VOLVO

Volvo Unveils S60 Performance Concept with 330HP

Volvo’s Australian arm has pulled the wraps off a conceptual performance version of its S60 sedan. Based on the S60 T6 R Design, the S60 Performance Concept is an Australian initiative and utilizes two partnerships within the Volvo family - Polestar and Heico - for some very discreet upgrades. Polestar, which handled the performance tweaks, fine-tuned the electronic software of the T6 engine increasing output by 24HP to 330-horses and torque by 40Nm to 480Nm (354 lb-ft).
Like the R Design models, the S60 Performance show car features a lowered sports suspension that includes monotube damping at the rear, 15 per cent stiffer springs and the bushings that are 20 percent stiffer compared with the dynamic chassis in the regular S60 models.
Exterior modifications are limited to the 19-inch Heico wheels shod in Pirelli tires and the quad exhaust tail pipes.
No changes were made in the cabin, which retains the production S60’s R-Design features including the sports seats with firmer side bolstering, leather clad three-spoke steering wheel, dials with blue surrounds and aluminium ridged pedals.
“The S60 T6 already boasts excellent performance credentials and the S60 Performance Project takes that even further,” said Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid. “With the extra power, torque and unique wheels and exhaust system the S60 Performance Project really is a very special edition S60.''
Volvo has declined to confirm whether it plans to build the S60 Perfomance Concept, but sources within the company said that if there is a positive customer reaction and demand, then it might enter a limited production.

Report: Owners Leasing Cars May Be Able to Make a Profit 

With the recent surge in used car prices in the U.S., many people leasing vehicles have discovered the surprising fact that the market value of their automobiles is greater than the dealer’s quoted residual (buyout) price. All a would-be lessee needs to do is buy the car from the dealer and sell it on privately. The dealer gets the residual amount and the former lessee pockets a tidy sum.
Take the example of a 2008 Volvo XC90. With more than twelve months left on the lease, the dealer’s buyout price was a quoted US$18,500. Compare this to the amount the lessee was likely to get by selling the car privately: a far more substantial US$27,000. That’s a profit of US$8,500!
Paul Taylor, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) describes the situation thusly:
“What’s likely to happen now is [dealers have] underestimated the value of the car. So the residual price is low, and [lessees] have more incentive to purchase it. Or, buy it and then sell it.”
It’s all thanks to the undersupplied, overinflated used car market in the U.S. at the present time. Add to that the fact many lease contracts are agreed on months or even years in advance, there’s nothing the lessees can do about it.
And owners are taking notice. 21.8% of lessees now buy their cars, up from a historical average of 16.4%. Additionally, 40% of those who do buy their cars resell their cars within six months, up from 27.3%. We are living in interesting times, indeed.

Volvo to Axe S40/V50 duo from US Line-up Due to Poor Sales 

Volvo will stop selling its mid-size sedan, the S40, and its station wagon “twin”, the V50, in the USA during the 2012 MY. The reason? You guessed it; poor sales. According to Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston, US deliveries of the two models were disappointingly low with the S40 down 29% in 2010, while the V50 fared even worse, with its sales dropping by more than 50%. "It seemed American buyers weren't looking for that kind of product and for us as a car company, it's not profitable to sell something that has a declining market share”, Johnston told Autonews.
Since the V70 was also discontinued last year, that leaves Volvo with a US line-up consisting of the C30 hatchback, C70 coupe-cabriolet, S60 sedan, the S80 sedan, the XC60 SUV, the XC70 (the only station wagon) and the XC90 SUV. 

Volvo’s Pure Electric C30 Enters Production 

Volvo is starting production of the all electric version of its compact-size hatchback which, unsurprisingly, is named the C30 Electric. After testing about 50 cars since autumn 2010, mainly internally, the Swedish automaker plans to build about 250 cars by the end of 2012 (or more if there is enough interest), which will be leased in a number of European countries, including Sweden, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands. Volvo’s Australian division has also expressed interest in the car. "The C30 Electric is the next step in green motoring from Volvo,” said Volvo Car Australia Public Affairs Manager, Jaedene Hudson. “We've seen the initial information from Volvo Cars Corporation and have expressed interest in the car. The next stage will be to put together a business case to see if the car will be viable in our market,” Hudson added.
The electric vehicle’s batteries can be recharged from a normal socket, with a full charge requiring 7 hours and offering a driving range of 150 km or close to 100 miles. The C30 Electric accelerates from 0-50 km/h (0-30 mph) in 4 seconds, and its top speed reaches 130 km/h (80 mph). 

One More Time: Volvo Recalls 2012MY S60 Sedans to Fix Fuel Pumps Again 

For the second time in a month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Volvo is recalling certain 2012 model year S60 sedans because of a potential problem with the fuel pump assembly. This time, the recall affects 448 S60 saloons built from January 18, 2011, through January 28, 2011. The Swedish automaker informed the safety agency that the male part of the fuel line quick connector end shape was produced with dimensions out of specification and could detach from the engine. If this were to occur, the engine could stall while the driver may also notice a fuel smell and leakage, which could result in a fire.
The company said its dealers will replace the fuel lines free of charge with the recall expected to begin this month.
The previous recall action on the 2012MY S60 was issued on May 26 and concerned vehicles manufactured from November 18, 2010, through May 5, 2011, to update the fuel pump software because it may not be compatible with all the fuel pumps and components resulting in insufficient fuel transfer in the pump unit.

Volvo Launches Luxed up S80 Executive and Sportier-looking V70 R-Design 

Swedish carmaker Volvo is expanding its lineup with the introduction of two new models, the top-end S80 Executive sedan and the sportier loooking V70 R-Design station wagon. Starting with Volvo’s premium sedan model, a special badge on the C-pillar hints at the enhanced features inside, which include a leather wrapped instrument panel, ventilated soft leather seats with massage function, leather-covered door panels, an aluminum center console storage compartment and an analogue clock on the dashboard. The extra thick carpets and an optional fridge in the rear seat that comes with a set of Swedish crystal glasses round off the equipment upgrades.
Following the presentation of the ‘R-Design’ trim line on the C30, S40/V50, S60/V60 and XC60 series, Volvo is now offering the package on the V70 as well. The ‘R’ treatment gives the V70 a somewhat sportier look with unique exterior and interior touches, such as the metal covers of the door mirrors, which also feature built-in LED turning indicators, and the 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Interior enhancements include the black leather upholstery, leather-covered gear knob and black floor-mats with contrasting stitching. The R-Design package can be added to every driveline, including the 1.6-liter DRIVe diesel unit with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.
In addition, both the S80 Executive and the V70 R-Design come fitted as standard with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, which is available with a five-inch or a seven-inch color display, the latter in combination with a navigation system.
"Both cars are designed around the growing number of people who appreciate the possibility of tailoring their cars to suit individual tastes. The Executive version of the S80 radiates exclusive luxury while our R-Design models are developed for buyers who want an extra sporty look," said Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice president product strategy and vehicle line management at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo Boosts Output in 2012 S60 and XC60 R-Design Models 

 

At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Volvo announced that the 2012 S60 R-Design sedan and XC60 R-Design crossover will receive significant horsepower and torque increases when they go on sale in the U.S. late this summer. Both the S60 and XC60 R-Design models are powered by Volvo's most potent six-cylinder unit, the turbocharged T6 engine. Thanks to a series of upgrades, the T6 in the 2012MYs produces 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, an increase of 21 horses and 29 lb-ft (39 Nm) of torque compared to 2011 R-Design models. Maximum torque is now achieved from 3,000 rpm and remains available throughout the rev range.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission with sport mode with new valves and lower friction for faster gear changes.
The S60 and XC60 R-Design models are offered as standard with Volvo's Instant Traction and Corner Traction Control system with torque vectoring.
"The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models. Along with styling and suspension features that set them apart from other versions, our two newest R-Design models will have a higher 'fun-to-drive' quotient. I see that as a positive thing, and so will car buyers," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.
Visually, S60 and XC60 R-Design models remain unchanged from the 2011 model year. The 2012 S60 R-Design is priced in the United States at $42,275 (€29,050), while the XC60 R-Design starts from $43,150 (€29,650).

Volvo Concept Universe Hints at Design Direction for New Luxury Sedan 

Making its world premiere today at the Shanghai Auto Show is the new Volvo Concept Universe, a study for a luxury sedan model that also provides a peek at the Swedish automaker’s future design language. While Volvo did not release any technical details on the Concept Universe, the fact that it measures less than 5 meters in length points at a design study for a replacement for the firm’s S80 sedan and not a larger, Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival that the Swedish company’s Chinese owner Geely has been recently talking about.
Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said that the firm’s new concept model “offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan."
Volvo said it plans to bring the new concept sedan to Europe as well as the United States in order to “to bring it into the global context” that the company is aiming for with all of its models.
Commenting on the study, the Swedish company’s vice-president of design, Peter Horbury said: "The Concept Universe is exceptionally refined, yet with all the simplistic assets that make Volvo champions of the uncomplicated. There is a growing appreciation for this ingenious blend of design and technology among modern luxury car buyers. This trend paves the way for our success. We are convinced that our special brand of luxury has a great future.”

2012 Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 get Revised Diesel Engines and New Features 

Volvo announced that it will offer a number of upgrades for its new model year V70, XC70 and S80, including the introduction of the latest iteration of its infotainment system as well as refined D5 and D3 diesel engines with increased performance and lower fuel consumption. The V70, XC70 and S80 are the first Volvos to feature higher performance versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbodiesels. The 2.4-liter D5 diesel unit now develops 215 horsepower and 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) of torque (up 10HP and 20 Nm respectively), while posting an 8 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
For example, the S80 D5 with manual gearbox returns a combined figure of 4.9 liters/100 km (48 mpg US) and emits 129 g of CO2 per kilometer, which are identical figures to the D3-powered S80.
The 2.0-liter D3 engine continues to develop 163HP and 400 Nm of torque, but Volvo claims the driveability has been improved thanks to the fine-tuning of the turbocharger.
Styling changes are discreet and include revamped headlamps with optional active xenon lights, LED turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors (for the V70 and S80), two new wheel designs for the V70/S80 and one for the XC70, plus new colors
The new model year brings the refreshed Volvo Sensus infotainment system with a five-inch or seven-inch color screen in the upper part of the center console through which the driver can access a range of settings, such as for the Collision Warning and Pedestrian Detection systems, the Active Cruise Control, lighting, climate unit and audio system. The larger 7-inch version also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing and panorama cameras, DVD player and digital TV.
Safety upgrades include the addition of the Pedestrian Detection system with Full Auto Brake, previously presented in the S60, V60 and XC60 models. The system uses radar and a camera to monitor pedestrians in front of the car and can automatically brake the car to avoid a collision.
Other additions include the City Safety system that can help avoid low-speed rear-end collisions, offered as standard on all three models, and also the Adaptive Cruise Control system.

Heico Sportiv Redoes the Volvo XC90 SUV, Launches New Styling Package 

Seeing that Volvo will be holding on to the XC90, which has been in production since 2002, for a few more years, tuning firm Heico Sportiv decided to update its styling offerings for the crossover model. The newly developed bodykit is made from PUR-R-RIM plastic and consists of six parts. These include new front apron that replaces the series-produced central and side panels and has a stainless steel stay located in front of the cooling air outlet, side skirts that are mounted on top of the original parts and a new rear apron that accommodates the four-pipe sports exhaust system with oval chrome end tips.
"Our new bodykit intends to give dealerships an attractive opportunity to offer additional buying incentives," said Heico Sportiv CEO, Holger Hedtke. "Around the globe, the Volvo XC90 has an unwavering fan club that will certainly applaud the modern, self-assured design from Heico Sportiv."
The tuning firm’s body kit is available for all XC90s made from 2007 and onwards and will be available for order from May 2011.
The aero parts can be complemented by a set of 20-inch alloy wheels shod in beefier tires. 

Volvo C30 Electric Undergoes Harsh Winter Testing in the Extreme North 

 

One of the major fears consumers have regarding electric vehicles, besides range anxiety, is how these cars are going to function in rough weather conditions. We all know batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can affect their capacity of storing electricity. This is why Volvo is trying out its C30 Electric model in the north of Sweden, inside the Arctic Circle. Temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius are something normal in this part of the world, so Volvo engineers want to ensure the battery-powered car runs smoothly even in harsh environments.
Volvo has developed several new test methods for its electric vehicles, with the C30 Electric having to undergo over 200 different tests. "We must ensure that the C30 Electric performs as intended when driving, parking and charging in a variety of conditions, from normal to very cold or hot. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to do sub-zero temperature testing," says Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles.
To cope with freezing temperatures, the C30 Electric is equipped with three different climate systems: one for the passenger cabin, one for the battery pack and one for the electric motor and power electronics (with the latter being water-cooled). Since there is no conventional combustion engine aboard, the C30 Electric is fitted with a bio-ethanol powered heater that takes care of passenger cabin heating. The car comes equipped with a tank that can carry 14.5 liters of bio-ethanol.
This solution is used in order to save energy from the batteries for driving range. However, on short distances it is also possible to heat or cool the cabin with electricity from the battery-pack.
Under normal driving conditions, maximum range is estimated at 150 km (93 miles) on a single battery charge. However, at temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius, Volvo says the C30 Electric will cover up to 90 km (56 miles) or 80 km (49.7 miles) at -33 degrees Celsius. The car is powered by an 82kW electric motor (110HP) linked to a lithium-ion battery, which takes up to eight hours to charge completely.
The car can reach a top speed of 130 km/h (80.7 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. Scroll down to watch the Volvo C30 Electric during cold weather testing.

Volvo Recalling Seven 2011MY S40 Sedans Over Production Error, May Replace Vehicles 

In what could be one of the smallest recalls of the year, Volvo has issued a recall for seven S40 sedans from the 2011 model year in the U.S. over a production error. In a recent filling, Volvo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] that a crack may have formed on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment during the component production. Volvo said that the crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle. According to the recall notice, Volvo’s dealers will inspect the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment for cracks. The automaker said that if no crack is found, no further action is needed.
However, if the inspection reveals a crack in the side support member, given that this is a structural damage, the vehicle will immediately be taken out of service and the company will offer the owner a new replacement vehicle of equal specification.
The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 15, 2011 For more information, U.S. owners can contact Volvo’s customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.
According to Volvo, aside from the seven S40s in the U.S., 4 vehicles from Canada and 2 from Puerto Rico are also subject to the same recall. You can check out the VIN numbers of the affected models in the list below.

RECALL 241 ELIGIBLE VEHICLE LIST – VIN NUMBER
Eligible U.S. Vehicles
YV1672MS4B2541597
YV1672MS9B2541675
YV1672MSXB2541684
YV1672MS7B2541691
YV1672MS6B2541701
YV1672MS6B2542198
YV1672MS0B2542214
Eligible Canadian Vehicles
YV1672MK6B2237574
YV1672MK9B2237584
YV1672MS7B2541688
YV1672MSXB2541958
Eligible Puerto Rico Vehicles
YV1672MSXB2542513
YV1672MS2B2542523

WTCC Debut in Brazil for Polestar Racing’s Volvo C30 DRIVe 

 

The Polestar Racing prepared Volvo C30 DRIVe will make its premiere at the FIA World Touring Car Championship [WTCC] in the opening round of the 2011 season at Curitiba in Brazil this weekend. Polestar’s factory-backed C30 has already competed in the Swedish and Scandinavian Touring Car Championships, but being that the WTCC is a different beast altogether, the company said that it will not race to win this year, but to further develop the car for the 2012 season. "Volvo Cars has given us a sound mission to evaluate the championship, meaning that we are initially not focusing on results but rather on preparing a base that we could build upon for 2012. We have got an exciting and rewarding challenge ahead of us," said Christian Dahl, Managing Director of Polestar Racing.
Among other changes, Polestar Racing is readying a new engine for its WTCC C30 DRIVe.
"We are starting the season with our current two liter engine, before later in the year switching to an all-new 1.6-liter turbo engine, based on a completely new Volvo engine family. We are currently working flat out with the new engine and we are confident of our progress," said Dahl.
The company added that the the first race of the year is also going to showcase a new livery of the Volvo C30 DRIVe racing car, which is painted in Polestar’s distinctive blue hue, also featured on the 405HP C30 Polestar concept prototype.

WTCC VOLVO C30 DRIVe SPECS
Bodywork
Original bodywork reinforced with roll cage and side impact protection on the driver's side, developed in collaboration with Semcon. Aerodynamics: front air splitter, wheel arch wideners and rear wings developed by Polestar in Volvo's wind tunnel.
Engine
4-cylinder transverse all-aluminium in-line engine 1600 cc direct injected turbo, with four valves per cylinder. Original cylinder blocks and cylinder heads modified while valves, camshafts, pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft replaced with racing-specific components. Designed and tested by Polestar.
Oil
Castrol 5W-30
Power/torque (estimated) 340hp at 6000 rpm and 450Nm at 5000 pm.
Exhaust system Stainless steel, with catalytic converter.
Driveline
6-speed sequential gearbox with straight-cut gears. Front wheel drive. Mechanical differential with torque-controlled friction discs. 184 mm twin-disc carbon fibre clutch.
Oil Castrol TWS 10W-60.
Weight
1 164 kg including driver (68-75 kg)
Front suspension Öhlins MacPherson struts, developed in collaboration with Polestar. Racing-specific wishbones and adjustable anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension Multi-link system with coil springs and Öhlins shock absorbers. Racing-specific wishbones and adjustable anti-roll bar.
Front brakes Performance Friction 4-piston caliper with 332x32 mm radially ventilated discs.
Rear brakes Alcon 2-piston caliper with 290x10 mm discs. Steering servo-assisted rack and pinion steering.
Wheel rims & Tyres 17x9", Yokohama, slicks (no tread) or rain tires (treaded)