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 C30, 2007

Volvo C30, 2007

With the new C30, Volvo makes its debut in the segment for two-door premium cars.
The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, aims to give a young and dynamic group of customers "a Volvo of their own."

During the development phase of the C30 project, Volvo Car Corporation has organised customer clinics in a number of European countries. People living in urban areas with accelerating careers and an intensive lifestyle were invited to judge the car's design and technical content.

For an active life in urban areas
Volvo has focused primarily on singles, or couples without children who see the car as an entertaining tool for keeping up with their intense lives. When they buy clothing, home furnishings, or electronic devices, design and brand are very important factors - and they choose cars in the same way.

Design Concept preview in Detroit
The international customer clinics confirmed that the project was on the right track - and at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2006, Volvo offered a glimpse of the coming production model by displaying the C30 Design Concept.

The concept car was subsequently put on display at numerous auto shows, and Volvo Cars has also organised international events with specially invited guests, in cities such as Milan.

Dynamic front and fast silhouette
The design of the production-ready model is in tune with the Volvo C30 Design Concept. The front will retain its dynamic character, with the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille.

Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings in contrasting materials, and the sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the extreme boat-shape of the side windows. This is created by the narrowing roof and the wide shoulders.

The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps, and the glass tailgate. The spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate is available in two different versions.

Styling for individualists
The possibility of adapting the car to their personal taste is high on the wish list among the intended buyers.

A specially designed body kit with larger exhaust pipes is available fully colour coordinated or in dual tone. To further personalise the car, the body kit can be combined with a lowered sport chassis and 18" wheels.

The body kit is available in many colours to create a wide range of possibilities for exciting personal combinations.
Styling items available for the interior are a sport steering wheel and sport gear lever with aluminium inlays, brushed aluminium pedals, and specially designed C30 carpets.

The Volvo C30 will be introduced with, for example, an entirely new colour: Cosmic White Pearl. Equipped with the body kit in brown Java Pearl, the car will strongly recall the Volvo C30 Design Concept.

Room for four adults
The new C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seating positions in the rear seat, with generous head- and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier.

The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating centre stack clearly visible from the outside through the glass tailgate.

The centre stack is available in four different versions. Completely new is the Virtual White inlay, inspired by the modern, glossy surfaces of the worlds of sport and computers. The same material is also used in the doors.

A striking version with surf-patterned aluminium is also available as an accessory, and has been inspired by the C30 Design Concept.

Personal interior choices
The interior program has also been designed to meet the target group's expressed wishes for personal choices. Even the base program offers, for example, upholstery in red and blue. There are also black upholsteries that can be accentuated with contrasting red carpeting.

The volume target is 65,000 cars a year. Volvo expects that 75 percent of the buyers will be in Europe. The largest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, the USA, France, Sweden, and Holland.

The new C30 will make a firm impression in a segment that is new for Volvo - and the intention is that at least three out of four Volvo C30s will find customers who do not currently drive a Volvo.

Volvo V60 (2011) Stills and Wallpapers

Tags:- Volvo, Volvo V60, Volvo V60 stills, Volvo V60 pictures, Volvo V60 pics, Volvo V60 photos, Volvo V60 photogallery, Volvo V60 images, Volvo V60 interior, Volvo V60 engine, Volvo V60 dickey, Volvo V60 wallpapers, Volvo V60 walls, Volvo V60 wallz

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept, 2007

First shown at last year's SEMA show, the Caresto Hot Rod was so well received Volvo Cars brought it back for the 2007 show as a compliment to the Caresto C70 Convertible. Completely hand assembled from aluminum and carbon fiber, the Caresto Hot Rod features many Volvo parts, including the mid-engine 311-horsepower V8 engine. Craftsmanship is what sets the Caresto Hot Rod apart from many other custom cars. Precision fit and finish is evidenced on every body panel and stitch of premium leather.

Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster Concept, 2007