Volvo – Page 12 – Automobiles Review

2013 Volvo V40 R-Design Debuts in Paris [VIDEO]

2013 Volvo V40 R-Design in stunning Rebel Blue is going to make its debut in Paris. Offering stylish and dynamic look, driver-centric interior it also delivers intense and agile driving experience with performance up to 254 horsepower (187 kW).

The unique R-Design front includes a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille with re-profiled front bumper and day running lights. In addition to this the sporty stance of the Volvo is emphasized even more with an ironstone rear diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes.

The exterior enhancements continue with the five-spoke diamond-cut wheels in 17″. Six additional body colors are also available.

In terms of interior, it has also been improved by gaining one-of-a-kind features such as the embossed R-Design leather/T-Tec upholstery, TFT instrument display, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and unique aluminium inlays.

For the customers who want even more from their car, the designers have prepared the R-Design Lux which adds additional features. Some of them include embossed full leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights with headlight cleaning system, rain sensor, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.

To go even further into details, the new V40 comes equipped with unique interactive dashboard. There is also offered the possibility to choose between three designs with different configurations and functionality, namely Elegance, Eco and Performance.

The seats are wrapped in a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather, crowned by an embroidered R-Design logo with a blue “R”. Full leather seats are available as an option.

Of course, the steering wheel is specifically designed for this version. Also new look gain the gear-knob, handbrake and sport pedals. The combination of new aluminium inlays with a perforated look, black leather, matching stitching and black headlining even further improves the “cabin experience”.

More importantly, the R-Design will be available with all engines offered with the standard Volvo V40. These include the D2 diesel with 115 horsepower (85 kW) and CO2 emissions at 94 g/km, up to the high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 254 horsepower (187 kW).

As an option, there is a newly developed Sport chassis, lowered 10 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, taking effect in a responsive driving pleasure with full control.

At the rear the V40 is equipped with mono-tube dampers, including turing compression and return damping. This results in shorter and faster fluid flow, hence this leads to the conclusion that the damper responds more quickly.

2013 Volvo V40 R-Design will go on sale in the beginning of the next year.

httpv://youtu.be/LQodTdanYqo

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Vovlo

September 13, 2012

2013 Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 Offers More Driving Excitement

2013 Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 is the latest tuning enhancement done by the famous Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv. In fact this individualization program will coincide with the launch of the new Volvo V40.

In particular it will include power improvements, exhaust systems, suspensions, wheels and expressive interior and exterior design elements. In the roots of the modification is the e.motion® power enhancement range for the D2, D3 and D4 diesel engines.

The e.motion® stands for “efficiency in motion”, which centers on a second, equivalent engine control unit that operates in parallel with the original control unit, acting as an independent additional “brain”.

This means that the V40’s 5-cylinder diesel engine will be boosted to 143 kW / 195 hp (compared to the 130 kW / 177 hp of the series model) and 480 Nm of torque (series value: 400 Nm). This results in 1 second less to end the sprint to 100 km/h and 10 km/h addition to the top speed.

In addition, Heico Sportiv design team will augment the bi-part front spoiler and rear skirt in diffuser optic. The front spoiler emphasizes the protuberance of the series-manufactured spoiler lip, additionally setting a falcate design feature between the main headlamps and LED daytime driving lights.

Here the main design element is created from light and flexible polyurethane plastic (PUR-R-RIM) and is mounted on the original bumper. Furthermore, another prominent feature at the back of the vehicle is the rear skirt, citing the form of a diffuser, again made of PUR-R-RIM.

Next, the rear skirt here is fixed to the original mountings in the same way as the original part. The dimensions of the sport exhaust system’s four stainless steel oval end pipes are exactly 120 mm x 74 mm and. They are black from the inside and high gloss chrome plated from the outside.

The customers of this tuned Volvo will enjoy a great sound design as well. The exhaust systems are characterized by resonant, voluminous sound, the timbre varying with engine speed and model.

The new 2013 Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 will run on 8×18” and 8×19” VOLUTION® sport wheels, which will be offered in three design lines VOLUTION® V., VII. and X. Their color choice is Bright Silver, Graphite Matt and Black. The vehicle can also be equipped optionally with sport springs for lowering it by 30mm.

Source: Heico Sportiv

September 13, 2012

Volvo S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions – Pricing Announced

Volvo models S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions has just been launched. With their higher level of specification they of course target to capture the attention of the business driver.

The models have been designed all the features business users demand. Furthermore, important highlight here is that the Business Editions will be offered with reduced price tag of as much as £3000.

In addition the new Business Edition variant adds company car feature integrated satellite navigation system, high performance multimedia audio system, Bluetooth and rear park assist.

Moreover, the new model line-ups benefit of low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The S60 Business Edition on-the-road price starts from £19 995 for the T3 version and from £21 195 for the comparative model in the V60 line-up.

On the other hand the V70 D2 Powershift Business Edition starts from £24 995 on-the-road. As mentioned, this in summary means that the new models have reduced price tag of as much as £3000.

These Business Editions will replace Volvo’s ES and ES Nav versions. However, they will add more equipment for a lower price tag which is expected to be even more appealing to the Companies.

Volvo S60, V60 and V70 Business Editions are already available to order.

Volvo S60 - Front Angle

Volvo V70 Business Editions - Front Angle

Source: Volvo

August 14, 2012

Volvo S60 Polestar revealed at Gothenburg City Race

Volvo S60 Polestar is the latest concept road-car created by Polestar. It is based on the S60 model of Volvo and it is going to take part in the 2012 season in the new Swedish racing series TTA – Racing Elite League.

Furthermore, there has been developed not only a race-car model, but also a street-version. The official launch of the vehicle already happened few days ago at the third race round of the TTA series held at Polestar’s home track in downtown Gothenburg, Sweden.

Polestar focuses on the development and competition in racing. The development and marketing of performance products for Volvo cars are based on the experience from racing. Polestar started research and evaluation-program to collect and compile vehicle data from the S60 platform, and eventually ended up creating the following product.

In fact, Volvo S60Polestar is very strong Volvo with great potential for motorsport applications and also an almost ideal platform for a road-going performance car. We all know that Volvo bodies are strong and have solid designs, which make them ideal for building race cars.

S60 Polestar is to a great extent based on standard Volvo S60 T6 components. It is another result motorsport and performance experience in combination with in-depth knowledge about the car and its technology.

Source: Polestar

June 19, 2012

Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 Green Racing

The Volvo V40 is still pretty fresh. But Heico Sprotiv – sort of an official tuner house for Volvos – did make haste and came up with this: a bio-diesel sport edition V40. It’s a part of Heico’s initiative called “Green Racing” and thus it’s strictly for the track. But don’t despair as a followup project will give birth to a street version as well.

Heico have been personalizing Volvos for years now by providing accessories and parts. You can drive up to them with whichever of the mainstream Volvo engines and they will have an e.motion ECU upgrade for it. A range of sonorous exhaust systems, suspension and brake kits and Volution wheels are also available. The carbon fiber body kit here is pretty much identical to the one that will go on the road-going ones. At the very least, the diffusor will be the same. You won’t get the flaring wheel arches and we are not sure about that rear wing.

The V40’s D5, 2.0-liter 5-cylinder diesel engine has been remapped to produce 300 hp and a max torque of 600 Nm. The idea is to tackle a number of 2013 long-distance competition such as the the 24 Hour Race at the Nürburgring. Having a torquey fuel-sipper on the line always spells success at the end of the day.

Visitors at the Auto Mobil International (AMI) exhibition in Leipzig will have the privilege to be the Heico Volvo V40’s first spectators. The stand will be open from the 1st of June to around the 10th.

Source: Heivo Sportiv

May 28, 2012

2013 Volvo X90 facelift – power and economy

Volvo has introduced their new facelift version of XC90 SUV. The 2013 vehicle comes with a lot of changes including a bold new look along with an enhanced roster of standard features inside and out.

The result is the most significantly updated XC90 since its launch a decade ago as one of the first luxury crossover SUVs.

The exterior changes feature a new body-colored front and rear bumper, sill moldings and wheel arches. There are also new standard LED daytime running lights and taillights. The XC90 3.2 also receives a new silver front bumper bar, chrome taillight trim, silk matte exterior rearview mirrors, air intake décor trim and 18” “Thalia” alloy wheels. Twilight Bronze metallic and Flaminco Red metallic are new color choices.

The interior boasts luxury accents including sanded silver aluminum inlays, white instrumentation lighting and a leather strap on the tailgate.

Premier Plus and Platinum trim levels have standard Sovereign hide soft leather seating surfaces, red wood inlays and gearshift knob and Executive floor mats. A red wood steering wheel is a new option for both trim levels. All XC90s gain standard rain sensor windshield wipers and headlight washers.

The engine is a 3.2 liter naturally aspirated V6 with 243HP (179 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which sends the power to the front wheels. The AWD system is available as an option.

All XC90s are equipped with an extensive array of safety features. Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtains for all three rows are standard.

The 2013 Volvo XC90 is priced from $39 500.

Source: Volvo

May 3, 2012

Volvo XC60 Inscription Edition

The Inscription line from Volvo is basically a deluxe trimming that is available on many of the company’s cars. Today we add one more model to the family – the Volvo XC60.

An XC60 Inscription can be distinguished by semi-aniline quality leather upholstery. Four premium colors for it are out there to choose from: Marble White, Toscana Tan, Off-black and Soft Beige. Alongside, the overall interior can be in either Off-black or Sandstone Beige.

There are of course other features that break the Inscription’s cover. Take the headrests for example. “Inscription” is…inscribed on them. Other than that, the center console armrest is in leather with stitching, the door panel insert is in matching colour of the upholstery, the tread plates also read “Inscription” and the lumbar support is electrically adjustable.

Should anyone feel restricted by this type of specificness, personalization is just around the corner. As options to the Volvo XC60 Inscriptions, one can add Inscription Charcoal headliner, Inscription Electric Silver exterior colour or Inscription Avior 20” wheels.

“The XC60 was our top-selling model in 2011 with almost 100,000 units delivered to customers all over the globe. The Inscription version makes our offer even stronger. The exclusive details blended with the dynamic XC capability give the XC60 a truly unique aura,” says Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Corporation.

An Inscription XC60 will be available with whichever of the available standard XC60 engines. A debut is expected at the Leipzig Motor Show in June 2012 while sales will start as early as April… which somehow doesn’t make sense.

Avior 20-inch wheels on a Volvo XC60 Inscription

Source: Volvo

April 17, 2012

Volvo V40 Priced $31 501 in the UK

The Volvo V40 5-door hatchback which debuted last month at the Geneva Motor Show is ready for sale at a starting price of $31,501. It’s packed full of equipment and safety features one wouldn’t normally find on any other entry level car.

The basic trim line will be marked with an ES. But basic in Swedish terms is far what one would imagine – City Safety, pedestrian airbag, Bluetooth, high performance audio with 5″ colour display screen, ECC (Electronic Climate Control), 16″ Matres alloy wheels, DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control), power windows, a leather steering wheel and gear knob and textile floor mats. The SE (the next step) adds cruise control, keyless start, autofolding power door mirrors and a host of decorative luxories. There’s a LUX variation of the SE trim which sees the fitment of leather-faced upholstery, 17″ Mannan alloy wheels and LED day running lights as well as active bending xenon lights with a headlight cleaning system. All, be that ES, SE, SE Lux can come with a fully integrated satellite navigation system with voice activated control, a 7″ colour display screen and DVD player. Thus your Volvo V40 will be known as ES/SE/SE Lux Nav. It makes your head spin, we know.

The diesel D2 power plant in the V40 achieves an impressive figure of 78.5 mpg and spews out less than 100 g/km of CO2 emissions. Considering that we are talking about a 1.6 liter block that develops 115 hp, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, that is quite a feat. There is of course a Start/Stop function (here and everywhere else).

If it’s the most expensive model you’re after than better prepare a considerably more heafty sum of money. Let’s say $42, 705. For that you get the SE Lux Nav with a D4 177hp diesel engine unit. Not as economical as the D2, but still frugal enough and considerably more fun to drive.

Orders can already be placed, production starts sometime in May and delieries are expected to start in September this year.

Soruce: Volvo

April 12, 2012

Cleaner, Greener Diesel Engines from Volvo on MY 2013 Lineup

Volvo are raising (or more like lowering) the bar on CO2 emissions with their model year 2013 diesel fleet. More specifically, the Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80 will all fall into the sub-120 g/km category. Additionally, clever tech like Road Sign Information, Active High Beam and Tunnel Detection will be available on all larger models.

Responsible for the new lower emissions will be the new entry-level 5-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. It will be available on all the aforementioned models plus the XC60. Branded D3, its power is expected to be 136 hp and 350Nm of torque. The transmission can be either manual or automatic. Also, excluding the XC60, all will come with a stop/start system.

The new diesel engine offer also includes the D2 with 115 hp, the D4 with 163 hp and the D5 with 215 hp. Here’s how the CO2 situation looks:

Model/Engine	D2 (115 hp)	D3 (136 hp)	D4 (163 hp)	D5 (215 hp)
S60	114 g	114 g	114 g	119 g
V60	119 g	119 g	119 g	120 g
V70	119 g	119 g	119 g	126 g
S80	119 g	114 g	114 g	120 g

The D2 engine will remain with these figures, regardless of the available choice between manual and automatic.

Volvo V60 MY 2012 is to recieve a facelift — Volvo V60 MY 2012

The Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 can also come with Road Sign Information, Active High beam and Tunnel Detection.

The Road Sign Information feeds your instrument cluster with the relevant road sign images as you go.
The new Active High Beam system knows when to switch between low and high beams automatically
Tunnel Detection means that the lights will be turned on immediately upon entering a tunnel.

The 2013 model year will also see the following updates:

A new 5spoke forged, 18inch aluminium wheel is available for the Volvo S60, V60, V70 and S80.
The 11spoke, 17inch Saga wheel for the Volvo V70 and S80 is updated with black contrast paint on the diamondcut parts.
The Volvo V70 gets an updated grille with glossy black details.
The brushed aluminium décor for the Volvo XC60 will also be available in the S60 and V60.

Sales are expected to kick off before the summer of 2012.

Source: Volvo

April 12, 2012

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – unboxed! [VIDEO]

Which is the most technically advanced Volvo model ever created? The answer is the new 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, which now is available for order. As a matter of fact this is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid vehicle.

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is an innovative car, which represents a big bold step in the evolution of electrification. And in addition it also proves for the brands philosophy, which is not only ahead in time but embodies a lot of environmental issues into practical resolution.

For launch of the first 1000 units of the car, Volvo Car Corporation decided to release today series of witty “unboxing webisodes”, first of which you can watch below.

httpv://youtu.be/J82oWPv4xmo

Basically, for this launch Volvo shows the importance of the car as being a technological booster for the brand. Indeed, it is a technological innovation, worth putting attention on. This is why the series of those entertaining webisodes were created. Their title “Unboxing” stands for the revealing of the revolutionary technical innovations of the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid.

In particular, 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A), and it drives up to 50 km on Pure mode (battery) with zero tailpipe emissions. When the driver switches to hybrid mode, the diesel engine and electric motor cooperate together, ensuring the optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental contribution.

What has to be highlighted here is that the CO2 emissions in Hybrid mode are as low as 49g/km, and they are corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100 km.

The car has a total range of up to 1,000 km. And when the driver selects the Power mode, the V60 develops its maximum power up to 280 horsepower (206 kW). Then the acceleration from 0 to 100km/h can happen in just 6.2 seconds.

httpv://youtu.be/FNEW746iIds

Source: Volvo

March 30, 2012

Volvo C30 Electric Warm and Fuzzy

I have a beef with today’s hybrids and electric vehicles. Its their batteries that get me. One does not even have to own a hybrid. Instead, simply observe how your cell phone acts throughout the years – the charge capacity is getting lower and lower, cold weather doesn’t help at all and neither do the summer days. Now, imagine that in a car – driving along with 2 or more “bars” on the dials, no worry in the world, and then it all suddenly goes bust. Nerve wrecking.

Happily however, Volvo are aware of the situation, aware of my frustration obviously. That’s why with the C30 Electric, the company is working towards providing relief to the dying batteries around the world. Essentially they are aiming at a vehicle that is available and drivable at all conditions – scorching hot, arctic cold or lukewarm if you will.

For the former two conditions, one needs a cabin that comes with climate-control. It would be plainly silly to use the precious battery charge on heating or cooling the insides of the car. That’s why the C30 Electric is is equipped with a sophisticated climate system that can be activated both during charging and driving. It works for the passengers, it works for the drivetrain and most importantly, it works for the battery pack.

Whilst charging a C30 Electric (people tend to do it at home with a standard power socket), you can precondition it. Let’s say that the outside temperature is -19 degrees Celsius: no worries. Even if not plugged in, the car’s automatic battery heating will kick in to prevent the charge from going bust. Otherwise, if plugged in, an immersion heater (6 kW) uses power from the wall socket for warming up the coolant in the climate system.

So, should you ever decide on buying an electric car and the seasons are a bit extreme at your place, why not get a Volvo C30? It’s like literally having someone to warm up the bed for you.

Source: Volvo

March 28, 2012

Mean Green – Volvo Hybrid Truck

Mean Green is the fastest hybrid truck in the world. However, it will attempt a new speed record in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph). The event will be held on April 27^th at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. The truck will try to beat its own world speed records set only last year by ‘Mean Green’s driver, Boije Ovebrink.

The Volvo-built hybrid currently holds speed records in the standing 500 metre, standing kilometre and flying kilometre – international speed standards*.

“Technology and innovation are at the core of our business,” commented Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing.

“Mean Green’ is a prime example of Volvo’s technical capabilities and our continued focus on emerging technologies. Our engineers developed the world’s fastest hybrid truck utilising the same Volvo hybrid drive system powering hundreds of Volvo buses throughout the world – including London’s double-decker buses.”, he added.

Mean Grean features adapted hybrid driveline and chassis to meet requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted ‘Mean Green’ with a highly-tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor.

“The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay,” said the driver – Boije Ovebrink,

“Mean Green’s owner and driver. “It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with an explosive force.” – he added.

Mean-Green - Volvo Hybrid Truck — Mean-Green – Volvo Hybrid Truck

The powerful truck develops 2100HP (1544 kW) and 6779Nm (5000 lb-ft) of torque. From these massive powerl, just 200HP and 1200Nm (885 lb-ft) come from the electric motor.

Aerodynamics also plays a vital role in achieving top speed, so Volvo designers selected a North American VN cab and sculpted the optimal aerodynamic shape for the truck.

Mean Green features modified versions of the following Volvo production components:

Volvo hybrid motor
Volvo hybrid battery
Volvo D16 diesel engine
Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission
Volvo VN cab and frame
Rear axle with 1.85:1 ratio

During its North American tour, Mean Green will also visit Truck World, in Toronto (April 19 to 21) and the Volvo Ocean Race when it reaches in Miami (May 17 to 20).

Source: Volvo

March 23, 2012

Tag: Volvo