Tag Archives: Volvo
Top 4 Facts About The 2019 Volvo S60
After much speculations, the all-new 2019 Volvo S60 finally made its debut at the company’s new plant in Charleston, South Carolina. This is the first time that a vehicle under Volvo’s name will be made on the American soil.
The four-door sedan will also be the first offering from Volvo that doesn’t have a diesel powertrain option and the first to feature electric performance upgrades tuned by Polestar, Volvo’s in-house performance packages experts.
1. Exterior
The S60 segment first made its debut in 2011 and though the first-generation car was sleek and elegant, that is nothing compared to the sporty and more stylish look of the new S60.
For one, it also features “Thor’s hammer.” It has a more conservative design language than other segments in Volvo’s full lineup, and it can be traced in the flow of the body to the rear end, where it has deeper stamps and creases to lower the weight of the car. It doesn’t have the long trunk of the S90, but the style more than made up for it. At the rear end, the Volvo badge was moved from between the taillights to under the rear (compared to the S90).
2. Interior
The S60 has the Sensus, a tablet-style touchscreen found in the XC60 crossover SUV and the V60 wagon. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. All the sedans in the lineup have the standard active safety features such as the forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian, bicyclist and large animal detection.
The S60 is longer with two more inches of rear seat legroom, which is same as the larger V60. The wheelbase is measured at 113 inches with 18 inches of wheels.
3. Powertrain
There are three powertrains available for the S60. There’s the T5 that has a front-wheel-drive system and 2.0-liter turbo-4 that produces 250 horsepower, the T6 with the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that gives out 316 horsepower, and the T8, a twin-engine 2.0-liter inline-4 that’s paired to a rear electric motor that can churn out 400 horses.
4. Prices
The base model, the T5 Momentum version, is priced at $36,795. The top-of-the-line trim can cost as much as $56,000.
TheS60 will be available to order through Care By Volvo. Dealers will have them in showrooms by September.
3 Things We Need To Know About The 2019 Volvo S60
Volvo already presented the V60 before critics and car enthusiasts at this week’s 2018 Geneva Motor Show. This means that the Swedish automaker is gearing for a reveal of both the S60 and the V60 sometime soon. We’re particularly hoping that it will happen during the New York International Auto Show at the end of this month after all, both cars are tagged as 2019 models due to the showrooms later this year.
Now, Swedish website Teknikens Varld posted a photo of the new S60 from the rear, contrary to the front-facing photo that Volvo released a week ago. This means we have more info on how the 2019 Volvo S60 will look like.
1. Scaled-down S90
Just like before, the new S60 will look like a scaled-down version of the S90. This makes sense since the V60 also happens to be a miniscule V90 in design and style. The interior of the S60 should be very near what we saw in the V60’s cabin.
2. Longer model
Much like the V60, which is five inches longer than the model it replaced, the S60 will also be lengthier over the current generation S60. There’s no word yet on the size difference, but we’re expecting somewhere along the same lines of the difference between the current V60 and the new V60—yes, a whooping five inches. The extra length, at least 3.75 inches, will be distributed to the wheelbase that will increase the legroom for rear-seat passengers.
3. T5 and T6 engines
The S60 will arrive with T5 and T6 engines that will be able to produce 250 and 316 horsepower, respectively. Plug-in hybrid models are to be expected and these will use twin engines to power them up. The T8, in particular, is already in the schedule, but it won’t be available for US customers.
The new 2019 Volvo S60 will be the first model produced at Volvo’s plant in Charleston, South Carolina.
3 Important Notes About The Polestar-Tuned 2018 Volvo XC60
We know that Polestar is slowly transitioning into a standalone brand that will handle Volvo’s high-performance electrified cars. Still, this does not mean it won’t tinker with its bigger brother’s luxurious vehicles.
The Swedish brand that became known for its race-car specifications will continue to offer tuning programs and optimizations for Volvo cars. This despite the fact that the Volvo spinoff is already focusing on electric vehicles. The latest vehicle of the automaker to get a tuning program from Polestar is the 2018 Volvo XC60, or to be more specific, the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid.
1. Power up to 421 Horses
Thanks to its expertise on this particular field, Polestar managed to crank up the power of the Volvo XC60 to 421 horsepower. That’s 21 hp more than the standard XC60 T8, which is using a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged inline-4 at the front axle and an electric motor at the rear axle.
The current XC60 T8 can go 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Given that there are 21 more horses here, that start time should go down even more.
2. Better Driving Experience
Aside from adding power, there are ways that a Volvo XC60 can be more driver- and user-friendly. Thanks to Polestar’s tuner program, the XC60 T8 now has more torque in mid-range to ensure accessible thrust for daily driving modes. Pairing that up with the eight-speed automatic transmission, and you’re bound to hold a car that is quick and easy to shift for that perfect balance.
The tuner update from Polestar will bring the XC60 T8 to the level of the larger XC90 T8. Both vehicles will represent Volvo’s most powerful vehicles ever.
3. Pricing Details to Come in the Near Future
The market launch of the Polestar-tuned XC60 T8 is scheduled this fall, so pricing details are expected to be revealed around that time, too. Installation of the tuning program itself will be done in the authorized dealer’s shop.
For now, only the T8 will receive the Polestar tuner program. Soon, we’re hoping to see a similar treatment on the other trim levels such as the T6, T5, D4, and D4.
Volvo Partners with Nvidia for Self-Driving Cars
Volvo has joined the fray in the development of self-driving cars. The automaker teamed up with famous chipmaker Nvidia to give their autonomous vehicles a boost in computing power.
According to The Verge, Volvo is planning to put its self-driving cars in the road by 2021. The software for their autos will be supplied by Autoliv, a Swedish-American tech firm. Then Nvidia will offer the automaker its signature Drive PX hardware.
Drive PX is a custom hardware array specifically designed for self-driving cars. The Drive PX2 is capable of processing information from 12 video streams at once, including the data provided by LIDAR, radar and ultrasonic sensors.
Drive PX was once part of Nvidia and Volvo’s “Drive Me” program. “Drive Me” is the company’s experimental platform for autonomous cars.
The source claimed Volvo and Autoliv will be partnering up under a new company called Zenuity. The firm aims to produce self-driving car software, which will also be available for sale to other automakers. The software will provide Volvo with a revenue stream in case its self-driving cars don’t perform well in the market.
The article noted that the developments show the trend in the automotive industry. The first trend displays the tendency of car makers to form alliances in their quest to produce their own self-driving vehicles. Second is the capability of Nvidia to secure its position in the computer industry by expanding outside its usual sphere of influence.
A lot of the major players in the automotive industry have introduced their self-driving car concepts already. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Tesla and Toyota, among others, have all engaged in a race to develop the first road-worthy self-driving car. Even the tech giant Google is a contender too. Apple is rumored to be developing its own autonomous car as well.
The self-driving technology is here now. However, experts and executives of automakers have expressed their concern in the lack of infrastructure to support autonomous cars. Add to that the lack of laws that govern self-piloting vehicles in the road.
3 Major Rumors About the Volvo EV
The first Volvo EV will be made using the CMA platform currently used by the XC40 crossover.
Volvo is reportedly gearing for the release of its first electric vehicle. The Volvo EV is expected to be introduced in China.
1. Bound for Chinese Market
Since Volvo Cars is presently owned by Geely Holding Group, and the company happens to be China-based, it just makes sense that the Asian country will be the first to get the brand’s first EV. There is also the fact that the Chinese market has a strong demand for electric vehicles now because of its stricter measures to curb pollution, which further support speculations.
Citing its sources within the company, Automotive News said the car will be produced at the Luquiao plant of Volvo located in the southeastern part of China.
2. It Will Have the CMA Platform
The Volvo EV will likely ride on the CMA or Compact Modular Architecture of its maker. The platform is currently used by its compact vehicles like the XC40 crossover. The architecture was developed in partnership with Lynk & Co, which is another subsidiary of Geely.
The article claimed that the Volvo EV will be an all-new model.There is no word yet about the body type of the auto and its key specs.
The source noted that the company is looking to put at least one million electric cars on the road by 2025. The brand is aiming to be one of the major sellers of EVs going to that year.
3. Details Will Be Unraveled in Shanghai
Information about the Volvo EV is still scarce. Its maker declined to comment about it yet. However, official announcements and some details about the vehicle are expected to be made public at the auto show happening on April 21-28, 2017 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China.
Volvo Reveals V90 Cross Country To Complete Its 90 Series Line Up
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- New Volvo V90 Cross Country Driving
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- New Volvo V90 Cross Country Driving
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- New Volvo V90 Cross Country Driving
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- New Volvo V90 Cross Country Driving
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- New Volvo V90 Cross Country Driving
Volvo Cars has just unleashed its V90 Cross Country, finally completing its 90 series lineup.
Twenty years ago, the Cross Country was introduced and Volvo began being synonymous to rugged all-road, all-weather product category. This Cross Country category fulfills the automaker’s product portfolio of bringing luxury but rugged cars to buyers seeking an experience-based lifestyle.
Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Car Group, said in a press release that the V90 Cross Country has the elegance of the standard V90 turned into an all-road car that promises safety, comfort and performance.
It’s not such a surprise that this car was built in a country like Sweden, 77 percent of which is covered in forest and lakes. It also has one of the harshest winters on the planet, which means it is a natural place to test out the durability and all-weather capabilities of vehicles.
The V90 Cross Country promises this durability, and can probably prove it thanks to having to go through rigorous testing in secret facilities in the frozen north of Sweden, where the temperature is regularly at the -40 degrees Celsius levels.
But not only that, it has also been tested in the heat of the Arizona desert. Truly, the Volvo V90 Cross Country has been built to outlast every weather condition.
Inside, it’s like stepping inside a luxury sedan. The V90 Cross Country combines the best of connectivity and entertainment features that were launched in the new S90 and V90, including but not limited to high-end sound system by Bowers & Wilkins.
On the outside, its design cues have the powerful and dynamic capability, as well as the flexibility of either a rugged or elegant styling.
Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president Design at Volvo Cars, said that the V90 Cross Country will have a powerful off-road capability and an elegant and sophisticated suit.
Production of the vehicle is set to start this autumn at the Volvo Cars Torslanda Plant in Sweden.
Volvo Drops Details Of The 2017 V90 R-Design
After four short months since Volvo debuted its V90 at the 2016 Geneva International Auto Show, the automaker is now ready to reveal more details about its 2017 V90 R-Design. Under this performance model, the V90 gains a sportier appearance with a new set of wheels, new front fascia, new radiator grille and new exterior trim elements, according to a source.
There is not much under the hood, but the exterior makes up for it. A few years back, you wouldn’t find sporty and Volvo in the same sentence. That changed in recent years as Volvo is now ready to compete, thanks to its R-Design.
Let’s start on the outside. In addition to the new fascia, grille and the new set of wheels, the overall appearance of the 2017 Volvo V90 R-Design is sleeker, sportier and more sophisticated than we have ever seen Volvo try.
You’ll find the grille, air dam and air inlets all in glossy black finish. This adds a dramatic flair, increasing the appeal of the car’s front. On the rear, there’s a very little change from the regular V90, except for the glossy black insert between the slanted rectangular exhaust outlets.
There’s also the large sunroof panel that will add more spacious feel once you relax on the sporty and contoured seats that are the highlight of the R-Design’s interior. Of course, the upgraded steering wheel adds even more to the inside’s overall appearance.
Made of all black with white contrast stitching, it has a three-spoke design and features the same layout for the side spokes. The lower spoke, on the other hand, sports the “R” badge.
Aside from the steering wheel, the seats are in black leather with white contrast stitching. Volvo removed the wood inserts and replaced them with carbon fiber inserts as well that worked perfectly with the black interior.
Under the hood, it has the same powertrain as the S90 and the XC90. We can expect the turbocharged 254-horsepower T5 or the 316-horsepower T6. But since this is a performance model, it could very well produce 400 horsepower. Imagine that.
Volvo “90” Series Polestar Models Are Confirmed
Not only is Volvo’s “90” Series Polestar models confirmed, they will also produce 600 horsepower. This is after Volvo’s in-house tuner Polestar produced the S60 and V60 Polestar sedan and wagon, the company’s first dedicated performance offerings.
An official from the company has recently confirmed through a source that the development of the “90” series, which will also be receiving programming from Polestar. Volvo’s research and development head Peter Mertens said that Polestar’s versions of the S90 and the V90 will produce 600 horsepower.
This would make the two comparable to the offerings being made by Germany’s top luxury brands. What differentiates Volvo’s models would be the decision to have them come equipped with 4-cylinder based hybrid powertrains, instead of the V8 engines currently fitted in other models.
The non-Polestar S90 and V90 models we currently have in the market have the T8 Twin Engines as the most powerful drivetrains. These engines feature a turbocharged and supercharged 2-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor to produce 410 horsepower.
Mertens said the same setup would be adopted for the Polestar models, although the internal combustion component will be replaced by a new 450-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric-aided turbocharging system. The electric motor will be replaced by a more powerful 150-horsepower unit.
In 2014, Volvo already showed the 450-horsepower 4-cylinder, although no production plans have been announced yet.
There is no word yet on when Volvo is planning to launch the S90 and the V90 Polestar models. Mertens also didn’t say if these models would be available in the US, although they will assuredly be popular there since the S60 and the V60 enjoyed significant statuses there.
There is also no word yet if the XC90 would receive the Polestar treatment, although former Polestar boss Christian Dahl said it could very well happen in the future.
Volvo V40 Hinted On Snapchat
Volvo has been working on an overtime lately. Either it’s launching new products or cranking up the research on new technology, the company has certainly been very busy. Its latest pronouncement proves it is laying the groundwork for future production cars.
Its most recent V90 wagon was highly impressive, as well as the 2017 S60 Polestar sedan and its long-roof sibling, the 2017 V60 Polestar wagon.
On its latest Snapchat tease, the upcoming Volvo V40 and XC40 were hinted, a pair of smaller models that will take the lead into bringing Volvo’s return to the premium small car segment, which has been dominated by the likes of Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
There is not much we can get from the hints that came across as via the Internet through Snapchat. All Volvo deemed we deserve to know are the phrases “Teasing the future of Volvo” and “Not your daddy’s Volvo” followed by a couple of emoticons (a smiley, a kiss and a father-like shedding a tear).
We’re lucky enough to find a single promo shot of the new Volvo without the caption and the smiley. The vehicle will officially be called the “Volvo Concept 40.” Based on the teaser, it will have the same handsome design language of the new S90.
Reportedly, the concept will be unveiled at the company’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Surely, we will have more information after the unveiling, and we’ll see if it looks good in person as it does on these photos.
The new Volvo will use the brand’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which is also expected to be used by other Geely products. The concept might be the brand’s future come 2018, so look for it then. As we can well remember, the last 40-series Volvos left the US market in 2011 after several years of declining sales.
Its return might just be as memorable.