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2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design get slight boosts in power

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Crossover, Volvo

2012 Volvo S60 R-Design

2012 Volvo S60 R-Design – Click above for high-res image gallery

While the R-Design packages for the Volvo S60 and XC60 add a measure of visual flair to the Swedish family-haulers – as well as some suspension tweaks – the one thing they’re lacking is a commensurate boost in power. The Volvo R-Design models are closer to an AMG, M-Sport or S-Line appearance package than an actual Mercedes-Benz AMG, BMW M or Audi S or RS performance model. But Volvo is out to fix that with a pair of revised offerings for 2012.

Bearing the same R-Design nomenclature, the sporty versions of the S60 sedan and XC60 crossover will now benefit from an extra 25 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque coming out of their turbocharged six-cylinder T6 engine, bringing it up from 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque to 325 hp and 354 lb-ft respectively.

The rest of the parameters carry over from the existing R-Design models, but the increased output ought to make Volvo’s warmed-over range that much more enticing. Unfortunately, the upgraded engine does not appear, however, to be available on the V60 R-Design sport wagon that bridges the gap between the S60 and XC60 models.

Follow the jump for more details in Volvo’s official press release, and click the thumbnails below to scope out the fresh batch of images released with the announcement.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading 2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design get slight boosts in power

2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design get slight boosts in power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo Concept Universe previews next range-topping sedan from Sweden

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Volvo, Shanghai Motor Show, Design/Style, Luxury

volvo concept universe shanghai motor show

Volvo Concept Universe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo is looking to gain a foothold in the fast-growing Chinese auto market, and the Swedish automaker is hoping to pique interest in the brand with a range-topping luxury sedan concept. The design aims to incorporate the simplicity of Scandinavian design while also trying to discern what the modern luxury car buyer really wants.

The Concept Universe bows at the Shanghai Motor Show to show what Volvo can do near the top-end of the large luxury sedan market. And although this vehicle is definitely a design study, Volvo doesn’t seem interested in hiding its intention of going upscale. Volvo CEO Stafan Jacoby calls the concept “a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan.”

The large concept features a coupe-like roofline that combines with a modern interpretation of the boxy Volvos of the past. Another homage to older Volvo models includes convex style lines between the wheel wells. Up front, the Concept Universe appears to borrow some lines from the Ford Interceptor concept from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show with its bumper-less front end that is rounded off all around. The grille is totally new for Volvo, with a series of shrinking, rounded rectangles; each smaller than the next.

Volvo design boss Peter Horbury feels the vehicle looks hand-crafted and durable, adding, “We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.”

We’re not so sure what to think of the Concept Universe, but we’re sure you’ll tell us what you think in the Comments below. Hit the jump to read over the Volvo press release.

Gallery: Volvo Concept Universe

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo Concept Universe previews next range-topping sedan from Sweden

Volvo Concept Universe previews next range-topping sedan from Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 01:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Volvo teases Concept Universe for Shanghai

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Volvo, Shanghai Motor Show

volvo universe concept

Volvo Concept Universe teaser – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Volvo has ambitious plans to double its current volume by 2020, and a big component of that plan is to penetrate the Chinese auto market. That plan makes abundant sense given the booming Chinese market, and it helps that the automaker is now owned by China’s Geely.

A major step toward reaching that goal comes when the Shanghai Motor Show opens to the media next week, as Volvo will unveil the Concept Universe. We are a little short on details at this point, but Volvo predictably saw fit to tease us ahead of its debut. The short post-jump video shows little more than some sketches, a large, covered vehicle, and an outline of a very sleek sedan.

Is the Concept Universe a precursor to a range-topping S90 that Geely chairman Li Shufu seems to want? Could it be a four-door coupe? Heck, some of the sketches almost make it look like like the big Volvo concept will be a fastback. We won’t know for sure until next week, but in the meantime, you can hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. Hat tip to Alex!

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Continue reading Video: Volvo teases Concept Universe for Shanghai

Video: Volvo teases Concept Universe for Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Volvo

2012 Volvo S80

2012 Volvo S80 – Click above for high-res image gallery

On the outside, the changes to the 2012 Volvo S80 and XC70 aren’t immediately noticeable. The headlamps have been redesigned, the S80 gets LED turn signals in the side mirrors and each model gets a new exterior color choice. Underneath the skin, however, these two Volvos have received a handful of new tricks.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, which made its debut with the 2011 S60, has found its way into the 2012 S80 and XC70, allowing the driver to easily operate audio, video, Bluetooth and navigational controls. It also provides information and setting adjustment for safety features such as City Safety, Collision Warning and Active Cruise Control.

The City Safety system is now a standard feature on both of these 2012 models. The automaker has also added Pedestrian Detection, which keeps an eye out for foot traffic and provides an audible warning if it feels a collision is imminent. Should the driver fail to heed that warning, the S80 or XC70 can fully engage the brake automatically.

Check out the updated 2012 Volvo XC70 and S80 in the galleries below. Also, be sure to take a look at the full press released posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S80

2012 Volvo S80

Gallery: 2012 Volvo XC70

2012 Volvo XC70

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012

Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy… does it look better? [w/poll]

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volvo, Design/Style

2011 Volvo C30 Black Design

2011 Volvo C30 Black Design – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volvo C30 is a bit of a divisive design. Some love the radical P1800ES-inspired hatch, while others find it awkward. But maybe the brand’s latest special edition can help.

Called the C30 Black Design, it’s limited exclusively to the Italian market and to just 600 examples. What sets it apart is the application of a 3M carbon-look film to the roof, pillars, grille surround and wing mirrors. There’s also 17-inch matte black wheels (upgradable to 18-inchers) and a specially trimmed interior with individualized dedication plaque.

Italian buyers can choose between the 115-horsepower D2 or 150-hp D3 turbo-diesel engines, or a 145-hp 2.0-liter gasoline four, and specify theirs in white, gray or orange. The question is, does the faux-carbon trim make the C30 look better or worse? Cast your vote in our poll below after looking over the gallery.

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Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 Black Design

[Source: OmniAuto.it (translated)]

Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy… does it look better? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volvo S60 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick award

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Volvo, Luxury

2012 Volvo S60 IIHS Crash Tests

2012 Volvo S60 IIHS crash tests – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo can stick another feather in its safety cap. The 2012 S60 has officially been awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick judgement by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That means the sedan managed to net top ratings in all IIHS crash tests, including front, side, rollover and rear evaluations. Vehicles awarded the Top Safety Pick designation must also come standard with electronic stability control.

According to the IIHS, it’s been a while since the S60 has carried the institute’s highest honor. The vehicle’s previous generation had no problem netting good ratings in both front and rear tests, but was only rated as acceptable in side impact evaluations. Additionally, the new roof strength tests weren’t in place for the vehicle’s last iteration. IIHS says that Volvo improved the design of the S60 enough to net higher side impact ratings and pass the new rollover tests with flying colors.

IIHS says that the roof of the S60 stood up to 4.95 times the weight of the vehicle. Currently, the federal standard is only requires a vehicle to withstand a force equivalent to 1.5 times its weight. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S60 IIHS Crash Tests

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading 2012 Volvo S60 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick award

2012 Volvo S60 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo considering insanely high $2,100/month lease for C30 Electric

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Volvo, Electric

volvo c30 electric

Volvo C30 Electric – Click above for high-res image gallery

A trial fleet of around 400 Volvo C30 Electrics is coming, and anyone who wants one had better have an awful big piggy bank. Speaking at a media launch near Indianapolis, IN today, the president of Volvo Car Special Vehicles, Lennart Stegland, said that, while the final price for the car hasn’t been set, Volvo will not sell the EV, but instead offer the car through a three-year lease for around 1,500 Euros. Per month.

1,500 Euros comes out to about $2,129.85 at today’s exchange rates, so if you stick it out for the full 36 months, you get to spend $76,674 to not buy a car. Even worse, Stegland said that Volvo will lose money on the deal. Ouch. Developing electric vehicles for mass production (which, on Volvo’s schedule, will happen sometime around 2013 or so) is more than mildly expensive.

Sure, for the three years you drive the C30 Electric, you’ll probably be quite happy with the car. We certainly were when we drove it last fall and fell for it again in Indiana today (our full write up is coming soon). To convince EV skeptics, Volvo is pushing its traditional safety message pretty hard with the C30 Electric, and we’re sure the car is as safe as can be. We’ll see how powerful this argument is when a hundred C30 Electrics come to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2012. An official lease price hasn’t been set but, as much as we like it, it’ll be hard to justify two-large a month for four-seat hatch.

Gallery: Volvo C30 Electric

Volvo C30 Electric

Volvo considering insanely high $2,100/month lease for C30 Electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo Ocean Race limited edition models get nautical by nature

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Volvo, Luxury

Volvo Ocean Race Limited Edition models

2011 Volvo Ocean Race Special Editions – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo is celebrating the start of its fourth Ocean Race by releasing special edition models of its V60, XC60 and XC70 in the UK. The cars will be available to order starting in April, with the first deliveries expected to take place in July.

Engine options are yet to be determined, but the cars will have special interiors in sail-reminiscent off-black or beige, and the seatbacks come embossed with the Volvo Ocean Race logo. There will also be two special exterior colors available, dubbed “Volvo Ocean Blue II” and “Electric Silver.”

Along with the seats, the door panels and cargo covers get the Ocean Race treatment, with special script and stitching. If that isn’t enough Nautical madness for you, you can rest your Sperrys on a set of textile sail-inspired floor mats to cap it all off.

Volvo is expecting to move about 7,500 of the special editions per year, targeting England, Germany and Italy in particular. No word yet on pricing or whether the cars come with a stuffed parrot for full-on pirate effect. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Volvo Ocean Race Limited Edition models

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo Ocean Race limited edition models get nautical by nature

Volvo Ocean Race limited edition models get nautical by nature originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Volvo, Diesel

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – Click above for high-res image

While hypermilers debate the various advantages and drawbacks of diesels versus hybrids, Volvo is here to ask, “Why not have both?” As promised, the Swedish automaker is rolling into Geneva with what it’s calling “the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid”.

Packaged into the svelte V60 wagon, the diesel hybrid packs two distinct drivetrains that can operate separately or in conjunction with one another. Up front is a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel with 215 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 70-horsepower electric motor with a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack twists the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD).

At the touch of a button, the V60 hybrid can operate in Pure mode as an EV with a 32-mile range on electric power alone. In Hybrid mode, it emits less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer with a 746-mile range, and in Power mode, the powerplant acts as a boosted torque monster with a combined output at 472 lb-ft of twist for a 6.9-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. That may not seem too quick, but for a diesel wagon schlepping around that much Duracell, it’s relatively rapid.

The V60 Plug-In Hybrid is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but if you want to see a brief video and delve further into the specs now, feel free to check out the full press brief after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volvo S60R returns to World Challenge with K-Pax Racing

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Volvo, Racing

K-Pax Racing Volvo S60R

Over the past few years, the Volvo S60 has achieved considerable success in touring car racing around the world. The factory-supported Polestar team took the title in the Swedish Touring Car Championship a few years back before switching to the C30, and K-Pax Racing took the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ trophies in the World Challenge GT Championship with the car last year.

Thing is, the touring car taking the honors is still wearing the bodywork of the old Volvo S60, so it was only a matter of time before its successor would be revealed. And here it is.

Although K-Pax will still use the old S60R in the first few rounds of the 2011 World Challenge, the new all-wheel-drive racer will be rolled out for the fourth round at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, in late April.

[Source: K-Pax Racing via CarScoop]

2011 Volvo S60R returns to World Challenge with K-Pax Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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