Volvo – Page 11 – Automobiles Review

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 T5 HPC – 350HP and 510Nm

After the revealing of the “High Performance Concept” based on the Volvo S80 T6 at the Las Vegas SEMA Show, Heico Sportiv has unveiled their latest project based on Volvo V40 T5.

The V40 T5 HPC is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged petrol boosted to 350 HP (257 kW) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft), which is an increase of 96HP and 150Nm. The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including new exhaust system, turbocharger, charge-air system and intercooler. There is also a water-ethanol injection system. 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h (164 mph).

The sports hatchback rolls enormous 19” alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 ContiForceContact cup tires. Behind them, there are 6-piston calipers with 370mm perforated discs. The ride is lowered with 30 mm thanks to a sports suspension.

Other upgrades include a full body kit, a matte toxic green film for the exterior and lateral black decorative stripes. The interior boasts Recaro sport seats, a sport steering wheel with fixed paddle shifters, Alcantara-wrapped handbrake and gearshift, aluminum pedals and green stitching

Source: Heico Sportiv

June 25, 2013

Volvo Autonomous Parking Concept [VIDEO]

Volvo has developed a revolutionary concept for autonomous parking. Volvo Autonomous Parking Concept Car is going to be officially showcased at a media event this week. It has the capabilities of finding a vacant parking space by itself, without the driver inside.

In addition, the smart and driverless Volvo interacts safely with other cars and pedestrians in the car park. The concept utilizes Vehicle 2 Infrastructure technology, which transmitters in the road infrastructure and delivers information to the driver when the service is available. On the other hand the driver uses a mobile phone application to activate the Autonomous Parking.

Furthermore, the car is equipped with special sensors which can locate a free parking space and then navigate the car to it. The procedure is reversed when the driver comes back to pick up the car.

In addition, the vehicle combines autonomous driving with detection and auto brake for other objects. This makes it possible for the car to interact safely with other cars and pedestrians in the car park. Speed and braking are changed accordingly, for smooth integration in the parking environment.

The autonomous parking and platooning technologies are still being developed. However, the innovative technology Volvo Autonomous Steering is going to be integrated in the next Volvo XC90, which will be revealed at the end of 2014.

httpv://youtu.be/3VL40Uyx2c4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

June 24, 2013

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 Pirelli

Heico Sportiv has presented their latest project based on the Volvo V40 T3. The name of the project is V40 Pirelli, because of the tire manufacturer’s anniversary.

Volvo V40 T3 Pirelli is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 200HP (147 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 50HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, which is 0.9 seconds faster than the stock model. The top speed is now 230 km/h (143 mph), which is 20 km/h more than original.

Other highlights of Heico Sportiv V40 Pirelli include 8J x 19” VOLUTION VII alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 Pirelli PZero tires. There is also a lowered sports suspension (-30 mm) and a custom body kit with a bi-part front spoiler and a diffuser-look rear skirt. There is also a black and red theme for the exterior, which is continued inside the cabin – velour floor mats with embossed tire-tread profiles.

Source: Heico Sportiv

May 15, 2013

First Production Polestar Volvo S60 Released

World’s first production Polestar Volvo S60 is already here. The limited production run has been developed for the Australian market debuting as a pilot project and the first examples will have their delivery late June this year.

One of the highlight in the development of this Volvo is the extensive work done on the chassis. This included over thousands of kilometers test that have been lead in Europe under different road and weather conditions.

What is more, S60 Polestar includes technological innovations taken from racing cars, like dampers from Öhlins, high capacity brakes, and the extensively developed, highly-tuned chassis. In addition, a new aerodynamic package has also been featured. The latter includes front splitter, rear wing and diffuser.

The car draws its power from a six-cylinder turbo-charged Volvo T6 engine. It has been optimized by Polestar with a bigger turbo, new intercooler, revised engine mapping and racing exhaust. The result is that it is now capable of delivering 350 hp (257 kW) or 257kW and 500 Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque.

This basically means that Volvo S60 Polestar accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in only 4.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250 km/h. Its engine is mated to a Polestar-tuned six-speed automatic gearbox – which also features a launch control system – and a Polestar-tuned Haldex 4WD system.

Polestar Volvo S60 Technical Specifications

Performance

0-100 km/h 4.9 sec
Top speed 250 km/h – limited

Engine

6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953 cc
257kw (350bhp) @ 5700 rpm
500+Nm @ 2800-4750rpm
Max 6500 RPM

Polestar engine software

New Borg Warner turbo
New intercooler
2.5″ stainless full-flow exhaust system with 3.5″ tail pipes

Chassis

Polestar Öhlins, 2-way adjustable shock absorbers
Upgraded springs
o 60N/mm front, 65N/mm rear. (80% stiffer than stock)
Upgraded stabilizers front and rear
Upgraded rear tie blades
Upgraded top mount in front and rear
Upgraded toe link arms in rear
Strut brace with carbonfiber enforcement
235/40R19, Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Bespoke Polestar rims, 8×19″ ET51

Weight

1684kg – same as standard S60 T6 R-Design

Drivetrain

AWF21 automatic gearbox
Launch control
Modified transmission software for faster shifts and launch control
Modified AWD software for more rear torque

Brakes

Front:

336×29 mm ventilated discs
Jurid 958 performance brake pad

Rear:

302×22 mm ventilated discs
HP2000 Brembo performance brake pads

Aero

New Polestar front splitter corners
New Polestar rear spoiler
New Polestar diffuser

Interior/Exterior

Polestar door trims
Polestar badge on front grille
Polestar badge on boot
Polestar gear shift knob
Polestar badge on engine
Polestar limited edition plate on door sills and steering wheel
Black outside mirror covers

Source: Volvo

April 18, 2013

Volvo Polestar Racing With New 2013 STCC Program [VIDEO]

The new program 2013 STCC of Volvo Polestar Racing has just been unveiled at a presentation for partners and employees at the Volvo headquarters in Gothenburg. For this motorsport season Polestar’s racing cars have been updated to the new 2014 Volvo S60.

To be more precise, five races in three different teams were selected: Volvo Polestar Racing with Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Björk, Volvo Polestar Performance with Robert Dahlgren and Linus Ohlsson and Volvo Polestar with Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte. Each team’s car has its own unique design done by Prince Carl Philip.

Other news that has leaked ahead of the motorsport season is that half of the race weekends is going to include the traditional STCC format with two races of 20 minutes each. However, four racers will remain and they will feature a single race of 40 minutes.

Furthermore, the qualifying has been also altered. Now it is similar to Formula One’s system. This means it includes three different sessions (Q1 to Q3) where the five fastest drivers gets to decide the grid for the race in the final session (Q3).

The beginning of the STCC season is on 4th of May at Knutstorp, Sweden. The track is very emblematic for Volvo, because the brand has achieved the most number of victories there. Afterwards the season will continue with seven races at tracks like Solvalla in Stockholm, home track Gothenburg City Arena and the season finale at Mantorp Park on the 21st of September.

httpv://youtu.be/9wiItD68TUg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Polestar

April 15, 2013

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 [video]

HEICO Sportiv has published a new video presenting their tuned Volvo V40. The most modern camera technology is used to present the car. Pictures and the leading actor impress thereby equally by most brilliant quality and highest detail love.

“As a Volvo tuning specialist, the Volvo V40 offers us an excellent starting point,” commented HEICO SPORTIV General Manager, Holger Hedtke.

“It has an attractive design, sporty driving dynamics, and addresses a target group that places great emphasis on quality and individualism. We see it as our mission to hone the Volvo V40’s character.”, he added.

Several power enhancement programs are available. The product line goes under the name of e.motion®, which stands for “efficiency in motion”. A proprietary HEICO SPORTIV technology for high-efficiency power enhancement, it consists of a second, equivalent engine control unit that works in parallel with the original control unit, acting as an independent second “brain”. Following the D2, D3 and D4 diesel engines, HEICO SPORTIV now also offers tuning products for the T3 and T4 turbo direct-injection models. In concrete figures, this translates into 200HP (147 kW) power, 300 Nm torque and much improved acceleration and elasticity values.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThGaIg6w4fc

The newly developed sport brake kit also makes an active contribution to driving safety. The front-axle brake set consists of blue-lacquered 6-piston fixed calipers bearing the HEICO SPORTIV logo in white, 370 mm-diameter steel brake discs, special brake pads and flexible steel hoses.

The result: deceleration of over 10.35 m/s2 and, at 33.5 meters from 100 km/h, also a shorter stopping distance than that of the series produced vehicle.

Source: Heico

January 31, 2013

Optimized: Polestar Volvo V40 T4

Polestar Volvo V40 T4 is the latest model which adds to the Polestar Performance range. The car includes optimization thanks to which its power is increased to 200 hp (147 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft).

The aspiring chassis of the Volvo makes it one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive. With this transformation, Polestar is opting to deliver even more driving fun. Furthermore, the same optimization can be also done for the S60, V60, S80 and V70 T4 models and it will increase their power with 20 hp (15 kW) and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).

In the present case, the Polestar V40 T4 delivers not only optimized power and torque, but also more fun in driving, and at the same time as it enhances the safety in risky situations. In addition to this, although the power output has been increased this doesn’t affect the fuel consumption which is equal to the one of the standard model.

Source: Polestar

January 23, 2013

Volvo Reveals C30 Polestar Limited Edition

Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition is one of the sportiest-looking Volvo’s ever produced. In addition, under the hood is where the true excitement begins, because there is placed the C30’s standard 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine.

As a matter of fact it had received a healthy performance upgrade done by Polestar – Volvo’s official performance partner. The result is a boosted output by 23 horsepower and 37 lb.-ft. of torque to 250 hp (184 lb-ft) and 370 Nm (273 lb.-ft.).

To go even further into details, what Polestar has done is to re-calibrated important parameters that control the engine. Some of them are the following: increase of turbocharger boost pressure, re-optimization of ignition- and fuel-mapping, re-calibration of throttle-response.

As a result, the driver can now enjoy faster throttle response, greatly improved mid-range torque and extra power. Safer passing performance and an enhanced sportier driving experience is what is also added via those changes.

In terms of exterior the C30 Polestar Limited Edition is improved thanks to the new 17-inch Styx Alloy Wheels with Matte Black Finish and Polestar badges on the rear and sides of the vehicle. On the other and, the interior has a sporty cabin, which is dressed with Premium Leather Seating Surfaces in a choice of Off-Black or two-tone Off-Black and Calcite.

Furthermore, some of the standard features here include the following: Power Glass Moonroof, Power Driver’s Seat with 3-Position Memory, Power Front Passenger Seat, Loadcover, Soft, Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass, LED Daytime Running Lights, Keyless Drive, Active Dual Xenon Headlights.

Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition will be produced in only 250 units.

Source: Volvo

December 10, 2012

The LA Motor Show: Best of the debuts

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black Series As the curtain drops on another year, the motoring industry will conclude the last 12 months with the final major motor show of the year which is being showcased in Los Angeles from November 30. Over 40 new cars will make their debuts from a whole range of manufacturers over the course of the 10 days the exhibition is open.

Based in the heart of the city at the LA Convention Centre, the motor show will see such cars as the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series and BMW’s new i4 Concept being revealed. Low key cars will also make their public debuts and the following is a few of the best of what to expect from the LA Motor Show.

Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series

The Stuttgart outfit has already wowed us this year with the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series which offers raw performance for the road through Mercedes’ 6.2 litre V8 and the addition of aero parts to make the car look positively ferocious. Now, the same treatment has been given to the brilliant SLS which boasts an increase in power of 59bhp, meaning it now produces 622bhp and an even more explicit exhaust note thanks to a change of materials from steel to titanium for the exhaust system itself.

BMW i4 Concept

After already showcasing their i3 and i8 models, BMW will now reveal another in its electric line-up and is expected to be a compact sports coupe to fit between the i3’s city car and i8’s sports car credentials. The i4 could very well use the i3’s running gear and is expected to have just the two seats available in the cabin, whilst sticking to the hybrid mantra of its electric sister models and feature the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-charged hybrid system. Low fuel and emissions is key for the range and with the i8 having a proposed 78mpg, the i4 should be easily be able to match it, if not offer more.

Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

Targeted directly at the US market, Ford will put on display the new EcoBoost Fiesta in LA and show off its capabilities as a frugal petrol-powered vehicle. The Fiesta’s three-cylinder engine will emit just 114g/km of CO2, but offer 123bhp on tap and its weight saving under the bonnet should enable more than capable handling. When it goes on sale next year, the EcoBoost Fiesta will be the only three-cylinder car available in the States as Ford look to challenge the hybrid market with a petrol-powered car that can achieve around 60mpg, but still offer fun driving dynamics, as well as helping those in Europe too who look to compare fuel cards.

Volvo S60 Polestar Concept

Another exciting LA Motor Show debut is Volvo’s new Polestar model, the S60, which follows on from the C30 Polestar Concept that excited many a motoring journalist with its manic capabilities. The S60 Polestar features a 3.0-litre straight-six offering a massive 508bhp; over 200bhp up from the standard S60. That’s enough to get the four-door saloon from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. A widened chassis, uprated brakes and a four-wheel drive system all make the car a very intruiging prospect indeed.

About the author: Sam Bisby writes for UK Fuels who offer fuel card solutions for those looking for a great deal when comparing fuel cards.

November 27, 2012

The Unexpected Ones: Jeremy Lin and the Volvo XC60

Volvo is currently airing a national TV commercial which puts emphasis on the values that drove Lin towards his success. The relation is the commitment and values that make Volvo a unique luxury brand with an unmatched legacy of safety leadership.

The 30-second commercial carries the name “The Unexpected Ones”. In the spot, Lin is seen leaving a celebrity event in a Volvo XC60. To be more precise this is the model that got 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, which makes it the only European SUV with so high rating.

In the video below you’ll see how this incredible Volvo SUV is standing out in passion red among a procession of dull, black limos. Lin at first puts on the left turn indicator then unexpectedly activates the right turn indicator instead and drives away from the crowd.

Lin, who is a Harvard grad, is expected to help Volvo expand its reach in emerging markets and with younger customers. The bran has recently announced a two-year, global endorsement deal, which focuses on markets in China, the United States and other countries in Asia.

httpv://youtu.be/X9ebc-wKoZk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

October 10, 2012

2013 Volvo V40 R-Design and Cross Country – Pricing £22,295 and £22,595

Volvo Car UK has announced the pricing of the 2013 V40 R-Design and Cross Country models. The price starts from from £22,295 and £22,595, respectively and the manufacturer is now able to offer both a more sports inspired and a more rugged looking take on the V40.

The V40 R-Design has taken cues from its R-Design stablemates in the rest of the range, with a re-profiled front bumper and rear diffuser, five-spoke 17″ Ixion wheels, silver matt door mirrors, unique R-Design embossed nubuck upholstery, sports floor mats, sports steering wheel and pedals. In addition to this, as standard, the V40 R-Design benefits from a TFT crystal display screen with unique blue colouring, illuminated gear-knob, unique R-Design aluminium trim and vertical LED day-running lights.

Those wanting the ultimate in sports luxury can upgrade to the R-Design Lux, complementing the standard specification with active bending xenon headlights with cleaning system, rain sensor, leather-faced R-Design embossed seats, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.

The V40 R-Design is available in the striking launch colour, Rebel Blue, unique to R-Design, along with six other colours.

Prices start from £22,295 for the D2 R-Design, still benefiting from class leading CO₂ emissions of 94g/km, up to the T5 Geartronic R-Design Lux Nav, available from £31,390.

The V40 Cross Country is Volvo‘s answer to those customers that want a small 5-door hatchback but with a more ‘off-road’ and rugged look. As standard, the Cross Country SE is offered with autofolding door mirrors with ground lights and black mirror covers, 16″ alloy wheels, rain sensor, textile/T-Tec upholstery, tread plates and silver roof rails.

The Cross Country can be further enhanced by specifying the Cross Country Lux version. This includes the ample specification of the SE, plus leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights, 17″ alloy wheels, LED day-running lights, rear reading and theatre lighting.

The V40 Cross Country is available from £22,595 for the D2 Cross Country SE, up to the T5 Geartronic Cross Country Lux Nav with All-Wheel Drive, from £33,875.

Both models are available to order now and first customer deliveries will start to take place in January 2013

Source: Volvo

October 9, 2012

Volvo V40 Cross Country Unveiled!

2013 Volvo V40 Cross Country brings the unique blend of capable ruggedness and expressive elegance in the premium C-segment. The new Volvo model mixes class-leading driving dynamics, interior convenience and a powerful stance, impressive fuel economy and pioneering safety technology.

Standard in this new model line-up is the Start/Stop function. Also standard is the Bluetooth hands-free communication and wireless music playing, plus City Safety auto-braking technology, pedestrian airbag and Pedestrian Detection technology.

In fact the V40 Cross Country is the third variant of the V40 family. It includes a number of unique details such as sleek silver roof rails, alloy wheels available up to 19-inch, contrasting front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille and upright day-running lights, sculpted, contrasting sills, contrasting rear bumper with integrated skid plate. In addition, the interior of this crossover is in contrast with the Raw Copper exterior via the stitching.

The D2 version of the V40 Cross Country has class-leading CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km. This is possible thanks to the unique 1.6-litre diesel engine which has 115 hp (85 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. The D2 unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function.

Furthermore, the other units featured in the line-up are the five-cylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbo-diesel and the 2.0-litre D3. The first one has been optimized and hence is now more fuel efficient. It generates 177 hp (130 kW) and has torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) across a wide rpm range.

This means that the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is possible in 7.9 seconds, when equipped with the automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 64 mpg (117 g/km) with a manual gearbox and 54 mpg (137 g/km) with the automatic.

The other engine produces 150 hp (110 kW) and has 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Both turbo-diesels can be either matched to a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

Furthermore V40 Cross Country includes class-leading driving dynamics the standard All-Wheel-Drive on the T5 petrol turbo model. Its five-cylinder 2.5-litre T5 engine generates 254 hp (187 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The model is available only with automatic transmission and has an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h of 6.0 seconds. The fuel consumption here is 34 mpg.

Another engine option is in the T4 petrol model, namely the 1.6-litre GTDi engine. It generates 180 hp (132 kW) and has a maximum torque of 270 Nm (200 lb-ft). Its fuel consumption is 51 mpg, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

Another unique feature here is the Hill Descent Control (only standard on the T5 AWD version). It controls the car’s speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. The V40 T5 AWD Cross Country also has a practical Hill Hold function which makes starting on a hill easier.

The T5 version comes with an automatic six-speed Geartronic gearbox only, while the T4 is available with the automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. The Powershift operates as two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches. This system provides quick and fuel-saving gear changes.

Wide range of accessories is included as well. Some of them feature: Parcel Shelf Net that keeps smaller items secure and in order, Load Organiser that includes a load compartment divider, load belt and two floor rails, smart storage compartment below the armrest, two cup-holders and a 12V power outlet integrated in the console in front of the armrest.

Unique feature regarding the interior is the lighting, which is designed to give a “theatre lighting experience”. Here LED lamps are utilized in order to lighten up important areas. The occupants can enjoy a red-to-blue setting that adapts the light to the interior temperature, for example. They can also choose between another seven mood themes.

As an option, V40 Cross Country can also be equipped with a TFT digital instrument cluster. Here the driver can choose one of three modes – Elegance, Performance or Eco – depending on what information they prefer to see while driving.

Source: Volvo

September 19, 2012

Tag: Volvo