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.

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.

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

Volvo XC60 R Design

To give the Volvo XC60 a bolder appearance is the new R-Design option pack to be presented at the Frankfurt Motor show 2009. The Volvo XC60, which has a solid market share in the premium sport crossover segment, simply attracts attention wherever it goes but wait until you add these R-Design attributes.


Up for grabs are door mirror housings, twin chrome tailpipes, trim mouldings, décor trim in matte silk metal finish, and skid-plates. Wouldn’t you want to get a hold of these five-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels? Unique for the R-Design models, these wheels are available in the standard 18 inches size or you can opt for the 20-inch wheels. This wider dimension is new to this car model and is only available with the R-Design option pack.
via:4wheelsnews




Press Release:

The Volvo XC60 R-Design makes a clear statement about true driving pleasure, a young, energetic attitude and confident success. A sporty chassis and even more direct steering ensure the driving experience matches the sporty appearance.

The Volvo XC60 is a car that has already carved out a solid market share in the premium sport oross-over segment. With its muscular curves and sharply contoured tail lamps, it attracts attention wherever it goes. The new R-Design option pack that will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 gives the car an even more purposeful and bold appearance.


"The R-Design model boosts the XC60's already sporty aura and gives the car an even more refined character in terms of both driving experience and design. These are properties that we know appeal to the discerning buyers of this type of cars," says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.

Confident exterior

On the outside it is easy to recognise those typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim moldings and décor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels are also unique for the R-Design models. In standard form they measure 18 inches but there is also the option of a stunning 20-inch. This dimension is new to the Volvo XC60 and is only available with the R-Design pack.

Another new feature is that the lower section of the car is now color-matched to the rest of the body on the Volvo XC60 R-Design, instead of the matte black execution of the standard model. This creates the impression that the car sits closer to the ground and gives it a more dynamic look - even though ground clearance remains unchanged.

Thrilling driving experience with excellent comfort

The R-Design chassis is stiffer, features stronger damping and has more distinct driving properties - without impacting too much on ride comfort. All passengers can still enjoy a long and pleasant ride on any type of road surface. Further, the fact that the chassis has not been lowered ensures that the Volvo XC60 R-Design maintains its ground clearance for off-road capability.

The new, more direct steering gear also significantly contributes to the driving experience. Owing to faster steering response, the driver benefits from a more alert car behaviour and more precise communication with the road surface. This in turn gives the driver the confidence to push the car to its limits and fully enjoy the sporty capabilities of the Volvo XC60 R-Design.

Modern and exclusive interior

Inside the car, exclusive metal finish is the dominant theme, with aluminum inserts in the steering wheel, door moldings and the iconic center stack. The sports pedals are made of brushed aluminum, with rubber inserts for precise grip, feel and control.

The elegant dark center stack features a décor with a circular pattern that expands outwards in a dynamic way. This pattern also reoccurs in the oblique striping of the sculpted, duo-tone seats. Further, the seats are available with the choice of two color combinations, with light beige or dark black as the main theme.

The front seats feature an advanced seat design with two firmness levels in both the backrest and seat cushions, thus providing a body hugging yet comfortable seating position during inspired driving. The sports steering wheel trimmed with perforated leather and featuring the engraved R-Design emblem is a constant reminder to the driver of the car's special character and excellent driving properties.

Volvo XC60 R-Design - An overview

Exterior:

Grille in silk metal finish with R-Design badge
Front fog lamp décor in silk metal finish
Door mirror housings in silk metal finish
Five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels - Cratus (20 inch optional)
Sill moldings in aluminum look
Twin chromed tailpipes
Color-matched lower body moldings.
Chrome-plated rear skid-plate with black mesh
Sport chassis
7 body colors to choose between including the R-Design unique color Passion red

Interior:

Sport seats for great cornering support and comfort
Unique upholstery in smooth leather with a choice of two color combinations: off-black with soft beige inserts or vice versa
Embossed R-Design emblem in the front backrests.
Watch Dial instrument with blue gauges, unique to the R-Design model
R-Design sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather
Sports pedals in aluminum
R-Design center stack trim with a unique décor pattern
Gear selector trimmed with perforated leather
Off-black sports mats

R-Design a success for Volvo Cars

R-Design was launched in 2007 to satisfy the immense interest among younger car buyers, in particular, who want to equip their cars with sporty, personalised options. With R-Design, they got access to tastefully composed options packages featuring exclusive design details and thrilling sport chassis.

Today R-Design is found across almost the entire Volvo product range in the C30, S40, V50, S80, V70, XC60 and XC90 models.

"R-Design has been a great success for Volvo Cars. This sporty, exclusive sales version has helped us attract new customer groups who would perhaps not otherwise have chosen Volvo. The introduction of the Volvo XC60 R-Design shows clearly how strongly we believe in this concept and we have noted considerable pre-launch interest in this product from our markets," says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.

Volvo Releases initials details for new plug-in hybrid due in 2012

　
Volvo is teaming up with Swedish energy utility Vattenfall to create a new plug-in hybrid. The automaker claims a new diesel/electric vehicle will emerge from the partnership and hit the market in 2012.

The two companies began working together over two years ago to explore the technology that makes plug-in vehicles a reality. In conducting research, the two companies agree that these autos are not only better for the environment, but have the potential to create many new jobs with the introduction of a supporting infrastructure.












Source:Volvo via World Car Fans


Press Release

Unique co-operation on environmental cars

Volvo Cars and Vattenfall to develop new plug-in hybrid

A Volvo that can be fuelled with electricity from a standard wall socket will be a reality in 2012. Swedish energy company Vattenfall and the Volvo Car Corporation are launching an industrial joint venture partnership to introduce plug-in hybrids on the market. The ground-breaking technology will considerably lower the environmental impact from traffic. In addition, owning a plug-in hybrid vehicle will be convenient since you can fuel up at home and fuel costs are significantly lower.

In January 2007, the Volvo Car Corporation and Vattenfall launched a joint project with the aim of testing and developing plug-in technology. Now their cooperation is being taken to the next level.

"We are investing in an industrial joint venture to series-produce plug-in hybrid cars in Sweden in 2012, cars that can be powered by both electricity and diesel. This is an important business development for us and our partnership with Vattenfall allows us to take a giant step toward offering our customers cars with an even smaller environmental footprint," says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of the Volvo Car Corporation.

Vattenfall and the Volvo Car Corporation believe that series production of plug-in hybrid cars and the development of infrastructure can generate new jobs and help Sweden maintain its position at the cutting edge of advanced pro-environmental technology.

The car can be charged at home

One of the major benefits of plug-in hybrids is that they can be charged from a regular household wall socket.

"We want to reinforce electricity's importance in society and its key role in solving climate issues. Through this cooperation we hope to be able to speed up the introduction of electric cars. Together we are developing the next-generation technology based on plug-in cars and various charging alternatives," says Lars G Josefsson, President and CEO of Vattenfall.

The development of the cars is being carried out and financed jointly by the two companies. The Volvo Car Corporation will manufacture the cars and Vattenfall will develop charging systems and supply the cars with electricity.

Innovative environmental technology

Electricity is very well-suited as a power source for cars. An electric motor has a high efficiency rating and consumes roughly one-fifth the energy needed to power an engine that runs on fossil fuels. The purchase price of the plug-in hybrids will be higher than that of cars with conventional technology. Batteries are still expensive but with the car running on electricity, its fuel costs will be cut to roughly one-third compared with diesel power.

Vattenfall will offer customers the opportunity to sign an agreement for renewable electricity sourced specifically from windpower or hydropower, as an alternative to the regular mix of electricity sources. Lars G Josefsson sees many benefits from chargeable plug-in hybrids, even in cases where the electricity does not come from renewable energy sources.

"Through electric power, we avoid the emissions from each individual car. Instead of petrol or diesel, the energy is derived from a few large power sources and Vattenfall is working hard to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from all electricity production. In Sweden, virtually all Vattenfall's electricity production is emission-free," explains Lars G Josefsson.

The plug-in hybrid cars will be driven by a powerful electric motor fuelled by a lithium-ion battery. The battery takes about five hours to charge from a standard wall socket, and the battery is also charged every time the car's brakes are applied.

"Most car journeys are short trips, for instance to and from work. We will be able to offer a product that fulfils this transportation need. In order to cover longer distances as well, the car will also be equipped with one of Volvo's fuel-efficient diesel engines," says Stephen Odell.

Demonstration cars on show this summer

In the summer of 2009, three Volvo V70 demonstration cars will be presented. The demonstration cars will be used to gather information about the wishes and demands that drivers may have on the new technology, to determine their driving habits and to establish how they want to charge their cars. Vattenfall will, among other things, test various concepts for high-speed home charging and also for charging stations in public places, where owners pay to fuel with electricity instead of petrol or diesel. The cars that are planned to go into series production in 2012 will feature somewhat different technology, but the launch of the demonstration vehicles is a step towards series-producing plug-in hybrid cars specifically tailored to market needs.

Volvo Launches Free PC Download Game - with Video

Volvo has launched a PC-based video-game, featuring Volvo models past and present, that can be downloaded for free from its website.





The video-game, simply called Volvo - The Game, was developed in collaboration with SimBin Studios, a Swedish video-game design company. The game features six current and classic Volvo models. These include the new S60 Concept, the S40, C30, the previous generation S60, the old Volvo 850 and a Volvo 240 Turbo Group A.



　

Volvo has made the game as realistic as possible, with each model bestowed with its real-world driving characteristics, including engine sound.





The game can be played on any PC using keyboard commands. For a better experience, using a steering wheel and pedals gaming accessory is recommended.



To download the game, go to www.volvocars.com/game.













Press Release

'Volvo - The Game' released on Internet today

Volvo - The Game: the exciting new challenge for everyone who enjoys racing games is being released today. It features all of Volvo's racing legends over the years and also introduces a new star: the Volvo S60 Concept. Just download the game, select your favourite Volvo and test your skills on one of the two highly authentic tracks. The game has been developed together with SimBin Studios.

One person who will definitely play Volvo - The Game is Swedish racing star Robert Dahlgren. He has achieved immense success for Volvo in the STCC - the Swedish Touring Car Championship - since 2004. His current racing car is a Volvo C30.

Like most other professional racing drivers, Robert Dahlgren uses virtual racing games to train when the racing season comes to an end. "Playing racing games helps me train my ability to concentrate and to maintain my level of concentration over many laps," says Robert Dahlgren.

Volvo - The Game features six different cars and the race is run on two authentically reproduced racing tracks.

The six racing cars are the stars. The lead roles are played by the Volvo S60 Concept, the Volvo C30 that is currently competing in the STCC, the previous Volvo S60 that also competed in the STCC, the Volvo S40 that notched up many notable successes in the BTCC (the British Touring Car Championship), the Volvo 850- the estate car that became a legend in the BTCC - and finally a true racing classic from the past, a Volvo 240 Turbo Group A.

The two tracks are the Gothenburg Eco Drive Arena in Göteborg, Sweden and Chayka outside Kiev in the Ukraine. Volvo - The Game is the only virtual racing game in the world to feature the Ukrainian racing track.

STCC game inspired

The idea behind Volvo - The Game was born in autumn 2008 when the STCC game was released. The STCC game inspired Pontus Berger, who at the time worked with licensing issues at Volvo Cars. He contacted SimBin. His question was simple: "Can you make a PC-based racing game that has broad public appeal, features only Volvo models and introduces our new concept car, the Volvo S60 Concept?"

A team of 15-20 people worked together to create Volvo - The Game. The aim was to make it as realistic as possible. The game developers have invested huge numbers of hours in getting all the details exactly right. Just "building" a car for a racing game takes about one month.

True to form, the six cars each have different driving characteristics. It's almost like getting behind the wheel, which is rather unusual in car games. The classic Volvo 240 Turbo Group A, for instance, has entirely different driving characteristics compared with the latest newcomer, the Volvo S60 Concept.

In order to recreate the older cars' interiors as authentically as possible, the designers visited the Volvo Museum to study the former racing legends.

"In terms of audio quality we're also remarkably close to reality. One example is the S40. For that car we pulled one of the race cars out of hibernation last autumn and gave it a thorough full-speed workout, recording the engine sound straight from the racing track," explains Magnus Ling Executive Vice President at SimBin.

The two racing tracks have been reproduced with faithful detail and immense precision. It takes about 1000 hours to create a virtual racing track. Even the kerbs alongside the track have to be of exactly the right height. Many of the people playing the game are experts - and they are very particular about the tiniest details.

Robert Dahlgren is convinced that his own Volvo C30 will be the best car in the game. But he will of course be testing them all, and one of the contenders seems to be exerting a particular attraction.

"How cool is it going to be to race the Volvo 240 on the Gothenburg track! When I was growing up, all my friends were driving 240s. But not me. I was out competing. Now I finally get the chance," says an eager Robert Dahlgren.

Authentic feel

The aim of the game is to reach out to a broad public. A seven-year-old can have fun with it but in order to truly get the most out of the game's many advanced features, players really should be a few years older.

For the most authentic feel, Volvo - The Game should be played with a steering wheel and pedals connected to the computer. However, it is also possible to operate the car via the PC's keyboard or with a game-pad. The game offers a choice of skill levels: "novice with all the driver assistance technology activated such as ABS brakes, "semi-pro", and finally "pro" where there is no assistance whatsoever.

It is possible to select the Volvo of your choice, compete against your own best times and have the track all to yourself. Or you can compete against up to eleven computer-controlled competitors. There are several alternative settings for graphics and sound. For instance, the star, the Volvo S60 Concept, will be available in two versions - "natural" and racing.



Footnote: Volvo - The Game can be downloaded free of charge to your own PC www.volvocars.com/game (English version). The game is available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Go to volvocars

via:World Car Fans

Volvo P1800 - by Vöcks and Vizualtech!

Bilbyggargeniet Mattias Vöcks to put teeth in a Volvo P1800 and inspiration to help, he has illustrations from the talented Bo Zolland on Vizualtech. Original lines are maintained, but technically, it is only modern stuff, and under the hood ...


The original lines from Pelle Petterson has been modified by Bo Zolland on Vizualtech. Wheel Houses are promoted and the front extended by 70 millimeters, among others. CLICK FOR LARGE


Just as well that we reveal it directly - Vöcks Mattias has plans to cut down a Volvo V8 engine with turbo's rebuilt P1800. The goal is to squeeze out of 550 - 600 hp! To get a little alert character Mattias has also been looking up a manual, sexväxlad box to the Yamaha engine.


The basic idea of the whole project is to build a modern GT wagon with solid performance whilst retaining the classic look. Bo Zolland of the company Vizualtech in Umeå have helped with their virtual magic wand and created the illustrations that are almost photo realistic.


Looking closely at the illustrations are the basic features remain, but the front is extended 70 mm and the wheel arches are promoted, bars gone. The boxes are glued and rear window is an integral part of the roof. The front is partially modified, new lights front and rear, rear diffuser, flat underside, and more - and more!


According to Bo Zollands illustration will be back window into a full glass roof that becomes an integral part. The more you look, the more fun features are found. Mattias Vöcks might imagine a little series - if interested? CLICK FOR LARGE


Construction is underway and can be followed on Mattias Vöcks website, where there also are plenty of photos and documentation of his previous projects. Anyone who wants to look at more fantastic illustrations from Bo Zolland can jump to his funky website at this link.
via:automotorsport




Other article:
Very First Volvo Reborn as A Street Rod
Volvo Cars to build 15 millionth vehicle
Volvo C30 Concept

Volvo V70 pickup aka Volvomino

Bo Zollands tough V70 pickup
Sure would V70 a good fit as tough pickup? And probably, it could be tuned V8 and rear drive? It seems in all cases well-known illustrator Bo Zolland.

Sure, we know that DALESMAN Fordonsteknik already built pickuper both XC90 and XC70. Nice cars, which rolls on the road.
Bo Zolland have bolted the idea for a lap at its Drafting tables. He envisages a sporty and tougher V70, which could compete with, for example, Pontiac G8 ST.
Under the hood of course Volvo's Yamaha-tuned V8 appropriate, drive converted to rear operations.
Source: bilsport.se

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