2010 Volvo XC90

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the Volvo XC90, a mid size seven-passenger SUV.



Innovative safety features aside, the 2010 XC90 is merely adequate relative to the premium mid size SUV competition. Zestier performance is available elsewhere, as are more cavernous cargo holds. With more and more modern competitors measuring up to Volvo's high safety standards, the aging XC90 isn't the slam dunk for families that Volvo products used to be. It remains capable, though, and arguably safer than ever thanks to some new tricks.



The Volvo XC90 is available in two versions: 3.2 and V8. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the 3.2 is the entry-level model and carries a 3.2-liter in line six-cylinder engine rated for 235 horsepower. Mileage suffers a bit on the XC90 V8, but the 311-hp 4.4-liter V8 provides strong acceleration, moving this 4,600-pound SUV to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard with the V8.



The 3.2 comes with five-passenger seating (with the third-row seat optional), while the V8 comes with seven-passenger seating. As this is a premium SUV, almost all major safety and convenience features are included, even on the base model. Major options include a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based navigation system, a Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound audio system and an interior air quality system, as well as an ultra-luxurious executive package for the V8 model.



Easily one of the safest SUVs on the market, the 2010 Volvo XC90 pioneered Roll Stability Control. This bit of technology uses a gyro sensor to identify every SUV owner's greatest fear, a potential rollover, and activates the stability control system to try to avert it. Another interesting feature is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which monitors images from a pair of cameras mounted in the side mirrors and warns the driver via an indicator light when another vehicle moves into the XC90's blind spot. Of course, the XC90 also provides staples like side curtain airbag protection for all three rows, anti-whiplash seats and an emergency communications system. Volvo crash safety is legendary, and indeed, this mid size SUV has scored well in NHTSA and IIHS testing.



we've found that the 2010 XC90 drives just as you'd expect a safe, heavy 2010 Volvo SUV to drive. Ride quality is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent but not particularly sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps. V8-powered models are considerably more satisfying to drive than six-cylinder XC90s.Despite its advancing age, the seven-passenger



Volvo XC90 is one of our top recommendations for families shopping for an SUV. Although its on-road performance is merely average as luxury SUVs go, the XC90 still offers a winning combination of safety, solidity and style.

Volvo Concept Universe

At the Shanghai Auto Show 2011 presents the Volvo Car Corporation, the extravagant vehicle study, Concept Universe. It is an impressive luxury sedan, which shows a new design language, but also the elegant lines of classic Volvo models considered.



The study Universe Concept was developed under the proviso to meet the highest standards of design, comfort and luxury. She glances into the future with a coupe-like roof line, while classical elements which reflect the history of Volvo.



The interior of the study is designed in a modern and comfortable ambience, everything is user friendly and easily interpreted in a refreshing way.

Report: Volvo and Pininfarina end C70 joint venture

Volvo has announced it will take sole ownership of its joint manufacturing facility with Pininfarina. The Pininfarinia Sverige AB plant in Uddevalla, Sweden, only builds the Volvo C70 convertible. According to Volvo, the changeover will take place in 2013, and the automaker will continue to build C70s at the plant.

Volvo and Pininfarina have been bedfellows at the plant since Volvo began building C70s in 2003. The car moved just over 4,000 units in 2010, down nearly two percent from the 2009 total.

[Source: Autoweek]

Volvo S60 Race Cars by K-PAX Racing

K-PAX Racing to Campaign New Volvo S60 in World Challenge GT in 2011



Englewood, Colo. (Feb. 14, 2011) - K-PAX Racing, the World Challenge GT Manufacturers' and Drivers' champion in 2010, will return to defend its titles in 2011 with two new Volvo S60s that reflect the car's recent redesign.



The new all-wheel-drive Volvo S60s will be introduced at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, in late April for the fourth round of the World Challenge schedule.



"For the first three races, we'll run the body style that took us to last year's championships," said Jim Haughey, Team Owner of K-PAX Racing. "Once fans see the new cars, I think they'll be very impressed."



The 2011 World Challenge season begins with two races in St. Petersburg, Fla., the weekend of March 25-27. The World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing series. Divided into three classes (World Challenge GT, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge Touring Car), each race features a thrilling standing start, adrenaline-filled, door-to-door action and world-class drivers.



World Challenge features cars from the world's most popular manufacturers - race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, World Challenge races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.



For more information about World Challenge, visit http://www.world-challenge.com/.



For more information on K-PAX Racing, visit http://www.kpaxracing.com/ and follow the team on Twitter @kpaxracing.

Heico Sportiv Volvo XC90

Due to its continued success, Volvo will be retaining the XC90 in its production program. HEICO SPORTIV is revitalizing the SUV's design and is now presenting an entirely new bodykit.



"There's life in the old dog yet!" could be the caption beneath the current Volvo XC90, considering the model has been on the market since 2003. Given the constant level of demand for this vehicle, however, Volvo has chosen to continue producing the Sweden SUV until model year 2014.





HEICO SPORTIV saw this as an advantageous opening and seized the opportunity to take an extremely novel step: the development of an entirely new bodykit. "Our new bodykit intends to give dealerships an attractive opportunity to offer additional buying incentives," explains HEICO SPORTIV CEO, Holger Hedtke, adding: "Around the globe, the Volvo XC90 has an unwavering fan club that will certainly applaud the modern, self-assured design from HEICO SPORTIV."



Complete and perfectly integrated.

The Volvo XC90 by HEICO SPORTIV has a perfectly integrated design. The six-part bodykit picks up on the current Volvo XC60's dynamic use of forms, fitting like a custom-made suit. The one-piece front skirt replaces the series-produced central and side panels and has a stainless steel stay located in front of the cooling air outlet. The side skirts are mounted on top of the original parts, with the rear skirt fully replacing the standard one. And - typical for HEICO SPORTIV - the rear skirt accommodates the four-pipe exhaust system with oval chrome end tips which can be extended optionally with a stainless steel inlay.



All plastic parts are produced from high quality PUR-R-RIM and are easy to fit. The HEICO SPORTIV Bodykit will be available from May 2011 for the XC90 from model year 2007 onwards and can be delivered for all engine versions.

Volvo Ocean Race limited edition models get nautical by nature

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.

[Source: Volvo]

PRESS RELEASE:

VOLVO OCEAN RACE LIMITED EDITIONS - THREE MODELS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD’S MOST CHALLENGING SAILING RACE

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most grueling sailing adventure, testing the sailing prowess and human endeavour of its participants and competing in all four corners of the globe. To celebrate the start of the fourth Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo Cars have launched three limited edition models specifically designed with the sailing adventure in mind. Design details inspired by life on board a boat help distinguish these models from their standard counterparts with unique interior and exterior refinements.

Launched at the Geneva Motorshow, three of Volvo’s models will be available in the UK with this special Ocean Race inspired specification, allowing customers to own a piece of Volvo’s involvement in the world’s most challenging of sailing events.

The Volvo Ocean Race Editions will be available to order in the new Volvo V60, XC60 and XC70 from April 2011 with customer cars expected to be delivered in July 2011. Engine availability and pricing have yet to be confirmed in the UK.

Customers can choose between two luxurious exterior colours, Volvo Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, in conjunction with the sail-inspired leather upholstery in off-black and soft beige with embossed Volvo Ocean Race Logo on the backrest of the front seats.

Other features are the uniquely designed aluminium wheels, chromed detailing and the Volvo Ocean Race emblem on the front wings.

Inside the car, the seats and door panels feature an added level of craftsmanship. The load cover displays the Volvo Ocean Race logo in print with stitching and sheet detailing, there are textile floor mats with clew-inspired (lower corner of a sail) details in aluminium and the tread plate in aluminium is embossed with the text “Volvo Ocean Race”. In addition, the Human Machine Interface start-up display shows the Volvo Ocean Race logo and text.

Volvo Cars estimates to sell about 7,500 cars globally. The four largest markets are expected to be Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy. Other markets outside Europe that will be involved in the race will also sell the Ocean Race Editions.

Facts about the race:

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most gruelling ocean adventure. An extreme race that consists of 9 legs. The Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante on October 29 and finishes in Galway, Ireland, on July 7, 2012. The Volvo Ocean Race will also stop in Cape Town (South Africa,Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajaí (Brazil), Miami (the USA), Lisbon (Portugal) and Lorient (France). The event also includes exciting inshore races in all the ports.

For more detailed information about the Volvo Ocean Race, visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com/

Paris 2010: Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design models look a good bit naughtier

We recently drove the 2011 Volvo S60 in the wilds of Oregon and came away rather impressed with both its performance and in-person aesthetics. That said, we generally don't begrudge a bit more visual aggression, and to that end, Volvo has obliged with a pair of new R-Design models here at the Paris Motor Show that includes the S60 sedan and its not-for-North-America V60, a wagon so attractive that we couldn't help but lead off our live coverage with it.

In either case, the well-integrated R-Design package consists of a distinct front fascia, rear bumper cutout with diffuser and bespoke 18-inch alloys in a fetching smoked finish. While there isn't any more power under the hood, the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six should fit the bill rather nicely, especially with its generous 325 pound-feet of torque. No word on any shift-map changes for the six-speed automatic gearbox, but what we'd really like to see for this sportier S60 is a set of paddle shifters.

That aside, R-Design models ought to handle a bit better than their more common brethren, as they hug the ground a bit more closely thanks to shorter, stiffer coils and monotube shocks. The rest of the suspension gets beefed up, too, with firmer bushings and a front strut-tower brace.

2010 Volvo XC60 Pictures

2010 Volvo XC60

2010 Volvo XC60

2010 Volvo XC60 Interior

2008 Volvo V70 3.2 Pictures

2008 Volvo V70 3.2

2008 Volvo V70 3.2

2008 Volvo V70 3.2 Interior

2008 Volvo C30 T5 Pictures

2008 Volvo C30 T5

2008 Volvo C30 T5

2008 Volvo C30 T5

Beijing 2010: Geely Gleagle GS

The first time we saw something that could roughly be equated to a sport coupe from Geely was a few years ago at the Detroit Auto Show. That red car had some enormous panel gaps and dubious styling. My, how times change. The star of Geely's new midrange Gleagle brand (we're pretty sure it doesn't come across as oddly in Chinese as it does in English) was the GS coupe.

Similar in size to Scion Tc, the GS is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline four producing 127 horsepower. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual clutch unit. If any Chinese automaker is going to make it to the U.S., Geely seems the most likely and its purchase of Volvo could even give it access to a sales network.

Geneva 2010: Volvo S60

American automakers are streamlining, big time. But we're looking at a Swedish car. In Switzerland. So what does this have to do with Detroit? Well, a lot. But not for long. Volvo's about to change hands from Ford to China's Geely, and (like fellow Swedish automaker Saab now under Spyker's wing) if it's going to survive, it'll need a solid product. This could be it.

Previewed in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the production version of the new Volvo S60 made its debut here at the Geneva Motor Show. A few details inevitably had to change on the bumpy road from concept to production, among them the anteater nose of the show car which was thankfully reshaped due to pedestrian impact requirements. And when it comes down to it, that's what Volvo's all about: safety. So it comes as little surprise that the new S60 also debuts the company's new Collision Warning system that will, if necessary, fully engage the brakes.

The S60 makes its debut in T6 guise, packing a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. More engines will be on offer worldwide once new S60 car reaches the market over the course of the coming months.

[Source: Volvo]

ALL-NEW VOLVO S60 MAKES ITS WORLD DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

• All-New Volvo S60 makes its international debut at Geneva Motor Show 2010
• New Dynamic chassis tuned for an active drive
• Features the ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake technology

Today, Tuesday 2 March 2010, the all-new Volvo S60 made its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It launches into one of the automotive world's most competitive segments backed by an elegant new coupé-like design, dynamic driving characteristics and ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection safety technology.

In its overall shape, the all-new S60 is a coupé; sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo. In its design, it promises excellent driving characteristics, even before you get behind the wheel. To deliver the highest levels of driving enjoyment, the chassis team have refined every single detail that influences a car's driving properties and fine-tuned the driving experience to offer the most dynamic ride ever seen before on a Volvo.

The all-new S60 range will be available from launch with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine, including an uprated high-performance 3.0-litre T6 petrol version with 304bhp, a 2.4-litre 205bhp D5 and a 2.0-litre 163bhp D3 powerplant. A DRIVe version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with CO2 emissions of approximately 115g/km and fuel economy of up to 65.7mpg (combined cycle, preliminary figure) will join the range later in 2011.

DESIGN
In its overall shape, the all-new S60 is a four-door coupé - sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo.

The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches all the way to the tail lamps – and the slim coupé -like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body. This creates a gentle double wave in the line from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

The S60's athletic stance is accentuated by a sculpted bonnet and short overhangs front and rear, plus what Volvo's design team calls the "racetrack" design. The car's lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.

This sporty appearance can be further enhanced with an exterior styling kit that incorporates front and rear skid plates, two frames in the lower valence, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo's designers have also used LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create distinctive, signature lights at the front and rear that make the car clearly identifiable as an S60, even in the dark.

The all-new Volvo S60 is being introduced with a range of exterior colours including two new shades: Vibrant Copper and Electrum Gold.

NEW DYNAMIC CHASSIS
The new Volvo S60 is the most sporting Volvo ever built and during the development process, the chassis team refined every single detail to fine tune the driving experience. The result of their labours is a newly-developed Dynamic chassis, standard on every new Volvo S60.

The steering gear ratio is 10 per cent faster than in previous models to give enhanced steering feel and sharper response. The steering column's thicker tubing and stiffer bushes have increased torsional rigidity by 100 per cent. This also contributes to the increased feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.

The front spring struts have thicker pistons compared with the sports chassis in the Volvo S80. The resultant 47 per cent increase of stiffness means that the body structure is better able to absorb lateral loads. The springs themselves are shorter and stiffer than before and the Eigen frequency has increased by 10 per cent. At the front, spring strut mounting stiffness has increased by 50 per cent. The front and rear subframe bushes are up to twice as stiff compared with previous models. The link arm bushings have also been optimised for sporty driving and full control.

The damper mountings at the rear are made of PUR (polyurethane) instead of rubber to provide better balance between comfort and dynamic control.

Stefan Sällqvist, responsible for the S60 chassis development explained: "We spent many weeks fine-tuning the dampers out in the English countryside. We drove on old Roman roads that have only ever received a few layers of tarmac over the centuries – a perfect environment for finding the right damping qualities."

Advanced Stability Control
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) in the all-new S60 has a number of sophisticated features to improve driving pleasure and safety. The S60 is the first saloon on the market with Volvo's Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll sensor, it's possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving that involves considerable lateral forces.

New Corner Traction Control for smoother curves
The dynamic new chassis is backed up by a range of electronic systems that further sharpen the sporty driving experience. Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car takes corners more smoothly. This technology is a further refinement of the DSTC system. When taking a curve, the car's inner driven wheel is braked at the same time as more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to take the corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

Advanced, integrated braking functions
A highly advanced braking system is an important part of the dynamic driving properties of the all-new S60. A number of features interact to provide the shortest possible stopping distance in all scenarios. Technology includes:

• Ready Alert Brakes can predict when emergency braking is needed. The brake calipers are applied lightly to the brake discs even before the driver presses the brake pedal.
• Hydraulic Brake Assist helps the driver brake in the shortest possible distance. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal fast or hard enough, Hydraulic Brake Assist can help utilise the ABS system optimally and thus shorten the overall braking distance.
• Optimised Hydraulic Brakes is a system that amplifies braking ability during firm braking by using hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.
• Fading Brake Support uses the hydraulic system to gradually build up brake pressure during long, hard braking. This helps reduce the risk of brake fade and maintains pedal feel.
• The all-new S60 is equipped with an Electronic Parking Brakeas standard.

FOUR-C as an option
All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the FOUR-C active chassis, which has been modified and refined for better control and comfort. This is an advanced, self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving situation.

With three alternative chassis settings, all it takes is for the driver to press a button to alter the car's character: Comfort, Sport or Advanced.

ENGINE RANGE
At launch, the S60 range will be available with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine. All the engines have been developed to meet the highest demands on sporty, dynamic driving with competitive fuel consumption.

All-new Volvo S60 engine programme from start of production:

Petrol engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
T6 AWD 3.0 6-cyl in-line 304 bhp 440 Nm
Diesel engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
D5 2.4 5-cyl in-line 205 bhp 420 Nm
D3 2.0 5-cyl in-line 163 bhp 400 Nm
Two five-cylinder turbo diesels
The high-performance twin turbo D5 produces 205 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 146mph (manual) and 143mph (automatic). In the most recent D5 version, introduced in spring 2009, the performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power within a broader rev range. The result is alert response and rapid acceleration at all speeds, with seamless transfers in the turbo rev range between the two turbochargers. The complementary properties of the two turbos combine high performance with lower fuel consumption of 47.9mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

Advanced fuel injection technology using piezoelectric fuel valves gives exact distribution of fuel in the combustion chamber, with efficient combustion and low emissions as a result.

Smaller displacement lowers fuel consumption
In addition there is the newly-developed 2.0-litre D3 engine producing 163hp and 400Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 137mph (manual) and 134 mph (automatic).

The new five-cylinder 2.0D is, in principle, the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox fuel consumption is now up to 54.3mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine has been optimised to offer reduced fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectrical fuel valve compared with the D5 engine. These valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in far more efficient combustion.

In order to give the car better driving properties, the turbocharger has been fine-tuned for high torque from low revs.

Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. A maintenance-free particulate filter that traps about 95 percent of the soot particles is fitted as standard in both engines.

High-performance T6 petrol engine
The 3.0-litre T6 petrol engine generates 304 hp and 440 Nm of torque, enhancing acceleration and smooth progress on the road. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 155 mph. Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 per cent to 27.7 mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gear changes than before. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.

Engines to be added during first year of production:

Petrol engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
T5 2.0 4-cyl in-line 240 bhp 320 Nm
T4 1.6 4 cyl in-line 180 bhp 240 Nm
T3 1.6 4-cyl in-line 150 bhp 240 Nm

Diesel engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
1.6 D DRIVe 1.6 4-cyl in-line 115 bhp 270 Nm
DRIVe diesel below 115 g/km
During the first year of production a DRIVe version of the all-new S60 will be introduced, featuring a new 1.6-litre diesel engine. Fuel consumption will be an impressive 65.7mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure), corresponding to CO2 emissions approximately below 115 g/km. The uprated engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Later during the first year of production, the all-new S60 will also become available with a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240 hp and torque of 320 Nm. Furthermore, there will be a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions: 180 hp (T4) and 150 hp (T3) with torque of 240 Nm.

All the GTDi engines will be available in combination with Volvo's optional automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The Powershift concept works like two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, giving quick and fuel-saving gearchanges.

Further information on these engines will be communicated at a later date.

PEDESTRIAN DETECTION WITH FULL AUTO BRAKE
The all-new Volvo S60 features the ground breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system. Pedestrian Detection consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar's task is to detect any object in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.

The full auto brake part of the technology also responds to vehicles in front that are at a standstill or that are moving in the same direction as the car fitted with the system.

The newly developed dual-mode radar's much wider field of vision ensures that pedestrians about to step into the roadway can be detected early on. The camera has higher resolution than the previous-generation auto brake which makes it possible to detect the pedestrian's pattern of movement.

"The auto-brake system requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to the advanced sensor technology used, it is now possible to increase to full braking power," explains Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

"Detecting pedestrians with sufficiently high reliability has been a complex challenge. Our innovative technology is programmed to trace a pedestrian's pattern of movement and also to calculate whether he or she is likely to step into the road in front of the car. The system can detect pedestrians who are 80 cm tall and upwards, that is to say including children."

New technology permits full braking force
In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. In order to generate an immediate, intuitive reaction, this warning resembles a brake light. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.

This technology has the same limitations as the human eye, and just like us it "sees" less well in the dark and in poor weather.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 21mph if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact. The speed reduction is up to 21mph.

Statistics reveal that the car's speed has considerable importance for the outcome of the accident. A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced. For instance, if speed is cut from 30mph to 15mph, Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is expected to reduce the fatality risk by as much as 20 per cent and in certain cases by up to 85 per cent.

City Safety
The all-new Volvo S60 also features City Safety as standard, as seen on its bigger brother - the XC60. The system can reduce or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 18mph.

Additional safety systems available:

• Driver Alert Control (DAC). A unique technology to alert tired and distracted drivers. This function monitors the car's progress between the lane markers and warns the driver if his or her driving pattern changes in a random or uncontrolled way.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) helps detect vehicles in the rear blind spot on both sides of the car. A warning lamp beside the relevant door mirror comes on to alert the driver to the danger.
• Active Bi-Xenon Lights are articulated headlights that follow the curve of the road. For best possibility illumination when driving in the dark on twisting roads.
• Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the car runs across the lane markers without the turn indicator being used.
• Advanced Side Impact Protection System
• Seat-mounted side airbags
• Improved Inflatable Curtains
• Whiplash Protection System

INSIDE THE CABIN
Drivers and passengers can experience the agile new chassis in complete comfort thanks to the spacious and refined cabin. The interior of the new S60 has been designed with driver-oriented details, but is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by 30 mm compared with the previous-generation S60.

The designers also took the exterior's racetrack inspiration into the interior of the car. "Every detail looks like it's in motion. All the lines 'embrace' the driver's cockpit. The instruments and centre stack are angled towards the driver to create a sensation of focus and control. The new dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and the new sports seats with extra side supports are standard. There isn't any compromise anywhere in the dynamic approach we adopted from the very beginning," says Jonathan Disley, head of interior design in the all-new Volvo S60.

Easily accessible storage space is another important part of interior comfort and convenience. The all-new Volvo S60 has a storage compartment behind the centre stack and another in the centre console armrest, while in the door pockets there is space for books, maps, soft-drink bottles and cans. Both the front and rear seat occupants have seat pockets within easy reach. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening has been made 100 mm wider than in the previous-generation S60.

Beige and black are the main colours of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the new highlight shade of Beechwood Brown – a tan leather upholstery that traces its proud roots back to classic Volvo models such as the P1800 ES and 164.

Clean Zone Interior gives enhanced comfort
The Electronic Climate Control system, (ECC), offers automatic control of both temperature and ventilation. The all-new Volvo S60 can be equipped with IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) which prevents particles and unpleasant odours from entering the cabin. To offer highly-sensitive passengers even better climate comfort, the system has also been equipped with Clean Zone Interior, a system based on ECC and IAQS. When the car is unlocked using the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.

The all-new Volvo S60 also features:

• Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front and operates at speeds below 18mph, all the way down to standstill.
• Optional front and rear parking sensors and a rear Park Assist camera.
• Optional camera in the front grille with a 180-degree field of vision that can 'see around the corner' to help drivers negotiate blind exits and park with greater safety.

New Infotainment system
The all-new S60 also gets a new Infotainment system that integrates information from the audio unit, navigation system, mobile phone and other functions into a five- or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. The screen is in a high position to make it easy for the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

All the functions can be controlled from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen. In addition there is a separate remote control for passengers to use. Integrated navigation with voice control is available as an option, as is the possibility of using Bluetooth to connect the driver's own mobile phone to the car's infotainment system.

One of the first cars with MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories
The all-new Volvo S60 is one of the first cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theatre markets.

MultEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin's acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound for everyone in the car.

In addition to the top-of-the line Premium Sound, which comes with a seven-inch screen, the all-new Volvo S60 is available with a choice of three other audio systems:

• Performance – with a 4x20 W amplifier, six loudspeakers and a five-inch screen.
• High Performance – with a 4x40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This system also comes with a five-inch screen.
• High Performance Multimedia – with a 4x40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This level is combined with the optional navigation system and the larger seven-inch screen.

GLOBAL SALES
The first-generation Volvo S60 was launched in 2000. It soon became Volvo Cars' most popular model, enjoying worldwide acclaim and peak sales of 110,000 cars in 2002. In total, there are about one million S60s on roads the world over today.

The initial annual global target for the all-new Volvo S60 is 90,000 cars and the car's customer base is spread unusually uniformly throughout the world. Europe (including Russia), North America, and the rest of the world will each account for about one-third of total sales. The five largest single markets will be the UK, USA, China, Russia and Sweden. The all-new Volvo S60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium and first cars will be delivered to customers in early summer 2010.

Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV Concept

As expected, Volvo brought along an all-electric C30 hatchback concept to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. While this isn't a production vehicle at this point, Volvo says the car is a fully drivable prototype with a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

We made our way down to Volvo's area here at Cobo in Detroit to check the battery-electric C30 out for ourselves, and honestly we came away impressed. As Volvo says, the C30 EV is a complete package with little evidence that it's not a production model.

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