Come the early part of the following year, 2007, New Zealanders would now be able to glance at and personally view the new Volvo C30.
What's the Volvo C30, you may ask?
Well, according to the chief executive officer and president of Volvo Cars, Fredrik Arp, "The new Volvo C30 is a cool car that aims for young singles, or couples with busy urban lives. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle."
Sure enough, many customers in the auto market would be clamoring to take a first hand experience with this vehicle. Many have already seen it during its concept stage for the concept version of the Volvo C30 has been shown off a couple of months back. And it has already captured the minds and the attention of those who have seen it. According to auto experts, the Volvo C30 holds a good resemblance to the Volvo Design Concept which holds three doors and has been first shown during the Detroit Motor Show just this January.
Of course, you can say that this vehicle is unique in its own way. It is a combination of various auto technologies and auto features that works with a cool synergy which gives the vehicle a unique boost in appeal and performance. Of course, it would not come with Volvo 260 Series parts. It would be coming with its own auto parts and accessories that would give it a unique look
The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will host the world premiere of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, a near production-ready model that is said to return a very impressive 125 mpg US (1.9 lt/100 km), with CO2 emissions under 50 g/km. In order to achieve this, engineers entered a new variable into the plug-in hybrid equation: a diesel engine.
The V60’s front wheels are driven by a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel powerplant capable of 215HP and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. At the back, there's a 70HP electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
According to Volvo, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid “features the very best properties from three different car types in one sports wagon”, including an all-electric driving mode with a range of up to 32 miles (52 km).
Off-road tuning specialist 'Cobra Technology & Lifestyle' has presented its latest line of aftermarket bling for the new Volvo XC60 SUV. The range includes the 'oh so useful for your typical, city-dwelling XC60 owner' stainless-steel front guards and rocker panels with integrated steps. Ironically, all that shiny protective armor can be complemented with a set of 18, 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels that are available in four different designs.
Engine:
- XC will be launched with 5 variants which includes both diesel and petrol fuel variant and all the variants are offered with six speed gear shift. -XC 60 3.2 AWD(All Wheel Drive) Petrol will be armored with 3192 cc engine with 6 cylinders which is capable of producing 238 BHP of maximum power. -XC 60 T 6.0 AWD Petrol is offered with 2953 cc turbo charged engine with 6 cylinders and this engine is capable of generating 285 BHP of power at 5600 RPM. -XC 60 2.4 D Diesel is gifted with diesel engine with 2.4 L capacity Diesel engine which has a max power train of 175 BHP at 4000 RPM. -XC 60 2.4 D Drive this variant is also armored with same capacity engine but provides better driving experience than XC 60 2.4 D. - XC 60 D5 AWD Diesel this model is reinforced with 2400 cc engine which is capable of producing 205 BHP of max power at 4000 RPM.
Sleek, elegant, chic and sporty are not words you might normally associate with a 4x4 - and you'd be extremely unlikely to use them all at once to describe the same 4x4. That is until the advent of Volvo's XC60.
Volvo XC 60 is offered with both diesel and petrol variant. The main variants that are launched in Indian auto market are Volvo XC 60 3.2 AWD Petrol, 60 T6 AWD Petrol, Diesel, Drive Diesel and Volvo XC 60 D 5 AWD Diesel. All the five variants of this model generate awesome power and they are going to be one of the best performers on Indian roads as well as Indian market. Depending upon its variant Volvo XC 60 will be priced between RS 30 to RS 50 Lakhs. XC 60 has become on of the best selling sedan in Global Auto Market. Volvo XC 60 is mainly targeted to give tough competition for BMW X3 and Audi Q5. 60 will be built on company's Y20 platform and this sedan was created at company's car factory in Ghent Belgium. XC 60 is a premium SUV modeled sedan launched in Indian market by Volvo with cross over body with advanced featur
XC70 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good):Auto writers note that the 2010 Volvo XC70's cabin is functional, comfortable and practical. "Inside is the Swedish Modern design that has also been a Volvo hallmark in recent years, with a free-standing center stack and excellent seat comfort," writes The Auto Channel. Additionally, the XC70 features a vast amount of cargo room.
Volvo rates the base XC70's 3.2-liter engine at 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Although it is smooth and very quiet, many critics find its power and torque unimpressive in the heavy XC70, providing only average acceleration. Fuel economy is not outstanding, either. The EPA rates the 3.2 AWD at 16/22 city/highway, and Volvo recommends premium fuel.
The 2010 Volvo XC70's safety technology, comfortable seats and large cargo hold make it a practical choice among luxury wagons. However, its lack of power and poor fuel economy are liabilities. In fact, the Orlando Sentinel describes the Volvo XC70 as "the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: Capable of handling most any task, excelling at none, perhaps, but more than competent at all of them." Both engines are part of Volvo's SI6 (short-inline 6) family, launched in 2006. Thanks to its unusual accessory drive layout, which mounts the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor behind the engine, the SI6 is one of the world's most compact inline sixes; its overall length is within a few millimeters of Volvo's earlier inline five. Both SI6 engines have a variable-length intake manifold, 24 valves, and dual overhead camshafts, with variable lift and timing for the intake cam.
The V6 engine manages to do it's job, coupled to a 6 speed engine with a short shift in the first gear to guarantee a better take off from a full stop, but some reviewers felt that this engine just didn't cut it and Car and Driver commented that "at speeds above 50 mph the engine struggles to motivate the XC90's 4786-pounds and all-wheel drive system." That's not the only problem with the smaller standard engine. Consumer Guide commented that "some testers complained of slow downshifts with the 3.2." These may seem like small and finicky complaints, but the overall driving experience depends on having an engine that will step out with plenty of horsepower. The V6 in the Volvo XC90 only puts out 235 horsepower, as compared to the 311 horsepower generated by the larger V8 option.
For 2010 there have been a few changes to the Volvo XC90. The five-passenger seating has been discontinued and is now offered as a seven-passenger only. The trims lines have been changed slightly as well, with three available models and an available R-Design package. Volvo XC90 is known for it's safety
The XC90 is an affordable family hauler with great seating and excellent crash test scores. While other SUVs may have nice interiors and better performance, the Volvo XC90 has a very low starting price for the class.
When it comes to picking the right engine for the 2010 Volvo XC90, experts agree that the 4.4 Liter V8 engine option is the way to go. Unfortunately, the 3.2 liter inline six cylinder engine comes standard, so customers will have to ask for the better engine option and be willing to take a small hit in gas economy. We promise that the payoff in take-off power, mid-range acceleration, and driver satisfaction is well worth both the immediate price increase the extra gas. 2011 The Volvo XC90
Volvo UK has launched an 'Emissions Equality' movement which hopes to persuade UK car buyers to think "about a car’s complete emissions picture, rather than just CO2 in isolation".
The Chinese owned Swedish company is suggesting the adoption of a classification scheme for new and used cars that details an engine's emissions of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates as well as CO2. Unlike carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulates are dangerous to humans.
This information is obtained by Government databases for all cars sold in the UK ever since 2001. Volvo is also releasing an application for phones and computers which aim to give drivers access to this "total emissions information". The classification scheme is similar to the one in the U.S, which gives a score from 1-10 for both a car’s "Greenhouse Gas" and "Air pollution" emissions.
Volvo's campaign comes in the wake of threats by the EU to charge fines of up to £300m on the UK because of poor air quality, in particular London which has the poorest air quality of any major European city.
According to Professor Frank Kelly of Kings College, London there are 4,300 early deaths in London every year, and 50,000 across the UK, as a result of air pollution, of which 70% comes from road transport. Professor Kelly says that the lungs of children in inner city areas are particularly vulnerable to roadside particulate pollution, which is generated almost entirely by diesel traffic.
Volvo UK has launched an 'Emissions Equality' movement which hopes to persuade UK car buyers to think "about a car’s complete emissions picture, rather than just CO2 in isolation".
The Chinese owned Swedish company is suggesting the adoption of a classification scheme for new and used cars that details an engine's emissions of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates as well as CO2. Unlike carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulates are dangerous to humans.
This information is obtained by Government databases for all cars sold in the UK ever since 2001. Volvo is also releasing an application for phones and computers which aim to give drivers access to this "total emissions information". The classification scheme is similar to the one in the U.S, which gives a score from 1-10 for both a car’s "Greenhouse Gas" and "Air pollution" emissions.
Volvo's campaign comes in the wake of threats by the EU to charge fines of up to £300m on the UK because of poor air quality, in particular London which has the poorest air quality of any major European city.
According to Professor Frank Kelly of Kings College, London there are 4,300 early deaths in London every year, and 50,000 across the UK, as a result of air pollution, of which 70% comes from road transport. Professor Kelly says that the lungs of children in inner city areas are particularly vulnerable to roadside particulate pollution, which is generated almost entirely by diesel traffic.
The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. For people who reward themselves with the best in life.
"The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today's and tomorrow's Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.
Modernised, self-assured front With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the Volvo S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the Volvo C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range
Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced. The Volvo C70 The new Volvo C70 launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September 2009 has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the Volvo C70 also delivers an "I want" aura of absolute world class.
Modernised, self-assured front With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the Volvo S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the Volvo C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range
The bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.
The Scandinavian inspiration The front of the Volvo S60 Concept sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The two lamps that flank the grill emphasise the vertical stance of the front and highlight the bonnet's V-shape. The angled headlamps flow up into the strongly sculptured bonnet and combined with the lower air intake's reverse trapezoidal shape, this gives the concept car a very expressive "face".
Viewed from the side, the concept car's slim coupe roofline and window graphics are accompanied by an entirely new shoulder line, forming a gentle double wave, stretching from the headlamps all the way to the rear. Both the seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and the tread of the low-profile tyres have been specially designed, while the bronze-painted brake callipers match the "Warm Liquid Copper" livery.
The unique rear parallelogram doors offer a spectacular show when they are opened and closed. Door opening is initiated by pressing a button and the movement starts off in the traditional way. In the next phase, the forward section swings out away from the car's body and the door glides parallel with the side of the car until it reaches its end position by the rear wheel. Since the car does not have a B-pillar between the front and rear seats, this door configuration offers exceptionally generous entry and exit access.
The transparent attachment of the door mirrors illuminates and becomes part of the indicator function. The panorama roof is another ingredient that contributes to the concept car's airy Scandinavian aura.
The Viking longboats in the headlamps In each of the headlamps, the lights create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. When driving in the dark, the light is reflected from the concealed, upward-facing High Performance LED bulbs, projected ahead by the ships' filled sails. A closer look reveals more detail. The compact cooling system for the LED bulbs has protruding cooling blocks made out of aluminum, semi-visible under the ships' hulls. This design creates the illusion of shimmering glass panels that float above a dark and mysterious Scandinavian sea. The Inspiration from the racing track The tail lamps, which follow the curve of the rear shoulders, are as advanced as the headlamps. When switched off, the lamp panels show no trace of the traditional red or yellow. But when activated, the position marker lights, brake lights and turn indicators come on in their correct colours with the help of LED bulbs. The solid glass panel is sectioned into horizontal "slices" that create the visual impression of a three-dimensional architect drawing when the lights come on. At the rear there is also a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties. New technology detects pedestrians in the danger zone The Volvo S60 Concept also presents a safety innovation that can detect a pedestrian who steps out into the path of the car and the car's full braking power is automatically activated if the driver does not respond to the danger. The technology, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection, will be introduced in the all-new Volvo S60.
Elevates the brand's image The Volvo S60 Concept was created to pave the way for Volvo Cars in one of the automotive world's most focused segments, characterised by razor-sharp competition.
To give the Volvo XC60 a bolder appearance is the new R-Design option pack to be presented at the Frankfurt Motor show 2009. The Volvo XC60, which has a solid market share in the premium sport crossover segment, simply attracts attention wherever it goes but wait until you add these R-Design attributes.
Up for grabs are door mirror housings, twin chrome tailpipes, trim mouldings, décor trim in matte silk metal finish, and skid-plates. Wouldn’t you want to get a hold of these five-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels? Unique for the R-Design models, these wheels are available in the standard 18 inches size or you can opt for the 20-inch wheels. This wider dimension is new to this car model and is only available with the R-Design option pack. via:4wheelsnews
Press Release:
The Volvo XC60 R-Design makes a clear statement about true driving pleasure, a young, energetic attitude and confident success. A sporty chassis and even more direct steering ensure the driving experience matches the sporty appearance.
The Volvo XC60 is a car that has already carved out a solid market share in the premium sport oross-over segment. With its muscular curves and sharply contoured tail lamps, it attracts attention wherever it goes. The new R-Design option pack that will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 gives the car an even more purposeful and bold appearance.
"The R-Design model boosts the XC60's already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design. These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars," says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.
Confident exterior
On the outside it is easy to recognise those typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim moldings and décor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels are also unique for the R-Design models. In standard form they measure 18 inches but there is also the option of a stunning 20-inch. This dimension is new to the Volvo XC60 and is only available with the R-Design pack.
Another new feature is that the lower section of the car is now color-matched to the rest of the body on the Volvo XC60 R-Design, instead of the matte black execution of the standard model. This creates the impression that the car sits closer to the ground and gives it a more dynamic look - even though ground clearance remains unchanged.
Thrilling driving experience with excellent comfort
The R-Design chassis is stiffer, features stronger damping and has more distinct driving properties - without impacting too much on ride comfort. All passengers can still enjoy a long and pleasant ride on any type of road surface. Further, the fact that the chassis has not been lowered ensures that the Volvo XC60 R-Design maintains its ground clearance for off-road capability.
The new, more direct steering gear also significantly contributes to the driving experience. Owing to faster steering response, the driver benefits from a more alert car behaviour and more precise communication with the road surface. This in turn gives the driver the confidence to push the car to its limits and fully enjoy the sporty capabilities of the Volvo XC60 R-Design.
Modern and exclusive interior
Inside the car, exclusive metal finish is the dominant theme, with aluminum inserts in the steering wheel, door moldings and the iconic center stack. The sports pedals are made of brushed aluminum, with rubber inserts for precise grip, feel and control.
The elegant dark center stack features a décor with a circular pattern that expands outwards in a dynamic way. This pattern also reoccurs in the oblique striping of the sculpted, duo-tone seats. Further, the seats are available with the choice of two color combinations, with light beige or dark black as the main theme.
The front seats feature an advanced seat design with two firmness levels in both the backrest and seat cushions, thus providing a body hugging yet comfortable seating position during inspired driving. The sports steering wheel trimmed with perforated leather and featuring the engraved R-Design emblem is a constant reminder to the driver of the car's special character and excellent driving properties.
Volvo XC60 R-Design - An overview
Exterior:
Grille in silk metal finish with R-Design badge Front fog lamp décor in silk metal finish Door mirror housings in silk metal finish Five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels - Cratus (20 inch optional) Sill moldings in aluminum look Twin chromed tailpipes Color-matched lower body moldings. Chrome-plated rear skid-plate with black mesh Sport chassis 7 body colors to choose between including the R-Design unique color Passion red
Interior:
Sport seats for great cornering support and comfort Unique upholstery in smooth leather with a choice of two color combinations: off-black with soft beige inserts or vice versa Embossed R-Design emblem in the front backrests. Watch Dial instrument with blue gauges, unique to the R-Design model R-Design sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather Sports pedals in aluminum R-Design center stack trim with a unique décor pattern Gear selector trimmed with perforated leather Off-black sports mats
R-Design a success for Volvo Cars
R-Design was launched in 2007 to satisfy the immense interest among younger car buyers, in particular, who want to equip their cars with sporty, personalised options. With R-Design, they got access to tastefully composed options packages featuring exclusive design details and thrilling sport chassis.
Today R-Design is found across almost the entire Volvo product range in the C30, S40, V50, S80, V70, XC60 and XC90 models.
"R-Design has been a great success for Volvo Cars. This sporty, exclusive sales version has helped us attract new customer groups who would perhaps not otherwise have chosen Volvo. The introduction of the Volvo XC60 R-Design shows clearly how strongly we believe in this concept and we have noted considerable pre-launch interest in this product from our markets," says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.
Volvo is teaming up with Swedish energy utility Vattenfall to create a new plug-in hybrid. The automaker claims a new diesel/electric vehicle will emerge from the partnership and hit the market in 2012. The two companies began working together over two years ago to explore the technology that makes plug-in vehicles a reality. In conducting research, the two companies agree that these autos are not only better for the environment, but have the potential to create many new jobs with the introduction of a supporting infrastructure.
Source:Volvo via World Car Fans
Press Release
Unique co-operation on environmental cars
Volvo Cars and Vattenfall to develop new plug-in hybrid
A Volvo that can be fuelled with electricity from a standard wall socket will be a reality in 2012. Swedish energy company Vattenfall and the Volvo Car Corporation are launching an industrial joint venture partnership to introduce plug-in hybrids on the market. The ground-breaking technology will considerably lower the environmental impact from traffic. In addition, owning a plug-in hybrid vehicle will be convenient since you can fuel up at home and fuel costs are significantly lower.
In January 2007, the Volvo Car Corporation and Vattenfall launched a joint project with the aim of testing and developing plug-in technology. Now their cooperation is being taken to the next level.
"We are investing in an industrial joint venture to series-produce plug-in hybrid cars in Sweden in 2012, cars that can be powered by both electricity and diesel. This is an important business development for us and our partnership with Vattenfall allows us to take a giant step toward offering our customers cars with an even smaller environmental footprint," says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of the Volvo Car Corporation.
Vattenfall and the Volvo Car Corporation believe that series production of plug-in hybrid cars and the development of infrastructure can generate new jobs and help Sweden maintain its position at the cutting edge of advanced pro-environmental technology.
The car can be charged at home
One of the major benefits of plug-in hybrids is that they can be charged from a regular household wall socket.
"We want to reinforce electricity's importance in society and its key role in solving climate issues. Through this cooperation we hope to be able to speed up the introduction of electric cars. Together we are developing the next-generation technology based on plug-in cars and various charging alternatives," says Lars G Josefsson, President and CEO of Vattenfall.
The development of the cars is being carried out and financed jointly by the two companies. The Volvo Car Corporation will manufacture the cars and Vattenfall will develop charging systems and supply the cars with electricity.
Innovative environmental technology
Electricity is very well-suited as a power source for cars. An electric motor has a high efficiency rating and consumes roughly one-fifth the energy needed to power an engine that runs on fossil fuels. The purchase price of the plug-in hybrids will be higher than that of cars with conventional technology. Batteries are still expensive but with the car running on electricity, its fuel costs will be cut to roughly one-third compared with diesel power.
Vattenfall will offer customers the opportunity to sign an agreement for renewable electricity sourced specifically from windpower or hydropower, as an alternative to the regular mix of electricity sources. Lars G Josefsson sees many benefits from chargeable plug-in hybrids, even in cases where the electricity does not come from renewable energy sources.
"Through electric power, we avoid the emissions from each individual car. Instead of petrol or diesel, the energy is derived from a few large power sources and Vattenfall is working hard to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from all electricity production. In Sweden, virtually all Vattenfall's electricity production is emission-free," explains Lars G Josefsson.
The plug-in hybrid cars will be driven by a powerful electric motor fuelled by a lithium-ion battery. The battery takes about five hours to charge from a standard wall socket, and the battery is also charged every time the car's brakes are applied.
"Most car journeys are short trips, for instance to and from work. We will be able to offer a product that fulfils this transportation need. In order to cover longer distances as well, the car will also be equipped with one of Volvo's fuel-efficient diesel engines," says Stephen Odell.
Demonstration cars on show this summer
In the summer of 2009, three Volvo V70 demonstration cars will be presented. The demonstration cars will be used to gather information about the wishes and demands that drivers may have on the new technology, to determine their driving habits and to establish how they want to charge their cars. Vattenfall will, among other things, test various concepts for high-speed home charging and also for charging stations in public places, where owners pay to fuel with electricity instead of petrol or diesel. The cars that are planned to go into series production in 2012 will feature somewhat different technology, but the launch of the demonstration vehicles is a step towards series-producing plug-in hybrid cars specifically tailored to market needs.
