Volvo Rolls Out Sportier XC60 R-Design

With the R-series sports cars eliminated from Volvo's line-up, the Swedish firm's R badge lives on as a high-end trim and equipment level that may also include some degree of chassis upgrades as is the case with the new XC60 R-Design. According to Volvo, the R-Design chassis of the XC60 is stiffer than that of the standard model, featuring stronger damping and more distinct driving properties without compromising too much on ride comfort.

Furthermore, the Swedes claim that the steering has been improved on the XC60 R-Design and is now more responsive thanks to the new, "more direct steering gear".

On the outside, the sport package adds door mirror housings, trim mouldings and decor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes plus a set of newly designed 18-inch or optionally, 20-inch alloy wheels. Another unique feature is the color-keyed lower section of the car (instead of the matte black theme of the standard model).

The XC60 R-Design's interior is also upgraded with aluminum trim inserts in the sports steering wheel, door mouldings and the centre stack which also features a different decor with a circular pattern. Other highlights include the sports pedals made of brushed aluminium, the two-tone sport seats and the specific watch dial instruments with blue gauges.

The new R-Design option pack for the XC60 will be officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales expected to start around that time.

Volvo V60 Diesel-Electric Plug-in Hybrid Returns 125 MPG, will Debut at Geneva Show

* Standard 2011 Volvo V60 shown in photos

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).

“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology”, said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

Jointly developed by Volvo and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is scheduled to enter series production in 2012.

Volvo to Cut Down its U.S. Lineup, V50 Among the First to go

With its U.S. sales steadily declining for 7 years now, Volvo has no choice but to radically rethink its strategy. The Swedish automaker is currently offering nine models in the States or about as many as Volkswagen does, but it sold almost five times fewer cars than the Germans in 2010.

Consequently, the Swedish brand, which is now owned by China's Geely, has decided to significantly reduce the number of models in its North American lineup and concentrate on best-selling vehicles in an effort to increase sales.

“Five or six is probably a good number”, said Doug Speck, head of Volvo’s operations in the U.S., in a telephone interview for Bloomberg. “We have to focus on the key segments with significant volume potential”.

Mr. Speck confirmed that the V50 estate is sure to go, although didn’t specify exactly when, saying that dealers will be notified first. The manufacturer hasn’t decided yet which other models will be phased out, but it will definitely keep the S60 sedan and the XC60 and XC90 crossovers, he added.

Volvo will also try to boost sales with more advertising and expects “double-digit” percentage growth in the U.S in 2011.

As for the near future, Mr. Speck said that Volvo will introduce hybrids and all-electric cars, but declined to say if it will bring diesels to America.

Source: Bloomberg

U.S.-spec 2012 Volvo S60 T5 Gets Lower Base Price, Special Introductory Lease Rate

Volvo's US division has dropped prices for the S60 T5 FWD model, which starts at $30,795, excluding an $875 destination fee. That’s $450 less than the previous base price. The updated offer is also accompanied by a special introductory lease rate plan of $299/month, available until February 28, 2011.

The T5’s standard equipment includes among other things, power driver seat with memory, power folding rear head restraints, front and rear sport seats, leather steering wheel with metal inlays, dual-zone air conditioning, infotainment and 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, T-Tec textile upholstery and 17-inch alloys.

There’s no shortage of safety systems as well, such as Corner Traction Control by torque vectoring, Advanced Stability Control, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) and a host of airbags.

Furthermore, the S60 includes Volvo’s Safe+Secure Coverage Plan, which means owners pay nothing to repair or maintain their vehicles for 5 year or 60,000 miles, minus when replacing the tires.

The coverage plan specifically comprises:

5 years/60,000 miles of New Car Warranty

5 years/60,000 miles of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance

5 years/60,000 miles of Wear and Tear Coverage

5 years/Unlimited miles of Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance

The S60 T5 is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, delivering 250HP and 266 lb-ft (361 Nm) of torque – or 295 lb-ft (401 Nm) in “over boost” mode. Power is sent to the front wheels through Volvo’s second-generation 6-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. The 0-to-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint takes just 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h).

Workaholism: Our Spy Photographer's Personal Car...

Out of pure courtesy we didn't ask if this is the result of one of our spy photographer's obsession with work or simply a tool that makes Gawid's job easier on the field when he is chasing around camouflaged prototypes of all sorts. But either way, the checkered spy theme on the Volvo 460 sure helps to inject some needed personality into the boxy Swedish sedan.

Volvo Recalling Thousands of S80, V70 and XC70 Models

More than 17,600 MY2008-2009 Volvo S80 sedans, V70 station-wagons and XC70 crossovers are being recalled in the States because of a potential problem with the engine cooling fan. The Swedish automaker said that due to a software programming error in the fan control module, the engine cooling fan may stop working. Depending on conditions, the driver could face reduced air conditioning performance, and/or a rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.

The recall is expected to begin in July with Volvo dealers replacing the fan control module on the affected vehicles free of charge. Concerned owners may contact Volvo for more information

directly at 1-800-458-1552 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-458-1552 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

China's Beijing Auto also Interested in Buying Volvo

A second Chinese firm has been added to the list of potential bidders for FoMoCo's Volvo division. Aside from Geely Automobiles Holdings, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday in its online edition that the Chinese government-owned Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp (BAIC) is also interested in the Swedish automaker. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the newspaper said a delegation from Beijing Auto is expected to visit Volvo's headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden as early as Thursday to meet with the firm's executives and tour its factory.

The report goes on to say that Ford has narrowed the potential buyers for Volvo to three or four interested parties. The American automaker paid 50 billion Swedish Kronas or $6.45 billion US to acquire Volvo's car operations in 1999, but now most analysts expect that Ford will sell the Swedish company for far less than $3 billion US.

Lexmaul Tweaks the Volvo V70 2.0D

The diesel-powered V70 2.0D ain't exactly the first Volvo model that leaps to mind when it comes to tuning, but this hasn't stopped Lexmaul from introducing a rather subtle performance kit for the Swedish estate. The German tuning firm's package is limited to an upgraded ECU that kicks output from 136HP and 320Nm up to 166HP and 390Nm of torque, and a set of sport springs that lowers the V70's suspension by 30mm.

Volvos Issues Recall on S40, V50, S60 and XC60 Models Over Power Seat Problems

A defective front passenger seat power system on certain Volvo models has prompted a recall of 7,420 cars from the Swedish automaker. Federal officials said that the front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and may permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum, putting them at risk of injury in a crash.

The models affected from the recall are the 2009-2011MY S40 sedan, V50 station wagon and S60 sedan, plus the 2010-2011MY XC60 crossover. Volvo said the company's dealers will inspect the front passenger side seat rails for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge.

The Swedish automaker has not yet provided a date for the scheduled recall, but owners can contact the company for more information at 1-800-458-1552 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-458-1552 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

2011 Volvo C70 Facelift Scooped Unmasked During Photo Shoot!

These days its seems like we're getting more scoop photos from blog readers and forum members than from professional spy photographers. A pair of completely undisguised 2011MY (or 2010MY) Volvo C70 facelift models were captured on film during a photo shoot somewhere in Barcelona, Spain, by an eagle-eyed member of the Swedespeed Volvo4Life forums. Looking at the camera phone photos it is clear that the redesign of the C70 coupe-convertible was stylistically influenced by the S60 Concept sports sedan that was revealed at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

Up front, the revamped C70 features a completely new fascia with more organic details and softer shapes. Changes include the new swoopy headlamps, the wider and more pronounced grille as well as the newly styled bumper. The new tail lamps, the larger Volvo name on the boot lid and the revised bumper at the back, round up the exterior styling changes - or at least that's what we gather by looking at the shots.

It's also possible that Volvo may have refreshed the hardtop convertible's interior and upgraded the chassis and/or the engine range, but we won't know for sure until the Swedish automaker reveals something official. We imagine that we'll see the 2011 C70 making its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Until then, tell us you're initial thoughts on the C70's redesign in the comment section below.