2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Wagon: A Hint Of Things To Come?

After nearly a year of waiting, Volvo has announced the full specifications and pricing of its first plug-in hybrid car, the 2012 Volvo V60 Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Wagon.

Last February, we were invited to Sweden to get an exclusive sneak peak of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid Wagon concept. Then in June we were given the chance to get behind the wheel of one of Volvo’s early prototype cars at the 2012 Challenge Bibendum

Now we can tell you about our pre-launch visit to Gothenburg, where Volvo executives displayed the production V60 Plug-in Hybrid wagon for the first time, strongly hinting that the V60 Plug-in Hybrid isn’t going to be the only plug-in hybrid we’ll see from those Swedish chefs of safety in the coming months. 


A Series Of Firsts, With No Compromise

Volvo is visibly proud of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid Wagon. While it might not be the first plug-in car to the market, Volvo executives are keen to point out that the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a first in several other key areas.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1070543_volvo-v60-plug-in-hybrid-wagon-a-hint-of-things-to-come

Volvo Dealers in Chicago

Volvo Shows Four Possible Design Directions for Next-Gen XC90

While Volvo’s stand at the 2011 Los Angeles auto show didn’t house anything we haven’t seen before (save a sassy version of the doomed C70 convertible), we did see some interesting stuff at the company’s slick Camarillo, California, design studio just prior to the show. There we got a peek at these four sketches, which show possible design directions for next-generation XC90 crossover. On first glance, they all look roughly the same, but closer inspection reveals variations in everything from the size and shape of the signature taillamps to the C-pillar treatment to the varying degrees of angularity in the overall shapes. All, however, look far more modern than today’s XC90, which has been on the market since 2002.

Volvo didn’t so much as hint about which of the four is most likely to get the green light, but it did say that the XC90 will be the first vehicle built on Volvo’s upcoming Scalable Platform Architecture. Also, in accordance with its previously announced future powertrain strategy, the next XC90 will feature only four-cylinder engines. Given the XC90’s size, you can expect direct injection and copious amounts of turbocharging, and possibly even some version of the kinetic energy recovery system that the firm is currently testing. Volvo wouldn’t comment on a hybrid version, but since the SPA platform is designed to handle all extents of electrification, you can bet your last Swedish fish there will be one. We were told that the next-gen XC90 will bow sometime in 2014.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/volvo-shows-four-possible-design-directions-for-next-gen-xc90/

Limited-Edition 2012 Volvo C70 Inscription to Debut at L.A.; 500 Examples Coming to U.S.

Volvo’s C70 folding hardtop convertible may soon go the way of the dodo, but at least it’s going out in style: This limited-edition 2012 C70 Inscription will debut at the upcoming L.A. auto show before going on sale next year. Volvo describes the Inscription as “perhaps the ultimate expression of [our] iconic hardtop convertible.” Iconic? Probably not. Ultimate expression? We’ll play along: The car bundles not only the typical special-model styling upgrades, but a healthy power boost as well.

Cosmetically, the Inscription gets a gloss-black grille, black 18-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler, and is available only in Ice White or Black Sapphire Metallic. LED daytime running lights and xenon active headlamps are standard. It’s the interior, however, that really sets the C70 Inscription apart. The seats are upholstered in “Sovereign Hide,” and the dash is wrapped in leather and features contrasting stitching. In case the fancy interior trappings fail to remind of the Inscription’s specialness, Volvo embroidered “Inscription” onto the headrests and also throws in special floor mats and a unique handbrake lever.

The Volvo C70 may be a looker—even more so after its recent refresh for 2011—but the folding hard top and structural bracing mean it’s not exactly light or lithe. Reinforcing the standard car’s relaxed attitude is its 227-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels through a five-speed automatic. For the Inscription, Volvo squeezed out an additional 23 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque from the turbo five (for new sums of 250 hp and 273 lb-ft). The power bump comes courtesy of some ECU tuning by Volvo’s racing partner, Polestar.

Volvo has yet to announce pricing for the C70 Inscription, but it will undoubtedly carry a nice premium over the C70’s $40,825 base price. The company is planning a 2000-car global production run, with 500 of those units slated for the U.S. The limited production numbers and unique features ensure exclusivity, and make the Inscription an enticing swan song for Volvo’s attractive boulevardier.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/limited-edition-2012-volvo-c70-inscription-to-debut-at-l-a-500-examples-coming-to-u-s/

REVIEWS: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD - Four Seasons Update - October 2011

Months in Fleet: 6
Miles to date: 14,960

The Volvo S60 has now spent half a year with Automobile Magazine and has settled comfortably into its role in the Four Seasons fleet. Neither a sports car nor a utility vehicle, the S60 is the car of choice when a comfortable all-around cruiser that seats four and can provide some entertainment is what's needed.

The S60 has proved so capable and comfortable that it has even enticed some editors to go on jaunts that they weren't intending. Such was the case with web editor Ben Timmins, who recently had the S60 in his possession on a weekday evening: "Yesterday I found out that a movie I want to see was only showing at a theatre in Lansing, about an hour away. Most of the time I wouldn't think of driving there at the last minute, but it was a no-brainer with the S60. The car is capable and comfortable, powerful and confident. The miles rack up in that vehicle at a staggering pace."

And the S60 is also a car whose performance potential can sneak up on you, as copy editor Rusty Blackwell reported after having the S60 in his care one recent weekend: "My wife drove the Volvo to church on Sunday. When she got home, she asked, 'Uh, what kind of engine is in this?!' 'A turbo six-cylinder.' 'Oh, well I looked down at one point on Pleasant Lake Road [which has a 55-mph speed limit] and caught myself going 80!' She rarely goes faster than 60 mph on roads like that. This car is definitely a silky-smooth cruiser."

There are still some lingering complaints with the S60's various interfaces: you can't power-adjust the seat cushion and seatback at the same time, which makes installing child seats a slightly more time-consuming task (because we never want to take 10 more seconds to do a job than we have to!). One driver couldn't get the auto up/down button on the driver's window to work properly. The steering column doesn't telescope away far enough for some drivers. The power button on the radio mutes the sound, but doesn't actually turn the radio on and off.

Most of those complaints have been more than offset by the general praise for the handling characteristics and interior of the car. There have been, however, a few staffers who long for an S60 with a manual transmission. A manual is not likely ever to be an option in this car -- there would likely be little demand and it would not be economically feasible for the automaker. Still, a set of paddleshifters for the automatic transmission would be a nice compromise for enthusiast drivers.

Read more: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1110_2012_volvo_s60_t6_awd_october_update/index.html#ixzz1ckew9Jsz

Plan On Crashing Your Plug-In Car? Volvo Will Keep You Safe

Cars of today are immeasurably safer than those even a decade ago, and manufacturers have been working very carefully to ensure that the different requirements of electric car construction don't mean taking a step back in safety.

Volvo has always been known for safety and its plug-in cars are no different. They've already proven the safety of the C30 electric car and now it's the turn of the V60 plug-in hybrid to hit the wall.

In fact, it's the wall that hits the car in this latest test.

As with many electric vehicles, the battery pack is mounted below the trunk floor. This is great for practicality as it ensures space is retained in the cabin, but it does make the pack vulnerable in a rear impact.

As a result, Volvo has been carefully working for years now on making sure the batteries aren't compromised in a rear impact. And as you can see in the video below, the pack manages to keep its structure despite being hit hard at 50mph by a non-deformable sled. Controlled deformation protects the pack and other areas are reinforced. Sensors monitor the impact's severity and immediately shut off power supply, and even if the battery is breached and gas escapes, it's directed away from the occupants inside the car.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1067723_plan-on-crashing-your-plug-in-car-volvo-will-keep-you-safe

GreenCarReports: 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Confirmed For Europe, U.S. Will Have To Wait

By Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield

Volvo has just confirmed that its first ever plug-in hybrid electric car -- and the world’s first plug-in hybrid station wagon -- will go on sale in early 2012. 

But the Swedish automaker has reiterated that while Europeans will get the Diesel-electric through-the-road plug-in hybrid, there are no plans to introduce it to the U.S. market in its current form.

We were among the first to get a sneak peak of Volvo’s compact plug-in station wagon at an exclusive pre-Geneva Motor Show preview event, and you told us that you wanted to know more about its high fuel economy figures, towing capability and electronic all-wheel-drive capabilities.

But the news from Volvo wasn’t good. It didn’t think the U.S. was ready for a diesel plug-in hybrid, executives said.

You told us otherwise, so the next time we saw the Volvo executives responsible for the V60 Plug-in hybrid -- this time for an exclusive fist-ride report of one of its pre-production prototypes  -- we asked them to reconsider the U.S. market.

Then in June Volvo CEO hinted that the V60 Plug-in Hybrid would be getting a gasoline make-over for the U.S. market, with the first cars due some time in 2013, making us think that Volvo had listened to its fans.

Now we’re not so sure. In a conversation with Volvo representatives in Europe, we were told that there’s no firm plans yet to bring the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid to the U.S.

“It was speculated a few months ago when the CEO was in the U.S. on a trip,” said a Volvo spokesperson. “But never confirmed.”

With Volvo representatives remaining tight-lipped about the future for the V60 Plug-in Hybrid outside of Europe, we’re afraid you may be in for a wait if you want a station wagon that can tow, gets good gas mileage and plugs in too.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1067401_2012-volvo-v60-plug-in-hybrid-confirmed-for-europe-u-s-will-have-to-wait

Current Volvo C70 Convertible Likely Dead in 2013, Status of Replacement Uncertain

Volvo’s compact S40 and V50 have already been canceled, and the long-term future of the C70 convertible—which shares a platform with those two cars—was put into jeopardy today: The company announced that the factory producing it will close at the end of 2013. The Uddavella factory is owned jointly by Pininfarina and Volvo, but Volvo takes sole ownership when the cooperative agreement expires in two years. In a statement released today, CEO Stefan Jacoby said “The low volumes in the Uddevalla plant do not justify continued production.”

Company sources have told us that it is possible for Volvo to continue building the C70 at another facility, but a decision about its survival hasn’t yet been made. But Jacoby’s own remark in today’s press release seems to seal the current car’s fate. “We will now look into when a next-generation Volvo convertible can be on the market and where it should be manufactured,” he said, leading us to believe that production of the current car will end when the factory is shuttered.

When the cancellation of the S40 was announced in June, a spokesperson told us that the C70 and the compact C30 hatchback had never been intended to be much more than niche products. But the C70′s sales weren’t sufficient to justify an entire factory, and indeed the sales numbers may be too slim to justify even “niche” status for Volvo and its Chinese parent Geely.

While it will probably be many years until a new Volvo convertible arrives—if one does at all—we expect that it would use the automaker’s upcoming Scalable Platform Architecture. This new platform underpinned Volvo’s Concept You, which debuted at this year’s Frankfurt auto show.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/current-volvo-c70-convertible-likely-dead-in-2013-status-of-replacement-uncertain/

2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD - Long-Term Road Test Intro

Date: September 2011
Months in Fleet: 3 months
Current Mileage: 6306 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 23 mpg
Average Range: 410 miles
Service: $0
Normal Wear: $0
Repair: $0

Last year’s purchase of Volvo by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited can be summed up in two words, which also happen to be one translation of Geely’s Mandarin name: good luck. The double whammy of a global recession and anxiety over the transaction prompted a near-death experience for the venerable Swedish brand. Only 21,423 Volvos were delivered in the U.S. in 2010, down by more than 100,000 units from the decade’s highest mark.

Now that customers have begun returning to the fold, bumping up sales by a factor of three, we deemed it safe to spend some quality time with the newest and possibly best Volvo on the market. The S60 is as close as Volvo has ever dared venture in the BMW direction. It’s conveniently sized, nicely designed, and endowed with ample power and traction. So we added an Ice White 2012 model to our long-term fleet, conducted the usual welcome-aboard performance assessment, and started scribbling insightful observations into its logbook. We have our fingers crossed in hopes of a pleasant long-term relationship.

Passing on the Five, but Not Much Else

For 2012, the S60’s engine choices grew from one to two. A turbocharged five-cylinder now sits at the bottom of the lineup, but we opted for the T6, powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged-and-intercooled inline-six. The R-Design, a late arrival for the 2012 model year, adds another 25 hp to the six’s chart. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. It and the inline-six are bolted end to end and crammed sideways under the S60’s hood. Two ill effects resulting from this arrangement are an unwieldy 39-foot turning circle and front wheels that are burdened with nearly two-thirds of the total curb weight. To help avoid the crippling understeer that’s inevitable with 325 lb-ft of torque routed through the front axle, all T6 S60s are all-wheel drive.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q3/2012_volvo_s60_t6_awd-long-term_road_test_intro

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Volvo Concept You - Beauty shot, Interior

Volvo Gives a Glimpse at Frankfurt “Concept You” in New Video

Volvo has released a video clip previewing the Concept You it’s bringing to the 2011 Frankfurt auto show next week, and the car looks like an evolution of the automaker’s recent Concept Universe. In fact, we think it might be just a slightly tweaked version of the Universe, which was unveiled at this year’s Shanghai auto show. At that show Volvo played up the Universe’s China-centric design and importance, but promised it would show the concept in other parts of the world later.

The You’s front end—it is shown briefly as a sketch during the clip—wears a look that is very similar to that of the Universe, but with more traditional Volvo detailing. The Universe’s strange grille slats and headlight design gives way to Volvo’s signature eggcrate grille and headlights that feature what look like horizontal rows of LEDs on the You. The You’s hood even features a Universe-like semi-circular power dome on the hood. If the You is an extension of the Universe, we hope it looks more interesting; we described that car as being “styled with all the innovation of a Top 40 pop song.” We will have to wait and see what Volvo’s Concept You has in store when it is unveiled in Frankfurt.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/volvo-gives-a-glimpse-at-frankfurt-concept-you-in-new-video/

Volvo S60 "Wrestler"

Want to see a what a Volvo and a wrestler have in common? Check out this new film which talks about our range of new engines and you'll get the idea pretty quickly. Turn the sound up to get full effect and see how you'd go as a wrestling announcer.

Find out more about your Volvo S60 here: http://www.volvocars.com/intl/all-cars/volvo-s60/Pages/default.aspx

Volvo S60 Chicago

REVIEWS: First Drive: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design

Volvo could have stood pat with the S60 and no one would have blinked an eye. A year ago, the Swedish company introduced the long-awaited redesign of its mid-level sedan, which exhibited such impressive handling characteristics and refined styling that we named it to our 2011 All-Stars roster. The success of the S60 has been the primary factor driving increased sales for Volvo, which are up 28 percent over a year ago.

The automaker is not going to rest on its laurels, however, as it looks to further expand its market by appealing to enthusiast buyers. So for 2012, Volvo is introducing the S60 T6 AWD R-Design.

What makes it different

Visually, the exterior of the R-Design is differentiated from the S60 T5 and T6 by its redesigned lower front fascia, black grille, rear trunk spoiler, and five-spoke diamond-cut eighteen-inch wheels. In the cabin are special sport seats upholstered in off-black leather with contrasting stitching and an embossed R-Design logo, a sport steering wheel, sport pedals, and blue-rimmed tachometer and speedometer gauges.

The most important changes to the S60 R-Design are under the hood, however.

Starting with the turbocharged in-line six from the S60 T6, Volvo engineers -- in partnership with Polestar, a Swedish racing and performance parts company -- modified the engine control module to optimize output, adding boost, advancing the spark timing, and recalibrating the throttle to enhance performance. The result is an eight percent increase in horsepower (from 300 to 325 hp) and a nine percent increase in torque (from 325 to 354 lb-ft), making the S60 R-Design the most powerful production Volvo ever built. Volvo engineers also went to work on the chassis to enhance the S60's ride and handling. Changes include stiffer springs , monotube rear dampers, a front strut brace, and a larger-diameter front antiroll bar.

Ride and handling

At moderate speeds, the S60 R-Design is a refined cruiser, with a comfortable ride despite its firmer suspension. Push it a little on curvy mountain roads, however, and the tweaked in-line six, whose power is delivered via a six-speed automatic with an available Sport mode, responds immediately to throttle inputs even as the car's body motions remain well balanced.

We were able to put in some laps at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California, where the R-Design's chassis performed admirably on the 3.0-mile track, which features several elevation changes and some tricky, off-camber corners. All-wheel drive and the Corner Traction Control torque vectoring system, in which the inner wheel is braked as more power is fed to the outer wheel, quells understeer while allowing the driver to take corners more aggressively.

Read More: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1108_2012_volvo_s60_t6_awd_r_design_first_drive/index.html

2012 Volvo S60 R-Design - First Drive Review

“High performance” is not a descriptor typically employed for products from Volvo, the safety-savvy Swedish company previously operated by Ford and now owned by China’s Geely. But three years after cancelling its R-badged performance derivatives of the V70 and S60, Volvo is dipping its toes back into the sporty pool with the 2012 S60 R-Design, a more powerful, more stiffly sprung version of the firm’s mid-size sedan. (The XC60 R-Design, which was introduced last year with an upgraded suspension, also gets a power boost for 2012.) While this higher-performance S60 shares the throne of most powerful production Volvo ever with its sister XC60 R-Design, it has an uphill battle to win over the Euro-sport constituency—it’s priced right up against some serious and well-established competition.

That pricing starts at $43,375. For starters, it nets an engine tune from Swedish racing team Polestar that bumps the turbocharged inline-six’s horsepower from 300 to 325. Torque makes a leap as well, from 325 lb-ft to 354. Polestar didn’t have to do much to hit these numbers. The engine internals remain the same, and the company merely upped the boost to 12.8 psi (from 11.6) and advanced the spark timing. Premium fuel is recommended, while the regular S60 T6 swills regular. Call us lucky, for once: The power boost is specific to U.S.- and Canadian-market R-Designs. EPA fuel-economy estimates are unchanged from the base car’s 18 mpg city and 26 highway.

Changes Down Under for a Car from Up North

The R brings abundant chassis changes as well. Stiffer suspension bushings reduce the feeling of isolation from the road. Coupled with 15-percent-stiffer springs, a front strut-tower brace and a 0.6-inch-lower ride height contribute to taut body control and quick reflexes. Unlike with the Four-C adjustable chassis system available on T6-powered S60s, the R-Design driver doesn’t get to make on-the-fly adjustments to the ride and handling.

Inside the R-Design, blue instrument dials peer through the sport steering wheel while front-row riders sit in more-heavily bolstered versions of leather-wrapped S60 seats. A unique front fascia, rear diffuser, decklid spoiler, and 18-inch R-Design wheels round out the exterior tweaks.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q3/2012_volvo_s60_r-design-first_drive_review

Volvo Polestar Racing Scandinavian Touring Car Championship 2011 Round 4 - 5 Review

Volvo Illinois

REVIEWS: 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD - Four Seasons Update - July 2011

We're another month into our yearlong test of the 2012 Volvo S60 and, while there are still a few gripes from staff members about the operation of the various electronic interfaces, there has been almost nothing but universal praise for the Volvo's dynamic performance and build quality. In fact, we like the vehicle so much that it's been difficult to get much seat time in it.

"Need more proof that our editorial staff loves this car? This S60 has been under our stewardship for almost three months now, and there are still some of us who've never had a chance to slip behind the wheel. Until the other night, I thought I'd be resigned to that list for the foreseeable future," kvetched associate web editor Evan McCausland.

Once in the car, however, McCausland was able to see what all the fuss was about.

"I love quite a bit about this car, including the powerful turbo-six, the seamless power delivery, and the well-tuned transmission, but I can't quite get over just how good this interior is. Everything inside feels solidly built and substantial, and every plastic -- even those that look as if they'll feel hard and cheap -- is blessed with a soft touch and pleasant texture."

McCausland isn't the only one impressed with the interior. Editor in chief Jean Jennings waxed poetic about the leather upholstery: "It is ruggedly spectacular, with a hefty pebbled grain. Every seam is doubled stitched, making it look like fine luggage, or a saddle, or something really crafted and not just decorated. The color is also like a fine saddle or a well-oiled baseball glove. Sitting in our Four Seasons Volvo is supremely satisfying to me. You should go to a Volvo dealer just to run your hands over one of these fine hides." In fact, the leather used in the interior is "beechwood brown," a color that the company used in the 1960s on the P1800 and in the 1970s on the 164. It was resurrected for the 2011 S60.

Read More: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1107_2012_volvo_s60_t6_awd_july_update/index.html

Volvo Shows Plans for Three Electric Vehicles with Range-Extending Engines—or Hybrids

Volvo currently has its hands in several green technology pots, and has either developed or is developing everything from electric C30s to a flywheel hybrid system to a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid system. This week, the company announced that it’s working on yet another system (three, actually): three unique range-extended electric drive setups. Volvo is doing the development with the support of the Swedish Energy Agency and the European Union. A quick refresher: range-extended electric cars are electric vehicles with an onboard power generator—whether that’s a small gas engine or diesel.

Volvo’s three “technical concepts” all employ the similar hardware—a three-cylinder combustion engine and a 111-hp electric motor—but differ in how the engine assists the electric motor. The company claims that for each of its three range-extended concepts, effective range is increased by over 600 miles over each car’s electric-only range. There is no word about when we can expect to see one of Volvo’s range extender systems powering a production model, but if one is green-lit for production, it’ll be many years until a car so equipped hits the road.

Technical Concept I

The first concept, a modified Volvo C30, uses a series-connected range extender. The system consists of a 60-hp three-cylinder engine, the aforementioned 111-hp electric motor, and a 40-kW generator. The tiny, rear-mounted engine is not mechanically linked to the drive wheels at all (the Chevrolet Volt’s engine can send power to the wheels under specific circumstances) and simply turns the 40-kW generator that charges the car’s battery pack, which the electric motor draws power from (the power flows in a series).

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/volvo-shows-plans-for-three-electric-vehicles-with-range-extending-engines

Volvo Illinois

Model Year 2012 Volvo S80 — "The Photo Shoot"

Enjoy beautiful driving scenes with the refined Volvo S80 driving through the city of Dubai and being photographed in a studio session. This film also introduces the new generation Volvo On Call, also available as a mobile app. The song "Seven Seas" is specially composed and performed by the Swedish artist Lisa Nordström.

Volvo Dealers

Many Ways For Volvo To Go Green And Save Gas, Says CEO

Volvo likes to think of itself as a conscientious car company.

"Why are we different?" asked Stefan Jacoby, Volvo's German CEO. "We are Swedish; we come from a human-centric company. We do things because they have a purpose for people."

Safety, yes, but also green

Those things used to revolve around safety, and Volvo still nurtures its safe reputation, adding each year to its hundreds of patents for technology to make cars safer. The company's official goal is that no one will be killed or injured in a Volvo car by 2020.

But increasingly the purpose must also be producing greener cars, which for Europe by 2020 must emit no more than 95 grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide on average. For Americans, that means 59 miles per gallon.

At a seminar called "Innovations Toward Zero," held last Thursday at the ultra-modern House of Sweden in Washington, D.C., both CEO Jacoby and Lennart Stegland, Volvo's president of special vehicles, laid out a full agenda of ways the company will get there.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1061348_many-ways-for-volvo-to-go-green-and-save-gas-says-ceo

Volvo’s Road Train Links Driverless Cars Together

Are you ready to give up control of your car for safety? Volvo hopes so as it develops its “road train” technology.
 
In a road train, multiple cars are “connected” by wireless technology to drive in packs on highways. One lead vehicle (with a “professional” human driver) sets the train’s speed, and other vehicles can link to the lead vehicle. On-board systems in the following vehicles would autonomously steer, accelerate, and apply the brakes as necessary. In theory, this would reduce the number of accidents caused by driver error on highways, and could allow drivers to nap or watch movies while behind the wheel.

“Road trains allow a driver to use their time better, drive safer, reduce congestion and improve the environment,” Broberg told Autocar. “You’re always following another car, so why not let the driving be done by someone else?”

Although he admitted there are legal and safety hurdles to surmount, Broberg said Volvo plans to test road trains on public roads in Sweden later this year. The company tested a road train composed of two vehicles in Sweden in January, and hopes that this technology will pave the way for fully autonomous cars.

Development of road trains is being funded by a European Commission program called Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE.) The SARTRE project is coordinated by U.K. engineering group Ricardo, with collaboration from several European universities and technical consultancies, as well as Volvo Cars and Volvo Trucks Corporation.

According to SARTRE, the vehicles in a road train will travel much more closely than human drivers safely can, potentially alleviating congestion. Close following distances and consistent driving manners are also said to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent. SARTRE claims 80 percent of car accidents are caused by driver error, so road trains are expected to drastically improve highway safety. The group says road train “technology development is well underway and can most likely go into production in a few years time.”

Volvo Trucks Corporation– which is a separate company from Volvo Cars — has previously outlined a similar vision for autonomous semi trucks, which would drive themselves in road trains at 56 mph. Not only could truck drivers rest on long journeys, but the Volvo Concept Truck 2020s are designed to “draft” each other, thus reducing fuel consumption.

It’s no secret that Volvo Cars has long made its name on safety innovations. Now the company’s goal is for zero Volvo vehicles to be involved in car accidents in the year 2020. According to chief designer Anders Gunnarson, advanced accident-avoidance technologies will mean cars never crash, so they will be designed without extensive crumple zones and passive safety equipment.

“This means we designers can use these areas to create a stimulating, more attractive environment for driver and passengers,” Gunnarson said in a statement.


via Volvo, Autocar courtesy of Motor Trend Staff

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/6762441/concept-cars/volvo-s-road-train-links-driverless-cars-together/index.html#ixzz1NOw1dXe5

From the logbook: 2012 Volvo S60

Since purchasing our 2012 Volvo S60 T5, we’ve had lots of time and miles behind the wheel to get acquainted with Volvo’s latest sedan. So far, our $35,100, front-wheel drive, 250-hp T5 hasn’t disappointed us.

The previous S60 was long in the tooth and was never competitive in its class. Of course, it competes in a tough segment against the likes of Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Have a look at the car’s logbook for a candid look at the staff’s first impressions of how the S60 measures up:

“Great steering response - quite good feel and nicely weighted.”

“Big fan of this car - light feeling, nimble, fast, and fun.”

“Ride is on the stiff side but less so than typical Volvos.”

“Plenty of power, but the inline five-cylinder engine isn’t very refined with its characteristic growl.”

“Really like the engine’s mid-range response - want to punch it all the time.”

“Getting 28 mpg without really trying.”

“Silly two-step ignition process.”

“Roomy driving position…lots of knee, leg, and head room.”

“Interior is somber and, while fit and finish looks good, it’s a whole collection of different surfaces that sometimes seems jarring.”

“No real fatigue after 3-5 hours in car.”

“Great seat, although it could use more lumbar.”

“Seat heaters are slow to warm and not that hot.”

“Rear seat is surprisingly small.”

“View out of the rear window is good in traffic, but the high rear deck is troublesome for reversing.”

“Shocking that there’s no back-up camera [on our $35K car].”

“Seems more competitive than ever but still somewhat unexciting.”

“Like this better than the [redesigned] Saab 9-5…and it’s cheaper.”

“I really like driving this car and much prefer it over an A4.”

Just like how Sally Field reacted to her Oscar for “Places in the Heart” - “I can’t deny the fact that you like me! Right now! You like me!” - we’re impressed with Volvo’s latest effort. It delivers a much more sophisticated ride and better handling than any other previous Volvo. Significantly, though, this new S60 also elicits comments you don’t expect, summed up with this logbook entry: “Best. Volvo. Ever. Fun to drive!”

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/05/from-the-logbook-2012-volvo-s60.html

Volvo Concept Universe - Auto Shows

Let's get the complaining out of the way. The Volvo Concept Universe unveiled at the Shanghai auto show is styled with all the innovation of a Top 40 pop song. To some, the front end looks like a Swedish take on the 2002 Lincoln Continental concept’s; others see hints of Jaguar XJ in the rear end.

Getting past the shape, the Concept Universe communicates two important messages. First, it underscores that by universe, Volvo really means China. The company's new owner, after all, is China-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Volvo's Chinese sales are fairly strong, and the management is desperate to grow its sales in the hot luxo-car market there. That's why Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby says of the Concept Universe, “We will listen very carefully to what the Chinese car buyers think of the design. Later, we will also show the Concept Universe in other parts of the world.” Gee, thanks.

Of greater relevance for those of us not residing in the People's Republic of China, is the new platform underpinning the Concept Universe. Volvo calls it Scalable Platform Architecture, and we should see it again beneath several—if not all—upcoming Volvo models. Volvo is mum on such trivialities as possible application, size range, and engineering details for the time being; we'll have to be satisfied with the promise of the concept’s designer, Jonathan Disley, that the interior is more spacious than that of the S80 on sale now.

Jacoby has previously said that his company needs to move away from pitching cars as “premium” models, because this language is too heavy on the marketing fluff. So it was with great relief that we found the press materials for the Concept Universe entirely devoid of that word, instead harping on “luxury.” Although Volvo has a history of successfully flogging its models as the ultimate luxury cars in Communist countries—the North Koreans still tool around in 240s, and East German elites in the 1980s lived in a gated community jokingly referred to as Volvograd—China's shoppers are increasingly demanding. The next-gen Volvos that will grow from this Concept Universe have to live up to the marketing, whether they're called premium, luxurious, or something else.

Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q2/volvo_concept_universe-auto_shows

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Volvo C30 Electric in Artic Winter

Volvo Cars has been testing their C30 Electric In temperatures down to -33°C. Even though extreme cold can be a particular challenge for electric cars, the Volvo C30 Electric has no problems coping with the climate.

Geneva Motor Show 2011 - The V60 Plug-in Hybrid Revealed

Volvo at Geneva Motor Show 2011. After the official unveil of the V60 Plug-in hybrid, Karl-Johan Ekman, Business Project Leader V60 Plug-in Hybrid joined our moderator James Blatch and Robert Llewellyn, electric car advocate and Carpool host in a live Facebook webcast to discuss the first reactions after the unveil as well as answer questions we received throughout the day from the Facebook fans of Volvo (www.facebook.com/Volvo).

2011 Geneva Motor Show: Volvo to debut V60 diesel plug-in hybrid

A brand known for safety rather than fuel efficiency, Volvo is racing to get into the green game with electrified vehicles. This week it announced a new plug-in diesel hybrid version of its overseas-only V60 wagon that it says is "production ready."

This V60 (an S60 wagon) is what's known as a "through-the-road" hybrid, with each powertrain driving a different pair of wheels. The 215-hp, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder diesel engine powers the front wheels, while a 70-hp electric motor propels the rear wheels. The electric motor gets its juice from a 12-kwh lithium-ion battery pack that takes up several inches on the bottom of the cargo floor, which Volvo says will give it an all-electric range of about 30 miles. It can be recharged in four hours by a 240-volt outlet.

The V60 plug-in diesel hybrid has at least three driver-controlled modes: normal hybrid, power, and all-electric. In normal hybrid mode, the car will reportedly shift from all-electric to all-diesel mode and back to maximize efficiency. In this mode, the car can also take advantage of its all-wheel-drive capability, if the traction control system detects slippery road conditions. Power mode maximizes performance using both power sources for a combined output of 285 hp, resulting in 0-60 mph acceleration under seven seconds. All-electric mode is good for up to 62 mph. (In our own tests, we've found that high-speed highway driving disproportionately diminishes electric cars' range.) Unlike other plug-in cars, the V60 plug-in diesel is rated to carry half a ton and tow a two-ton trailer.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/02/2011-geneva-motor-show-volvo-to-debut-v60-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-.html

It's Official: 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid to Make Debut at Geneva Motor Show

Volvo, after weeks of teases and hints, has announced that it’s introducing a new 2012 V60 plug-in hybrid this March at the Geneva Motor Show.
 

“This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a car with low carbon dioxide emissions packed with driving pleasure,” Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volvo, said in a prepared statement.

Volvo began developing in conjunction with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall and showed in a V70 wagon in 2009. The two companies system, called Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD), uses an electric motor to propel the rear axle — in this case one that produces 70 horsepower. The electric motor is powered by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which enables the car to drive up to 30 miles on electricity alone. Once the battery is depleted, a 215-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbo-diesel I-5 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission kicks in to drive the front wheels. According to Volvo, the V60 PHEV gets around 124 mpg on the European combined cycle.

The car is set to go on sale by 2012.

Read More: http://blogs.automotive.com/6714898/auto-shows/its-official-2012-volvo-v60-plug-in-hybrid-to-make-debut-at-geneva-motor-show/index.html

A driver's eye view of the Volvo C30 Electric

In this video Nils Lindell tells us what it is like to drive the Volvo C30 Electric and how it differs from a standard fossil fuel powered vehicle.

Nils and his family have a Volvo C30 Electric to use during the six months that they will be living a low carbon lifestyle as part of the One Tonne Life project.

The project explores whether through living in a new climate aware home, using Volvo C30 Electric and making climate smart lifestyle changes the family can reduce their carbon foot print from the global average of around seven tonnes per person per year to just one tonne. You can follow their progress at http://onetonnelife.com

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Volvo C30 Electric at Detroit Motor show 2011

Different voices at the Detroit Motor Show 2011 talking about the Volvo C30 Electric and car safety. Video includes crash test at Volvo Safety Centre

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