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Volvo’s 2010 C70 looks better with its roof stowed:

Why San Diego? That way you could maximize the amount of time your new C70 spends with its top down. More than three hundred days a year — probably. We say this because we saw some leaked shots of Volvo’s latest hardtop droptop a couple of weeks ago and it looked real nice with the roof stowed. Elegant even. But dude, is this Swede funny-looking with the top up. Viewed from the side, it’s hard to tell which end is which. Only the arching, over-sized headlights lend a clue.

There are some good points, like those aforementioned headlamps. And we really dig the new grill. The mirrors, wheels and rear end treatment (check those LED lights) all pass the smell test, too. But what’s up with those cheapo fog light surrounds? And you simply have to check out the thick rubber antennae to understand how awkwardly it’s placed. And again, speaking of awkward, with the top up the C70’s proportions are bizarre. We’re talking Volkswagen Eos bizzare. Make of it what you will, but we’re left with the impression that Volvo took a styling step backwards this time out.

Source Autoblog

The line between sedan and sportscar is blurring as the four-door coupe segment sweeps the industry. Shining examples like the Mercedes CLS, BMW CS concept, Aston Martin Rapide and even the Porsche Panamera.

Volvo may not be the kind of company that easily jumps on bandwagons, preferring to stick to station wagons instead, but what if the Swedish automaker that made its reputation on safety were to go head-to-head with these super-sedans? One answer could be the S60 Concept the company just unveiled in Detroit, but as much attention as that show car garnered, what you see here is an even more convincing take on the theme: meet the Volvo SC90 design study.

Conceived by Volvo designer Nouphone J. Bansasine while undertaking an internship at the company in the summer of 2007, the SC90 concept cuts a striking silhouette that only gets “more complex and fresh [on the] second read.” Far more aggressive and sharply-styled than anything we’ve seen from Volvo before, our only beef with the SC90 is that it exists only on paper. With the company’s future in jeopardy and car sales down around the world, now may not be the time to introduce a car like this… but then again, considering that the upper end of the market continues to grow, may now’s the perfect time. We’ll run with that one.

Source Autoblog

The new micro-hybrid is planned for 2011 as part of Volvo’s environmentally friendly product development.

Volvo’s product development unit is still hard at work, even as Ford has slapped a price tag on the brand. In an effort to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been working on some new highly-efficient vehicles.

In addition to the DRIVe trio of ultra-efficient diesel-powered models, Volvo is working on an all-new micro-hybrid model. Set to join the lineup in 2011, the vehicle will be available with a choice between gasoline or diesel power, and a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel-saving technology will include a start-stop system plus brake-energy regeneration to cut consumption by nearly 5 percent. We’ll see a full hybrid (with the ability to run on electric power only) in 2012 with the D5 diesel engine (Volvo’s similar battery and flexfuel /ReCharge Concept is above). A plug-in electric is also expected to follow down the road.

Source Autoblog

The first teaser images of the next Volvo concept were released hinting at the next-generation Volvo S60. The concept, which has yet to be named, will be shown for the first time at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January.

All we get to see right now is the center console that has a hand-made crystal panel. Made by Orrefors, the crystal panel appears to float above the center console and rests on rubber pads that feature lights that can be tailored to the driver’s mood.

Of course we doubt the crystal panel will make it into production but it’ll be nice to see it in action on the concept.

Press Release:

Volvo Cars engages Orrefors in work with new concept car

Volvo Cars has engaged world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors in the work with the company’s next concept car, which will be a first taste of the next-generation Volvo S60. The joint creation, a floating centre stack of hand-made Orrefors crystal, will be shown for the first time at the Detroit international motor show in January 2009.

In the concept car, the graceful, crystal-clear centre stack forms a gentle, calm wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest.

“It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car,” says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.

The crystal panel appears to float above the centre console’s smart functionality. It rests softly on rubber pads and with the help of invisible light sources the crystal’s shimmering glow can be tailored to match the driver’s mood.

“If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden’s glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are also very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency,” says Steve Mattin.

He adds: “In a concept car, you are able to release your imagination and creativity. Our iconic, super-thin centre stack was the perfect subject. We reinterpreted it and gave it a refined new form. Then it was up to Orrefors to use their superb skill to transform our exciting vision into reality.”
Handicraft down to the tiniest detail

The experts at Orrefors were keen to accept the challenge and the result is one of the most unusual and handicraft-intensive objects in the company’s 110-year history. Producing the stack was in itself a challenge beyond the ordinary – even for the experienced experts at Orrefors.

Traditionally, the moulds for the crystal are first chiselled by hand from thick planks of alder wood. After casting, the glass is carefully polished to produce its final, crystal-clear lustre.

“The undulating, slightly twisted shape and the precise dimensional requirements were two exciting challenges we had to face. Crystal is a living material, shaped by living people. We are not used to working with tolerances of tenths of a millimetre. What is more, we’re talking here about an exceptionally large piece of glass,” explains Orrefors design manager Gunilla Arvidsson.
Crystal-like future plans

In order to meet the relevant strength standards, the finished piece consists of three sections joined together at the Volvo Cars concept car workshops.

“The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We’ll have to see how our customers respond,” says Steve Mattin.
Creativity and functionality

Although the material in the centre stack radiates uninhibited artistic freedom, the functions that are integrated have been thought through in every single tiny detail.

- Beside the driver’s seat, the crystal console cuts straight through the instrument panel and its upper section forms a navigation screen at the precise height of the driver’s combined instrument.

- At the bottom, the four iconic rotating controls protrude from elegant matt-polished recesses in the glass panel. In the middle there is a removable remote control.

- The gear selector has a versatile new shape. In the horizontal position it offers drive in automatic mode. If the driver is in the mood for sporty manual gearchanges, the lever can be flipped up into the vertical position. Beside the gear selector there is also a starter button and parking brake.

- The centre console runs all the way to the rear seat backrest, and under the crystal panel between the individual seats there are two drinks holders that slide elegantly forward when required.

“We’ve put the focus on ergonomics and safety. With the combined instrument at the same height as the navigation screen, all it takes is a horizontal eye movement to switch between sources of information. Another example is that the controls used when you start and stop driving are a few centimetres from each other near the gear selector,” explains Steve Mattin.

Mutual inspiration

At the Volvo Cars design centre, exploring the glassworks in the deepest forests of southern Sweden has been a stimulating adventure.

“The clean lines of the Orrefors products have been a true source of inspiration for many years. This was perfect timing for using crystal as a material in a concept car too,” says Steve Mattin. For the Orrefors glassworks, the debut as a supplier to the car world has also served as a new creative inspiration.

“Volvo’s thin centre stack is an industrial product with an artistic yet at the same time functional form. It immediately inspires you to think of other application areas. Why not an elegant hanging ceiling light or a table-top ornament of some sort? We’ll just have to see,” says Gunilla Arvidsson.

Source: egmcartech

Not a plastic bore like the XC70, the Volvo XC60 has more in common with the XC90. It’s based on the S80 with 200mm cut out of it, and is the same dimension shorter than the XC70.

The next step up the ladder of current design director Steve Mattin’s determination to alter the perception of Volvo design DNA from ‘Do Not Abandon’ to ‘Dramatic New Approach’, it’s really quite a handsome thing. In profile, the pinched, ‘Coke bottle’ sides that first appeared on Horbury’s S80 are even more exaggerated, whilst the SUV-ubiquitous rising belt-line is here so exaggerated that views out for small people sitting in the back are less than wholesome, incurring the B-road risk of more than mud on those carpets.

Nose and rump receive the most dramatic treatment, with a more confident grille treatment complimenting the next-generation stylisation of Volvo’s signature tail lamp cluster, now incorporating running lights like a drizzle of lava flowing over those matronly hips. Not so successful is the rear bumper, which is in danger of becoming an upturned bridge too far.

Overall, however, the effect is pretty pleasing, and makes the XC60 a worthy stylistic adversary for the likes of Audi’s Q5, BMW’s horrid little X3 and the impending gleam of Mercedes’ GLK.

originally from Car Magazine

The price was announced for the Volvo C30 R-Design hatchback. Starting at $25,700 with $745 destination charges. Available features can included DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, and a Dynaudio sound system.

As reported by Michael Harley.

Following up on our story about the Volvo C30 R-Design at the New York Auto Show, Volvo announced pricing today for its sporty hatchback tunerish trim level. MSRP will be $25,700, plus destination charges of $745. Doing simple math, you can put one of these hot turbocharged Swedes in your garage at a base price of $26,445. Of course, most of you will want to add available goodies such as the DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, or the Dynaudio premium sound system…and they’ll cost you extra, which will balloon the price into what many consider too dear for a Swedish hatchback.

If a cosmetically-enhanced C30 is just your thing, however, we suggest you act fast. With a production run limited to just 400 examples, the exclusive R-Design will probably roll quickly out of showrooms starting in April.

Gallery: New York 2008: Volvo C30 R Design

Gallery: Volvo C30 R-Design

[Source: Volvo Cars of North America]

Volvo Announces Pricing for the C30 R-Design for 2008
Unique style and exclusivity starts at just $25,700*

New York, NY (March 19, 2008) – Following hot on the heels of the news of the Limited Edition C30 R-Design, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) today announced pricing for the 400 C30s that will go on sale in April. With a base MSRP of just $25,700* the Limited Edition C30 R-Design brings new levels of style and unique appointments to the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo’s lineup.

At first glance, the C30 R-Design catches the eye with its distinctive exterior enhancements. Premium touches include a matte-silver finish for the outside mirror housings, front grille surround and iconic Volvo grille “strap.” To signify that this C30 is truly special, an R-Design badge has been affixed to the grille. Customers can select from four exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey, Orinoco Blue and Passion Red. Sport Body kit, tailgate spoiler, large diameter exhaust tips, etc. are additional exterior enhancements that add to the C30 R-Design’s dynamic personality.

Stepping inside the cabin, the driver and three passengers are rewarded with sporty and premium cues befitting the stature of this truly special Volvo. Seats are swathed with off-black Flex-tech while the cushions and backrests are trimmed in contrasting crème-colored leather. The R-Design logo is embossed neatly into the front bucket seatbacks.

Inspired by Volvo’s legendary high-performance R models, the C30 R-Design sports a blue-face instrument cluster. The C30’s signature super-slim center console is finished with a unique inlay with subtle circular patterns that take the standard aluminum inlay to the next level. A special leather-wrapped steering with aluminum inlays proudly displays the R-Design logo. Additional features include sport pedals, sport shifter, and floor mats.

Like the regular production C30, the R-Design delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Equipped as a complete package which includes 18″ Atreus wheels and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 6 month introductory subscription as std. equipment, customers can select from an abbreviated list of options for the C30 R-Design including 5-speed Geartronic transmission, DVD-based navigation system with real time traffic, power driver’s seat, Climate Package, power glass moonroof, bi-xenon headlights, Serapis alloy wheels and Dynaudio premium sound system.

VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information on the entire Volvo product lineup please refer to the Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, public relations website at: http://www.volvocars-pr.com/.

* Price does not include destination charges of $745

Originally by Michael Harley from Autoblog on March 21, 2008, 6:36am

The New York Auto Show launch of the Volvo XC60, a SUV Crossover, looks the same as the Geneva unveiling, but will have no diesel option. The North American release will have a 285 HP turbocharged T6 V6, not the 185 HP turbodiesel the global version gets.

As reported by Matt Hardigree:

Remember the Volvo XC60 we showed you at the Geneva Motor Show? This new Sport Utility Crossover (SUX) is here in the states, but with some major differences. First, it’ll be sold in North American. Second, no diesels.

The global version has two turbodiesels (the D5 producing 185 HP and the 2.4D with 163 HP), but we’ll merely be getting the 285 HP turbocharged T6 V6. This is a big model for Volvo, with the company planning to sell as much as half of the 50,000 initially built in the United States. Differing it from other vehicles in the segment, AWD will be standard on all models and the new XC60 has an auto breaking features. Full press release below the jump.

Safe, stunning and smart – the new Volvo XC60 has what the crossover customer dreams about

The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world’s fastest-growing segment – dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe.
“This is not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it’s also the most stunning.
Not a bad combination, is it?” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.
The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva
in March, with the first cars reaching dealers in Europe in autumn 2008.

The “Small Premium Utility” segment is growing quickly. Within the next few years, buyers will have at least ten crossover models to choose between. By 2009, this segment is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 cars.
“In order to succeed in that kind of competition, you have to stick your chin out and create a car that stands out from the crowd. The new XC60 bases its unique appeal on the synthesis between daringly sporty design and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents,” explains Fredrik Arp.
The big safety news is City Safety – a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.
“We are first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision,” says Fredrik Arp.

Six-cylinder turbo – and two turbo diesels
The new XC60 will initially be available with the six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower and two five-cylinder turbodiesels: the D5 producing 185 and the 2.4D with 163 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants.
“Owing to its compact dimensions – the XC60 is 20 cm shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90 – it continues our range of slimmed-down car models with high energy efficiency. During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km,” reveals Fredrik Arp.
The chassis setting is aggressively sporty without losing anything in terms of comfort. Sitting behind the wheel of the new XC60 is in other words more of a driving experience, while the larger Volvo XC90 focuses more on providing a ride experience.

Target group with high demands on technology
The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.
Tongue in cheek, one might say that it’s all about consumers who’ve grown up with the microchip as a natural supplement to their breakfast cereal. They’re used to the immensely fast pace of development in the world of electronics – and every succeeding birthday has brought with it increased capacity in ever-shrinking gift packages.
When it comes to the choice of car, these consumers adopt the same view as they do for other lifecycle products, that is to say all the properties should preferably be integrated into one single attractive and intelligent package.
“One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car. It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. An all-round car for the person who lives single in the city and for the young family taking the kids for a weekend of fun and adventure,” relates Fredrik Arp. He adds:
“We’re aiming primarily at lifestyle rather than age. With the XC60 we are broadening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle. Like the Volvo C30, the XC60 plays an important role in our planned volume expansion strategy.”

Equal allocation to Europe and North America
The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. Distribution between Europe and North America is unusually uniform: about 40 percent each. The remaining 20 percent is destined for the rest of the world.
The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
“This car has a natural appeal in North America. Here in Europe it is the sporty personality in combination with the compact format that attracts new buyers, primarily women. The XC60 offers a feeling of space even though it is about 20 centimetres shorter than the XC70,” explains Fredrik Arp, and adds:
“The fact that both China and Russia are among the five largest XC60 markets is proof that these growing markets are now beginning to be really large. Both markets will now advance even higher up the sales league in the future.”
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.

[Source: Volvo]

Originally by Matt Hardigree from Jalopnik on March 20, 2008, 6:45am