Volvo Cars engages Orrefors in work with new concept car
11th November 2008 3:00 pm Volvo
Volvo Cars has engaged world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors in the work with the company’s next concept car, which will be a first taste of the next-generation Volvo S60. The joint creation, a floating centre stack of hand-made Orrefors crystal, will be shown for the first time at the Detroit international motor show in January 2009.
In the concept car, the graceful, crystal-clear centre stack forms a gentle, calm wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest.
“It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car,” says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.
The crystal panel appears to float above the centre console’s smart functionality. It rests softly on rubber pads and with the help of invisible light sources the crystal’s shimmering glow can be tailored to match the driver’s mood.
“If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden’s glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are also very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency,” says Steve Mattin.
He adds: “In a concept car, you are able to release your imagination and creativity. Our iconic, super-thin centre stack was the perfect subject. We reinterpreted it and gave it a refined new form. Then it was up to Orrefors to use their superb skill to transform our exciting vision into reality.”
Handicraft down to the tiniest detail
The experts at Orrefors were keen to accept the challenge and the result is one of the most unusual and handicraft-intensive objects in the company’s 110-year history. Producing the stack was in itself a challenge beyond the ordinary - even for the experienced experts at Orrefors.
Traditionally, the moulds for the crystal are first chiselled by hand from thick planks of alder wood. After casting, the glass is carefully polished to produce its final, crystal-clear lustre.
“The undulating, slightly twisted shape and the precise dimensional requirements were two exciting challenges we had to face. Crystal is a living material, shaped by living people. We are not used to working with tolerances of tenths of a millimetre. What is more, we’re talking here about an exceptionally large piece of glass,” explains Orrefors design manager Gunilla Arvidsson.
Crystal-like future plans
In order to meet the relevant strength standards, the finished piece consists of three sections joined together at the Volvo Cars concept car workshops.
“The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We’ll have to see how our customers respond,” says Steve Mattin.
Creativity and functionality
Although the material in the centre stack radiates uninhibited artistic freedom, the functions that are integrated have been thought through in every single tiny detail.
Beside the driver’s seat, the crystal console cuts straight through the instrument panel and its upper section forms a navigation screen at the precise height of the driver’s combined instrument.
At the bottom, the four iconic rotating controls protrude from elegant matt-polished recesses in the glass panel. In the middle there is a removable remote control.
The gear selector has a versatile new shape. In the horizontal position it offers drive in automatic mode. If the driver is in the mood for sporty manual gearchanges, the lever can be flipped up into the vertical position. Beside the gear selector there is also a starter button and parking brake.
The centre console runs all the way to the rear seat backrest, and under the crystal panel between the individual seats there are two drinks holders that slide elegantly forward when required.
“We’ve put the focus on ergonomics and safety. With the combined instrument at the same height as the navigation screen, all it takes is a horizontal eye movement to switch between sources of information. Another example is that the controls used when you start and stop driving are a few centimetres from each other near the gear selector,” explains Steve Mattin.
Mutual inspiration
At the Volvo Cars design centre, exploring the glassworks in the deepest forests of southern Sweden has been a stimulating adventure.
“The clean lines of the Orrefors products have been a true source of inspiration for many years. This was perfect timing for using crystal as a material in a concept car too,” says Steve Mattin. For the Orrefors glassworks, the debut as a supplier to the car world has also served as a new creative inspiration.
“Volvo’s thin centre stack is an industrial product with an artistic yet at the same time functional form. It immediately inspires you to think of other application areas. Why not an elegant hanging ceiling light or a table-top ornament of some sort? We’ll just have to see,” says Gunilla Arvidsson.
Five models from 125 to 200 hp give Volvo one of the market’s broadest ranges of E85 models
6th October 2008 11:52 am Volvo
Volvo Cars has one of the car market’s broadest ranges of E85 models. All told, five models are on offer, each available with one or two Flexifuel engines. Most recently, the Volvo V70 and Volvo S80 were introduced with a five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged Flexifuel engine producing 200 hp (147 kW) and 300 Nm of torque.
From a purely technical viewpoint, the Volvo Cars engine experts would have been able to boost engine power to quite a bit over 200 horsepower. However, this would have necessitated a richer air/fuel mixture at high revs, which in turn would result in considerably reduced fuel economy.
“200 horsepower is an ideal level for this engine since it means it is possible to cater for daily driving needs without any need to make the air/fuel mixture richer than the ideal figure. We are convinced our customers will appreciate that we prioritise competitive fuel economy,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
“The 2.5FT variant can be specified with either a manual or automatic transmission. This emphasises our aim to make a wide range of our cars available as environmentally optimised models that do not compromise on comfort, driving pleasure or scope for individualisation,” adds Magnus Jonsson.
This is further highlighted by the fact that Volvo Cars’ R-design - a sporty, factory-fitted option pack with a range of specially designed exterior and interior features - is also available for models with Flexifuel engines.
One of the broadest ranges on the market
Both the Volvo V70 and the S80 have since the end of 2007 also been available with a four-cylinder 2-litre Flexifuel engine (2.0F) producing 145 hp (107 kW) and 190 Nm of torque.
This means that Volvo Cars has one of the market’s broadest Flexifuel ranges. All told five models - the Volvo C30, S40, V50, V70 and S80 - are available with one or a choice of two E85 engines.
The Flexifuel variants of the Volvo S40, V50 and C30 have a four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine (1.8F) producing 125 hp (92 kW) and 165 Nm of torque.
All the engines and relevant components have been modified to run on E85.
The fuel consumption (EU, mixed cycle) of the new 2.5FT is 9.4 l/100 km (V70) and 9.2 l/100 km (S80) with manual transmission and 10.4 l/100 km (V70) and 10.1 l/100 km (S80) with automatic transmission.
For the other models, fuel consumption (EU, mixed cycle) is 7.3 l/100 km (C30 1.8F), 7.4 l/100 km (S40 1.8F and V50 1.8F), 8.6 l/100 km (V70 2.0F) and 8.3 l/100 km (S80 2.0F).
The Flexifuel cars can be run on bioethanol E85 or on 95 octane unleaded petrol, or on any mixture of these two fuels. When driving on E85, fuel consumption increases by 30 to 40 percent since bioethanol has lower energy content. The exact difference depends on factors such as driving style, ambient temperature and variations in fuel specification.
Increased demand in Europe
Bioethanol is an entirely renewable fuel that can be made from most types of biomass, such as sugar-cane, corn, wheat, sugar-beet or cellulose. When running on E85 (85 percent bioethanol, 15 percent petrol) the carbon dioxide produced from ethanol is part of Nature’s own carbon lifecycle.
Volvo Cars is launching its Flexifuel models on increasing numbers of markets. In addition to Sweden, these models are sold on the following markets: France, Norway, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland and Thailand.
Furthermore, they are set for introduction in many European countries. All told, Volvo Cars expects to sell 20,000 Flexifuel cars in 2008.
Volvo XC60 with CO2 Emissions Below 170g/km
6th October 2008 11:48 am Volvo
During the first half of 2009, Volvo Cars will launch a variant of the new Volvo XC60 with front-wheel drive, an upgraded Euro 5-compliant 2.4-litre diesel engine, featuring 175 horsepower, 420 Nm of torque and CO2 emissions of less than 170 g/km.
“We’ve increased the engine’s performance by 12 horsepower and 80 Newton metres of torque. At the same time we have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption. This highlights the immense potential of conventional drivelines to deliver continued reductions in carbon dioxide emissions,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
“This is the first step in a determined drive towards systematic reduction of CO2 emissions from our conventional drivelines. The next stage for the XC60 is a micro-hybrid with the potential for reducing emissions to about 140 g/km,” adds Magnus Jonsson.
The new Volvo XC60 currently has a choice of a six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 PS, as well as two five-cylinder turbodiesels: the D5 with 185 PS and the 2.4D with 163 PS. Four-wheel drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard to all these variants. The Volvo XC60 is available to order now and will be launched in UK dealer showrooms 15/16 November 2008.
In 2009, the driveline range will be expanded with a front-wheel drive version of the 2.4D, upgraded to produce 175 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque.
With a manual gearbox, CO2 emissions will be less than 170 g/km and fuel consumption approximately 41.4 mpg. The corresponding figures with automatic transmission will be approximately 38.7 mpg and 193 g/km.
A range of driveline improvements
In addition to front-wheel drive, a variety of smaller improvements contribute to the attractive fuel consumption and CO2 figures.
Volvo Cars’ powertrain experts have reduced internal friction and pump losses in the diesel engine. The pressure drop in the intake and exhaust system has also been reduced. Injection pressure has been increased with the next generation of high-pressure diesel pumps and the fuel-injection strategy has been refined through the introduction of Piezo-based injectors.
Furthermore, the engine has lower compression, more efficient combustion and the latest generation of engine management, whilst the single turbocharger has been optimised to produce high torque from low revs.
“As always this is the science of small adjustments. Many systems and details in a car model have been dimensioned to suit all engine variants, from the smallest diesel to the most powerful petrol engine. So in other words, there is a certain amount of scope for fine-tuning individual engine variants,” explains Magnus Jonsson.
Unaffected sportiness
One important aim of the development process is to retain the sporty properties that are a central part of the new crossover’s attraction.
“More horsepower, higher torque and a sporty chassis setting all help give the front-wheel drive variant the right XC60 dynamics. It’s the perfect choice for buyers who want to focus on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without compromising on driving pleasure,” says Magnus Jonsson.
Volvo Cars promotes passion and performance at 2008 Classic Motor Show
30th September 2008 10:46 am Volvo
Red classic Volvos will grace the stand at the NEC during the UK’s biggest classic motoring extravaganza.
Some hot classic Volvos, all of them painted in the colour of love and energy will be under the spotlight at this year’s Classic Motor Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 14th to 16th November.
An interesting array of sporty red Volvo saloon and coupes spanning five decades will be displayed on the 400 square metre stand situated in Hall 1 of the NEC. Some stunning cars, some of them with extremly low mileage, will catch the visitors’ eye with their colours, beauty and condition.
Among the cars on display at the Volvo stand will be a PV544 Sport, the rare Amazon 123GT, two 1800s and a very unusual 262 Coupe, all of them with their own story to tell. By displaying these red and sporty Volvo classics, visitors will be introduced to a maybe lesser known side of the Volvo product history and to some older models that may not be so very well known outside of Sweden.
Information about tradition
Volvo Cars’ participation at the Classic Motor Show is, like previous year, arranged by Volvo Cars Heritage, the department that nurtures and presents the company’s history and rich heritage. As before, they will be joined by the Volvo Owners Club, which has an extensive network and huge expertise and will be able to talk to visitors about the club and its activities as well as providing answers to questions about what it is like to own a classic Volvo.
New state-of-the-art wind tunnel gives Volvo buyers reduced CO2-emissions and lower fuel consumption
30th September 2008 10:45 am Volvo
 New state-of-the-art wind tunnel gives Volvo buyers reduced CO2-emissions and lower fuel consumption One of the world’s most advanced wind tunnels is Volvo Cars’ new tool in the quest for lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Volvo Car Corporation is the first car manufacturer to own a wind tunnel that fully simulates the airflow around and underneath the car’s body, combined with wheel rotation on a flat road surface.
“Our 20 Million Euro investment is already paying quick dividends. We have succeeded in reducing air resistance in the new Volvo C30 DRIVe by more than 10 percent. This in turn leads to around 3 grams lower CO2 emissions per kilometre,” explains Tim Walker, aerodynamics expert at Volvo Cars.
Translated into fuel consumption, this is a reduction by just over 0.1 l/100 kilometres according to the official EU Combined Cycle. In a real driving situation, however, where speed and therefore air resistance are often higher, the actual saving in fuel can be more than twice as high, that is to say in the region of 0.3 l/100 km. This means that a driver who covers 15,000 km per year will save about 45 litres of fuel - almost a full tank in a Volvo C30. It’s an economy benefit that is also appreciated by the environment.
 Volvo wind tunnel. Testing aerodynamics. “With a firm focus on environmental properties for the foreseeable future, our recently upgraded wind tunnel is going to be a particularly valuable tool. Aerodynamic improvements to the body and underside of the car will help us cut CO2-emissions across the whole model range,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
Cutting-edge facility
Volvo Cars’ wind tunnel was a cutting-edge facility when it was built in 1986 - and 20 years later, after being completely refurbished, it is once again setting the benchmark in the car industry for its precise measurements of aerodynamics.
 Volvo wind tunnel. Testing aerodynamics. Since the underside and wheels account for more than 50 percent of a car’s total air drag, a traditional wind tunnel where the vehicle stands still in a flow of air can provide an incomplete picture of the vehicle’s overall aerodynamic properties. “It’s a bit like measuring the aerodynamic properties of a car that is standing still in a parking lot during a powerful storm. Our new wind tunnel, on the other hand, has been designed to exactly replicate the flow of air around and underneath the car when driving on a real road at speeds of up to 250km/h. Our wind tunnel uses sophisticated techniques at the forefront of aerodynamics technology” reveals Tim Walker.
Rolling road and spinning wheels
The biggest improvements compared with the previous wind tunnel can be summarised in three points:
Four flat steel belts that spin all the wheels
One central, 5,3m long and 1m wide steel belt that simulates the road under the moving car
An 8.15-metre fan with carbon-fibre blades that generates wind velocities corresponding to road speeds up to 250 km/h
The test car is connected to a highly sensitive balance using four small struts. These struts hold the car in position while the weight of the car is transferred from the tyres to the balance via the flat steel belts.
“This makes it possible to load up the wheels and tyres exactly as they are when driving on the open road. The balance is so sensitive it reacts even if you toss the world’s smallest mobile phone onto the front seat,” says Tim Walker. Flexibility is another vital benefit in an industry experiencing increasing pressure on product development lead times. Volvo Cars’ experts can handle more than 100 different test configurations in just 16 hours.
Considerable potential
In the EU Combined Driving Cycle, with an average speed of just 33 km/h, air drag accounts for just over one-quarter of total fuel consumption. At a steady 90 km/h, this increases to more than 50 percent. These figures indicate just how important aerodynamic efficiency is to the car’s fuel consumption and environmental properties.
When it comes to the new DRIVe models with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km (C30) and 118 g/km (S40 and V50) respectively, tests in the wind tunnel have resulted in small but effective changes to the front spoilers, under-floor panels, roof and tailgate/boot lid. The changes naturally vary depending on the individual model. On the Volvo C30 DRIVe, for instance, coordinated refinements to the roof spoiler, rear bumper and under-floor panels have cut overall air drag by more than 10 percent compared with the current C30 1.6D.
“In the original wind tunnel, the focus was on the body. In the new one, we can obtain an overall picture that also takes in the underside and the wheels. Thanks to the better simulation techniques that the new tunnel offers we have probably improved the aerodynamic drag by a third. It is here that the major improvements will be seen in the future. I would call the forthcoming developments in underside and wheel efficiency a revolution. Up top it’s more about evolution,” says Tim Walker.
Facts about the new wind tunnel:
Fan power: 5 MW (6 800 hp)
Fan size (diameter): 8.15 m
Fan type: Carbon fibre, 9 blades
Wind speed: 250 km/h
Wind Speed Accuracy: +/-0,05 m/s
Moving ground: 2-72.22 m/s (260 km/h)
Test Section Size Length: 15.8 m, width 6,6 m, height 4.1 m
Turntable (diameter): 6.6 m
Test yaw angle: +/- 30 degrees
Max load on balance: 3,000 kg
Max load per wheel: 1,000 kg
Balance sensitivity: +/- 30 gram
Volvo City Safety cuts insurance premiums
10th September 2008 10:51 am Volvo
Volvo Cars has attracted considerable attention with its new safety function in which the car brakes automatically - Volvo City Safety. “City Safety is of considerable interest to insurance institutes, and insurance companies on many markets are cutting premiums by up to 30 percent for anyone who insures a Volvo XC60,” relates Anders Eugensson, safety expert at Volvo Cars Governmental Affairs.
City Safety, which is fitted as standard in the Volvo XC60, is a system whereby at low speeds (0-30 km/h) the car automatically brakes if the driver has been distracted and does not respond to a vehicle in front. The function thus helps cut the number and severity of low-speed rear-end collisions. Such impacts represent a large proportion of the total number of accidents that take place.
Last spring, Anders Eugensson launched a tour to demonstrate the function in a converted Volvo S80. “We demonstrate City Safety on a track where a large inflatable bag shaped like a car is parked 40 metres away,” explains Anders Eugensson. “We accelerate up to 15 km/h and when the collision is imminent, City Safety steps in and brakes the car so the collision can be entirely avoided. At speeds above 15 km/h but below 30 km/h, the car runs into the vehicle in front, but the consequences of the collision are much milder owing to the substantial retardation in speed.
“The car receives its command to brake from a laser sensor that is well-protected behind the windscreen. The command is sent to a processor that determines if the car has to be braked automatically. City Safety is an auxiliary system that never takes over the driver’s responsibility,” emphasises Anders Eugensson.
On tour
Safety institutes and authorities such as Thatcham (Great Britain) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the USA), organise seminars for insurance companies the world over. The reason is that City Safety is expected to reduce the number of personal injuries and material damage in conjunction with low-speed impacts. Costs thus also decrease for customers, insurance companies and society in general. What is more, City Safety helps avoid or reduce the risk of whiplash injuries among occupants in the car being hit.
The new XC60 is Volvo’s safest car ever and it can be equipped with all the very latest advances in safety-enhancing technology. Owing to the positive effects of City Safety, several insurance companies the world over are cutting premiums by 10 to 30 percent for customers who insure the new cross-over model with them.
Thatcham demonstrated City Safety back in February. It received the “British Fleet World Honours Awards 2008″ for its technology, as well as the American “Traffic Safety Achievement Award” at this year’s international traffic safety symposium in New York. The longer-term vision of Volvo Cars is to create cars that do not collide, and in the shorter term the aim is that by 2020, nobody should be killed or injured in a Volvo. City Safety, which was developed by Volvo Cars, is an important step towards those visions.
Tour schedule, City Safety 2008:
February: organiser Thatcham, England. April: Saragossa, Spain. Arizona, USA, participants: insurance companies, Transport Canada and NHTSA. May: Nürnburg, Germany. June/July: Paris, France, in Switzerland for insurance company AXA. August: organiser IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for insurance companies, in Virginia, USA.
The new Volvo C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe - with CO2 emissions of 115 and 118 g/km
10th September 2008 10:49 am Volvo
Volvo will be unveiling the new economical, sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. All three models are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environment properties. Production of these new models will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January.
The new 1.6D DRIVe models will offer outstanding fuel consumption of 64.2mpg on the C30 and 62.8mpg in the S40 and V50, with VED Band B CO2 figures of just 115g/km for the C30 and 118g/km for the S40 and V50. These new low emissions mean that the Volvo C30 and V50 offer best-in-class CO2 in their segments1
“We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 with emission levels below 120g/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp
Holistic approach to eco-performance
The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars’ total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four areas:
Reduced air resistance:
Chassis height reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag
A front spoiler on the S40 and V50 which is the same spoiler currently on T5 models
Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment
Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels to steer the airflow
Aerodynamically optimised wheels with a unique ‘Libra’ rim. The diamond cut finish adds to the unique design and the large unobstructed area that goes all the way out to the tyre makes the rim look considerable larger than it actually is. The total drag reduction of 10-15% is due to the design of the Libra rim
Underbody panels on the Volvo C30 for more efficient airflow under the car
A unique rear spoiler has been developed for the Volvo C30 which adds both to the aerodynamics and to the visual appearance. The Volvo S40 features the same ‘ducktail’ spoiler as found on the current T5 and D5 models
New rear bumper on the Volvo C30
Lower rolling resistance:
All the cars are equipped with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance
Higher ratios:
Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The longer gear ratios contribute to a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption without affecting the drivability of the car.
More efficient driveline:
Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering
New transmission oil which creates much lower friction will be used in the gearbox
Gearchange indicator in the information display to tell the driver the ideal time to change gears
“Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another 2 percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120g/km for all three cars, without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.
Volvo C30 best in the ECO test
Volvo’s DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the Euro NCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car’s total environmental performance.
Benefits for the environment and economy
Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer’s pocket. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.
With the cars’ good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in 13 European markets, including the UK, where CO2-based vehicle taxation systems, have been implemented; for instance a lower road tax, registration tax or other similar forms of financial encouragement.
Rising fuel prices also make the Volvo 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive as fuel consumption can reach 76.3mpg at motorway speeds.
Sold throughout Europe
“We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future,” says Fredrik Arp.
Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales due to particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries. The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offer, apart from those that affect the cars’ aerodynamic properties. Prices, specifications and volume forecasts for the UK will be announced closer to the start of production.
“The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available,” adds Fredrik Arp.
The most eco-friendly car range
Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market’s widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.
Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company’s decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo’s home town of Gothenburg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.
Volvo Announces Prices and Technical Specifications For The XC60
7th August 2008 10:52 am Volvo
Volvo Car UK can now announce full technical and specification details for the new XC60 crossover which arrives in dealer showrooms this Autumn. The XC60 is available to order now with prices starting at £24,750 OTR for the 2.4D S model and offers innovative standard features such as a low speed autobrake City Safety and versatile 40/20/40 split folding rear seats as well as sub 200g/km CO2 engine options.
Performance and technical specifications
The new Volvo XC60 launches with three engine variants - two diesels and one petrol. Six speed manual transmission is standard on both the 2.4D and D5 turbo diesel powerplants with six speed Geartronic available as a £1,400 option, while the high performance T6 petrol engine is available in six speed Geartronic guise only.
The frugal 163PS 2.4D and 185PS D5 variants with manual transmission both deliver 37.7 mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 199g/km. Joining the manual in VED band F is the Geartronic version, at 219g/km. The popular D5 diesel engine generates 400Nm torque at 2000-2750rpm, while the entry level 2.4D offers 340Nm torque at 1750-2750rpm. The 285PS T6 petrol is capable of a top speed of 130mph and offers a brisk 0 to 60 performance of 7.1 seconds, while delivering 400 Nm torque from 1500 to 4800rpm. Fuel consumption is 23.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 284g/km.
Equipment levels
With three trim levels, S, SE and SE Lux, available, the entry-level S model comes with all the high quality features you would expect from Volvo including front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and rear spoiler. While interior details include electronic climate control, information centre, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, brushed aluminium trim and a performance sound audio system with aux input and CD player. The award winning Volvo City Safety technology is joined by a full suite of standard safety equipment including RSC (Roll Stability Control), ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System).
The SE specification enhances equipment levels with the addition of Hill Descent Control, electric driver’s seat with three memory functions and Autofolding power door mirrors with ground lights. Added luxury also includes Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile upholstery and autodimming rear view mirrors with compass and chrome window trim.
The SE Lux is the ultimate in Swedish luxury, featuring chronographic instrument dials, leather upholstery, Nordic Light Oak natural wood trim and both front seats are both powered and heated. Further enhancements include luxury floor mats and chrome detailing. 18-inch alloy wheels, active bending headlamps, power tailgate and rear park assist are also all standard.
Styling and options
The Volvo XC60 will be available in 13 different exterior colours including the new Terra Bronze and Lime Grass Green metallic and the interior benefits from the finest materials and superb stitching to give a high quality finish. Upholstery includes Lomma textile available in S models, Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile in SE specifications and leather-faced in the top of the range SE Lux. Colours include 0ff-Black and Soft Beige, while those opting for leather-faced will have the choice of Off-Black with the new striking Lemon Green and Soft Beige with Espresso Brown. To complement the interior themes, three inlays are available to choose from including Brushed Aluminium, Classic Wood and Nordic Light Oak.
Volvo’s popular option packages are also available, including the Communications, Family and Winter Packs, plus the new Driver Support Pack which includes a host of Volvo’s safety aids including BLIS (Blind Sport Information System), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning).
Go configure!
Customers can configure their own Volvo XC60 online in the ‘Build Your Own’ section of the Volvo website http://www.volvocars.co.uk/. The configuration tool allows customers to build and price a vehicle to their personal choice of engine, trim level, colour, upholstery and options.
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Volvo XC60
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Prices (OTR)
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S
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2.4D AWD (163 PS)
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£24,750
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D5 AWD (185 PS)
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£25,750
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SE
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2.4D AWD (163 PS)
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£26,250
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D5 AWD (185 PS)
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£27,250
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T6 AWD (285 PS) Geartronic
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£31,995
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SE Lux
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2.4D AWD (163 PS)
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£28,750
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D5 AWD (185 PS)
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£29,750
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T6 AWD (285 PS) Geartronic
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£34,495
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Kerb
Weight |
| T6
2953cc
6 cyl |
285PS @
5600rpm |
400Nm @ 1500-4800 |
7.1
|
130
|
23.7
|
16.5
|
31.7
|
284
|
G
|
1901
|
| 2.4D
2400cc
5 cyl |
163PS @
4000rpm |
340Nm @ 1750-2750 |
10.0 M
10.4 G
|
121 M
118 G
|
37.7 M
34.0 G
|
28.8 M
25.9 G
|
45.6 M
41.5 G
|
199 M
219 G |
F
|
1865 M
1885 G
|
| D5
2400cc
5 cyl |
185PS @
4000rpm |
400Nm @ 2000-2750 |
9.0 M
9.4G
|
127 M
124 G
|
37.7 M
34.0 G
|
28.8 M
25.9 G
|
45.6 M
41.5 G
|
199 M
219 G
|
F
|
1869 M
1885 G
|
Chassis
Suspension
- Front: MacPherson Strut, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar
- Rear: Independent Suspension with Coil Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar
- Steering: Rack and pinion, power assisted
- Turning circle, curb to curb: 11.7m
- Brake disc diameter front/rear: 328mm/302mm
Transmission
| Transmission type |
AW TF-80SC
(All autos)
|
M66E H64
(Manual diesels)
|
|
Ratio
|
|
|
|
First
|
4.148
|
3.750
|
|
Second
|
2.370
|
1.905
|
|
Third
|
1.556
|
1.194
|
|
Fourth
|
1.155
|
0.838
|
|
Fifth
|
0.859
|
0.652
|
|
Sixth
|
0.686
|
0.540
|
|
Reverse
|
3.394
|
3.206
|
|
Final drive ratio
|
3.750
|
4.786
|
Measurements
|
Exterior measurements (mm)
|
XC60
|
|
Length
|
4628 mm
|
|
Height (incl shark fin)
|
1713 mm
|
|
Width (with wing mirrors, outer edge)
|
2142 mm
|
|
Wheelbase
|
2774 mm
|
|
Ground clearance
|
230 mm
|
|
Approach angle, degrees (curb)
|
22.0
|
|
Departure angle, degrees (curb)
|
27.0
|
|
Wading depth at curb (max speed 10km/h)
|
350 mm
|
|
Interior measurements (mm)
|
|
|
Load length
|
972
|
|
Load length with rear seats folded
|
1789
|
|
Height of luggage compartment
|
802
|
|
Rear opening maximum width
|
1223
|
|
Luggage volume, litres
Rear seats down to roof, litres
|
495 to Glass line / 655 to roof
1455
|
Volvo C30 Impresses In A Dramatic WTCC Debut
4th August 2008 2:38 pm Volvo
Seventh fastest in testing and tenth in qualifying before being pushed off the track by Rickard Rydell.
Volvo’s new Green C30 race car took its debut in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in the seventh race of the series at Brands Hatch this weekend. Volvos priority was to test the new ethanol driven race car against the best in the world. This was a debut which gave both a taste for the future and some drama.
We are very happy with the weekend. We knew beforehand that a one-off entry in to WTCC would not be easy. Partly because we would race on a completely new tyre for us and partly because we would have a total of 42-45 kilos of extra weight as a debutant with ethanol in the tank. But this only spurred us even more says Derek Crabb, Motorsport Director for Volvo Cars.
Robert Dahlgren managed to qualify tenth out of twenty-six drivers in a qualifying session where the thirteen fastest drivers were within one second. Amongst others, Dahlgren outqualified two of this years absolute dominating drivers in series, SEAT’s Gabrielle Tarquini and Rickard Rydell.
The outqualified veteran Rickard Rydell would however reappear in Dahlgren’s rear view mirror during the first race heat. After ten laps in to the heat where Dahlgren was fighting for tenth position with James Thompson, Rickard Rydell crashed in to Dahlgren who ended up off the track and had to end the race there. Unfortunately, the car was damaged in a way that could not be repaired in time for the second heat which starts 45 minutes after the end of the first heat.
Despite the dramatic end to the weekend, Volvos Driver Robert Dahlgren is very happy. We came here to evaluate and learn. The job was completed as planned and gave us a taste for more. To jump in to WTCC and be in the top ten straight off with a completely new car is good. The crash itself has to be considered as a compliment - if a top-ranked factory drives has to crash in to you to get past, then you know you are doing a good job.
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