 38,739 nautical miles – equivalent to 71,745 km.

“The Volvo Ocean Race Edition reflects our brand strategy to design cars around the customers. It reflects the values Volvo buyers look for when they choose a car for an active lifestyle and exciting adventures, without compromising on safety, environmental care and fuel-efficiency,” comments Anders H Gustavsson, Vice President Special Vehicles at Volvo Car Group.

The models are available in four colours – Ocean Blue II, Bright Silver, Black Sapphire and Crystal White. The unique seven-spoke ‘Portunus’ wheel comes in 17” (V40 and V40 Cross Country) and 18” (V60 and XC60) dimensions. The Volvo Ocean Race identification is displayed on the tread plates and front fenders as well as in the start-up sequence on the Infotainment screen.

The interior boasts black or blond leather upholstery with orange stitching and the Volvo Ocean Race logo in orange. The stitching is echoed on the door panels and floor mats, which also have a special rubber tag attached. There is a unique deco inlay, and the load cover on the V60 and XC60 is decorated with a Volvo Ocean Race map and logo.

The V70 Edition is characterized by a number of high gloss black details, including the ribs in the grille, the rear-view mirror caps, the side window frames and parts of the tailgate. 17” wheels in high gloss silver are standard, while 17” and 18” wheels in high gloss black are optional. The XC70 Edition also features several high gloss black details. Specially designed 18-inch, diamond cut wheels in glossy black are standard.

Source: Volvo

February 18, 2014

Volvo S60 V8 Supercar – 650HP and 660Nm

Volvo Polestar Racing has unveiled the S60 Racecar which will take place in V8 Supercars Championship.

It is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0 liter V8 – 650HP (478 kW) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque. The redline is at 7,500RPM and runs on E85 fuel. The curb weight is just 1,410 kg (3,108 lbs) thanks to a number of carbon fiber elements as well as completely stripped interior. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 298 km/h (185 mph). The power is put on the road through a 6-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with a built-in spool differential on the rear wheels.

Some of the highlights include a double wishbone front and independent rear suspension, 395mm front and 355mm rear ventilated discs with 6- and 4-piston AP Racing calipers. It rolls 18” forged alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop performance tires. Last, but not least is the super-expensive Öhlins TTX suspension (dampers and springs).

Volvo S60 V8 Supercar technical information

Vehicle	Volvo S60
Engine	Modified Volvo B8444S (see below)
Transmission	Control Albins ST6 6 speed sequential Transaxle with integrated spool differential
Front suspension	Double wishbone suspension, adjustable damper and cockpit adjustable front anti-roll bar
Rear suspension	Control independent rear suspension, adjustable damper; cockpit adjustable anti-roll bar
Front brakes	AP Racing 6 piston caliper, 395mm ventilated discs
Rear brakes	AP Racing 4 piston caliper, 355mm ventilated discs
Wheels	Control Rimstock 18” x 11” forged aluminium
Tyres	Dunlop control tyre
Weight	1410KG (includes driver)
Top speed	298+ km/h
0-100km/h	3.2 seconds
Steering	Custom rack and pinion power assisted steering
Shocks	Ohlins TTX Dampers
Electronics	MoTec ECU and Data Logging System

Engine technical information

Block	Modified Volvo B8444S, 60 degree aluminium cylinder block
Heads	Modified Volvo B8444S, aluminium
Bore x Stroke	95.5 x 87.1
Capacity	4989cc
Compression	10:1
Power	650bhp (estimated)
Max revs	7500rpm
Induction	Naturally aspirated, eight throttle bodies
Fuel	E85
Liners	Cast in steel liners
Valve train	Double overhead camshafts, direct acting tappets, chain drive
Ignition	Volvo B8444S coil on plug
Injection	Port injection, one injector per cylinder, injection pressure: 5.5 bar

2014 V8 Supercars Championship

February 15	sydney.com V8 Supercars Test Day	Sydney Motorsport Park
Feb 27-Mar 2	Clipsal 500 Adelaide	Adelaide
Mar 13-16	2014 Formula 1 Australian GP	Albert Park
March 28-30	Tasmania 400	Symmons Plains Raceway
April 4-6	Winton 400	Winton Motor Raceway
April 24-27	ITM 500 Auckland	Pukekohe Park Raceway
May 16-18	Perth 400	Barbagallo Raceway
June 20-22	Skycity Triple Crown Darwin 500	Hidden Valley Raceway
July 4-6	Townsville 500	Reid Park
Aug 1-3	Coates Hire Ipswich 400	Queensland Raceway
Aug 22-24	Sydney Motorsport Park 400	Sydney Motorsport Park
Sept 12-14	Wilson Security Sandown 500	Sandown Raceway
Oct 9-12	Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000	Mount Panorama
Oct 24-26	Armor All Gold Coast 600	Surfers Paradise
Nov 14-16	Phillip Island 400	Phillip Island Circuit
Dec 5-7	Sydney 500	Sydney Olympic Park

Source: Volvo

February 13, 2014

Volvo To Unveil The Third Concept Car In The Trilogy In Geneva

2014 Geneva Internetional Motor Show will be very special event for the most popular Swedish automaker – Volvo Car Group. At the show the manufacturer will reveal the third and final vehicle in the current series of concept cars.

The new concept model will be unveiled on 4th of March, and will join the already presented Concept Coupe and Concept XC Coupe on Volvo’s stand. The same design approach has been applied on the new vehicle like the previous two. This means that the new concept car has been built on Volvo’s brand new chassis, titled Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

In addition, what also has been revealed is that the concept will be powered by its new Drive-E Powertrain. Unfortunately no other information has been officially disclosed by the brand, and even more – it didn’t even release a teaser image of the future car.

So the only thing left is to wait less than a month in order to see what kind of vision Volvo designers have for the future. And more precisely, those who are lucky enough to visit the show will get the full idea of Volvo’s future, having the chance to see the trilogy of concept cars all together.

Source: Volvo

February 12, 2014

Spyshots: Possible Volvo XC90 Caught Winter Testing

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-1 No, this is not the automotive equivalent of a restrained Dr. Lecter. It’s a camouflaged Volvo XC90 doing some snowy tests according to Swedespeed. Spy shots courtesy to the guys at CarPix.

Apparently, there are some similarities to be drawn with the Concept XC Coupe that took over Detroit last month. However, the extra cladding is so thorough that you would be forgiven to think that you are looking at BMW’s X5 series.

The XC90 is set to make an official debut sometime this fall. Volvo are adamant that the original XC90 capabilities will be perfectly preserved (3-rows setups included). Still, the new one will be the first Volvo to use the company’s SPA platform along with the Drive-E (VEA) powertrain layout. Supposedly, XC90s intended for the US market will churn out at the very least 302 hp. Don’t be surprised if they throw in a couple of electric motors as well. Also, Aisin Warner 8-speed transmissions will be coming as standard.

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-2

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-3

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-4

Volvo-XC90-Winter-Testing-medium-5

February 4, 2014

Volvo Concept XC Coupé Is Out

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-shadow Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium Volvo are fairly certain that their target audience for the Concept XC Coupe – which, by the way, is now sort of official – comprises of individuals with an active lifestyle. So about six or seven people?

That, apparently, explains the “orange details and exterior graphics” inspired by the POC, a Swedish company which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes. Hard to lose it in a snow storm then.

The second-out-of-three concepts based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture – that is, the XC Coupe – is pretty much like the first one, except for the bigger 21-inch wheels, and flaring wheel arches and the higher roofline. It’s almost as if, Volvo are scared to say S-U-V. The design team has only “given” the XC traditional “SUV elements” – side moldings and skid plates.

Other things by which you can distinguish it from your everyday school-runner: a “floating” grille, headlights with T-shaped DRL guides and rear-lights that run all the way through the C-pillars. No word on any performance features. A close inspection, however, reveals an orange script on one of the fenders: “plug in hybrid”.

“Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design of Volvo Car Group.

To be honest, despite having a bit of a grudge with sports utility vehicles in general, we are particularly fond of the design happening here.

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium-2

Source: Volvo

January 8, 2014

Volvo Tease The Concept XC Coupe Ahead Of NAIAS

Volvo-XC-Coupe-concept-medium-1

First there was the Volvo Concept Coupé, and it was very good. Now, or in a month or so later, we get to meet the second of three design studies that are based on the Swedish company’s Scalable Product Architecture – it’s the Volvo Concept XC Coupé. Before its world première on the 13th of January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), here are some pictures and a video to get the main idea behind it.

Volvo say that the purpose of this particular concept is to showcase how the company’s famous safety technology can go hand-in-hand with the contemporary Scandinavian active lifestyle. It’s a Volvo with a ski-box. We see what you did there.

If we have to be honest, the XC looks like an uncanny merging of the Volvo Concept Coupé and the back end of a Volvo C30. It is obviously going to be an SUV-ish type of thing (hence the X in the name). Maybe Volvo also want a piece of the sub-compact pie? We are looking at you, Volkswagen and Audi.

More (if not all) information on the Volvo Concept XC Coupe will be available on the 8th of January.

Volvo-XC-Coupe-concept-medium-2

Volvo-XC-Coupe-concept-medium-3

httpv://youtu.be/P6cOJxGGuzg

Source: Volvo

December 11, 2013

Volvo Polestar S60 and V60 Revealed

2013-Volvo-S60-and-V-60-Polestar-shadow

They are here! The new (ice) cool Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar machines that is. These two crowd-pleasers have drawn inspiration from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and the Australian S60 Polestar and are to mark “the start of an extended Polestar production model range.” Yes please.

So what are these for?

Not a fan of the M3? Go for the underdog then; or for that slightly bigger underdog, the V60. The point is, there will always be some appeal in the non-mainstream.

Are they any good though?

Of course they are. Well, not 444 hp (BMW M3) good, but still packing a punch.Keep in mind that we are talking about a T6 (six-cylinder) engine that still puts out 350 hp at 5700 rpm and the amazing 500 Nm of torque at barely 2800 rpm. That power is sent to all fours through the Polestar developed Haldex all-wheel drive system and the six-speed automatic gearbox. No wording on anything with a stick, just paddle shifts. As a result the Polestars propel themselves from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and have a limited top speed of 155 mph

It’s not just sheer grunt though. The Polestar boffins have worked on the chassis, making the springs 80% stiffer than the standard ones on the S60 R-Design. Inside of them, they have slid high-performance Öhlins shock absorbers to cope with the stresses. A highlight of handling are also the front 371 mm brake disks with six-piston Brembo calipers on them. Minor aerodynamic tweaking has also been at play when developing the Polestar S/V 60 (as the teaser suggested). The ones with the most keen eyes will notice the subtle front splitter, the rear spoiler and the diffusor at the lower end.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPJ-ttLB-cc

Here’s a list that bares it all:

Full Technical Specification

Performance

0-62 mph 4.9 sec

0-124 mph 17.7 sec

Top speed 155 mph – Electronically limited

Chassis

Polestar Öhlins shock absorber system

Polestar bespoke rims, 8×20” ET53 with 245/35R20 tyres

Engine

6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953 cc

350 hp @ 5700 rpm

500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 2800-4750 rpm

Max 6500 rpm

New twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo

New intercooler

Polestar 2.5” stainless full-flow exhaust system with twin 3.5” tail pipes

Weight

V60 Polestar: 1822 kg

Transmission

AWF21 automatic gearbox with paddle shift system

Polestar transmission calibration for faster gearshifts, launch control and curve-hold functionality

Polestar Haldex calibration for more rear torque dynamic distribution

Polestar calibrated stability control system

Brakes

Front: Polestar/Brembo 6 piston brake calipers

371×32 mm ventilated and floating Brembo discs

Rear: 302×22 mm ventilated discs

Source: Volvo

November 26, 2013

Heico Sportiv Volvo XC60

Heico Sportiv has announced their latest project based on Volvo XC60. The compact crossover has received minor styling modifications and some performance packages.

The exterior features modified front and rear bumpers and an 8-piece fender flare extension set. There are also new spacers, sport springs, sport suspension, 6-piston sport brake system and different VOLUTION designer wheel programs V, VII and X from 18” to 20”.

The interior boasts a bespoke-colored sport steering wheel with paddle shifters and a new gear shift knob with illuminated Heico Sportiv logo.

The performance upgrades include e.motion enhancements for all mainstream engine and transmission variants as well as an e.motion PerformanceKit T6.

Source: Heico Sportiv

September 20, 2013

Volvo Announces Engines Included In V60 Sportswagon Model Range

Volvo is a company that always targets best-in-class performance and fuel economy. Now the brand is announcing the engines which are to be included in the Volvo V60 Sportswagon. The model will go on sale in the United States in January 2014.

The V60 will provide its customers with the handling of a dynamic sports sedan but will also offers versatility for those who need a wagon. The car will be powered by a range of engine choices (listed below). It will include a front-drive power from the new Drive-E family, and all-wheel-drive models which will be powered by engines from Volvo’s current lineup.

An example of the Drive-E gasoline engines that are featured is the two-liter, turbocharged, 240-horsepower version. The V60 customers will have the choice between new engine and some current engines. At the top stands the performance-tuned T6 engine, which will be included in the V60 R-Design. It is capable of generating 325 horsepower (239 kW) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque.

Particular highlight here are the new smaller and lighter Drive-E engines that deliver extremely lower emissions and higher fuel economy. They also offer the opportunity to be enhanced by electrification.

Volvo V60 Engine Range:

T5	4 cylinders	2.0 Liter	Turbocharged	240 HP	258 lb.-feet	FWD	New Drive-E
T5	5 cylinders	2.5 Liter	Turbocharged	250 HP	266 lb.-feet	AWD	Current
T6	6 cylinders	3.0 Liter	Turbocharged	325 HP	354 lb.-feet	AWD	Current

Source: Volvo

September 13, 2013

Volvo Concept Coupe Shows The Future Design Language Of The Brand

Volvo Concept Coupe was inspired by the modern and extremely progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design. Of course, the concept includes iconic elements for the brand, but it is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

The design of the vehicle is made by Thomas Ingenlath, who is the new Senior Vice President of Design. Through it, he aims to give an idea of the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.

When one looks at the concept it immediately creates on them a powerful visual impact, thanks to the new proportions and athletic stance. In addition, the distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved rearwards.

Other new design cues are the new lower hood, roof, and 21-inch five-spoke wheels. A beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car additionally highlights the sporty visual characteristics of the car. Entirely new are the topography on the hood and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped daytime running lights guides.

As a matter of fact, the Volvo Concept Coupé includes design elements which refer back to 1960 Volvo P1800. For the concept, the designer has used elements inspired from the P1800 exterior and interior. For instance, a highlight in the interior is the sparkling crystal gear-leaver which perfectly complements the blue-grey exterior.

Throughout the interior is also visible a leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets as well as beautifully machined metal details. Furthermore, a large portrait touch-screen is an embodiment of Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience.

The new Volvo Concept is powered by gasoline plug-in hybrid system. It is the most powerful version in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. The concept vehicle includes a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. On the other hand, the petrol engine is matched to the electric motor on the rear axle. Volvo Concept Coupé delivers a total output of around 400 hp (294 kW) and over 596 Nm (440 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Source: Volvo

August 29, 2013

Volvo Has Announced the Pricing of 2014 Line-up

Volvo has announced the US pricing for their 2014 line-up. The manufacturer will offer S60, S80, XC60, XC70 and XC90. The line-up starts with the 2014 S60 T5 priced at $32,400; after that is the S80 for $39,900; the XC60 is $34,850; the XC70 is priced at $34,500 and the big SUV XC90 comes for $39,700.

The announcement comes as Volvo is about to deliver a lineup that reflects the biggest renewal of existing models in company history and highlights Volvo’s commitment to offer customers outstanding value across its full range of products.

2014 models arrive with new designs, upgraded features and new support systems. Volvo’s engine roster includes the 250 horsepower T5; 3.2-liter, naturally aspirated six-cylinder, making 240 horsepower; and the turbocharged T6 at 300 horsepower. The most powerful six-cylinder currently offered by Volvo, the R-Design’s 3.0-liter turbocharged engine puts out 325 horsepower and a stout 354 lb.-ft. of torque.

As in the past, each trim level contains previously available optional equipment that has been grouped together based on historical customer preference for pairing of specific features. Three trim levels, Premier, Premier Plus and Platinum builds upon the previous. Each model remains available without the new trim levels. Customers retain the flexibility to select stand-alone option packages as well as single options.

All 2014MY Volvos are sold with a 4-year / 50,000 miles warranty.

Model	MSRP

S60
S60 T5	$32,400
S60T5 Premier	$34,900
S60T5 Premier Plus	$35,500
S60T5 Platinum	$38,250
S60 T6 AWD	$39,250
S60 T6 Premier Plus	$39,900
S60 T6 Platinum	$42,600
S60 T6 R-Design AWD	$42,700
S60 T6 RD Platinum	$45,700

S80
S80 3.2 FWD	$39,900
S80 3.2 Premier Plus	$41,400
S80 3.2 Platinum	$44,100
S80 T6 AWD	$43,950
S80 T6 Premier Plus	$45,450
S80 T6 Platinum	$48,150

XC70
XC70 3.2 FWD	$34,500
XC70 3.2 Premier	$37,900
XC70 3.2 Premier Plus	$39,450
XC70 3.2 Platinum	$41,950
XC70 T6 AWD	$40,950
XC70 T6 Premier Plus	$42,950
XC70 T6 Platinum	$45,650

XC60
XC60 3.2 FWD	$34,850
XC60 3.2 Premier	$37,950
XC60 3.2 Premier Plus	$39,250
XC60 3.2 Platinum	$41,950
XC60 T6	$41,550
XC60 T6 Premier Plus	$42,850
XC60 T6 Platinum	$45,550
XC60 T6 R-Design AWD	$45,800
XC60 T6 RD Premier Plus	$47,100
XC60 T6 RD Platinum	$49,800

XC90
XC90 3.2 FWD	$39,700
XC90 3.2 Premier Plus	$41,200
XC90 3.2 Platinum	$43,900
XC90 3.2 R-Design FWD	$42,700
XC90 3.2 RD Platinum	$45,400

Source: Volvo

August 2, 2013

2014 Volvo XC90 To Feature World Class Safety And Support Technologies

2014 Volvo XC90 is going to be equipped with a number of user-friendly safety and support technologies. First of all the brand is introducing the autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable.

Next, the other new technologies which will be available are the Pedestrian Detection in darkness, Road edge and barrier detection with steer assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with steer assist.

The first featured technology makes possible the detection and auto brake for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The second one – the Road edge and barrier detection with steer assist is a feature which detects if the car is about to drive off the road. Then this system autonomously applies steering torque to bring the vehicle back on track.

At last, the Adaptive Cruise Control with steer assist is a technology which assists the driver stay in the lane and follows the rhythm of the traffic.

In addition to those three mentioned advancements, this Volvo will also feature Animal Detection system, which detects and automatically brakes for animals both in daylight and in the dark. However, this technology, will be introduced after the all-new XC90 arrives by the end of 2014.

Furthermore, it is also expected, that the car will include Towards zero system, which enables vehicles to communicate with each other and with the traffic environment, in order to bring about safer driving.

The Autonomous Parking concept technology on the other hand allows the vehicle to find and park in a vacant space by itself. It was introduced by the brand ten days ago, and it basically functions by allowing the driver to leave the vehicle at the entrance to the car park, and to interact safely with other cars and pedestrians in the car park

Source: Volvo

July 5, 2013

Tag: Volvo