Aside from its more angular curves the S60 engine options include two diesels and a gas powered. 2011′s Volvo has a high-performance 3.0-liter T6 with 304 horse power or a lesser 2.4-liter 205/2.0-liter 163 hp powerplant. “A DRIVe version powered by a 1.6-liter diesel engine with CO2 emissions of approximately 115g/km and fuel economy of up to 65.7mpg (combined cycle, preliminary figure) will join the range later in 2011.” S60 also includes all the favorite Volvo safety features, like Advanced Stability Control and corner traction control system.

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A manual gearbox comes standard, with a 0-62mph dash is down by 1.2sec to 9.6sec compared with the four-by-four, plus mpg rises by a worthwhile 7mpg to 47.1mpg and C02 drops from 186g/km to a highly respectable 159g/km. Here’s the rest from Car Mag:

The auto figures are less appealing: there’s only 2mpg and 11g/km between the two, despite the four-driver’s extra weight and power. In fact, Volvo’s own figures reveal the XC70 torque converter auto to be spectacularly inefficient in front-wheel drive configuration – it covers 7.3 fewer miles than the manual car for every gallon of diesel. Yet when you compare the same figures for automatic and manual four-wheel drive XC70s, the gap suddenly shrinks to 2.7mpg between the two.

The ride quality is still excellent (far better than the XC60), and it’s still refined in here, but that only makes the rampant torque steer seem more out of place. Strangely, neither the similarly powerful front-drive XC60 nor the S80 were similarly afflicted, but the XC70 torque steers in first, second, third and sometimes even fourth gear. Even if you’re a pootler, you will notice the wheel tugging, especially the unholy mess that unravels when you need to getaway from a junction fairly quickly. First there’s wheelspin, then the traction control cuts power, then power comes back in again and, finally, you torque steer down the road. And we drove it in the dry!

Clearly, this isn’t a positive review, but it’s important to remember this is a variant-specific – not model – failing. The four-wheel drive XC70 is a smooth-riding, luxurious-feeling, highly practical estate car that holds much appeal. Removing the front driveshafts has spoiled it and, somehow, ruined the mpg and emissions when combined with the automatic gearbox too – surely the most fitting transmission. No, the only way to go with an XC70 is four-wheel drive combined with, ideally, an auto ’box. It’s worth spending the extra for what is a far superior car.

“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 recognize those typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim mouldings and décor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke Cratus aluminium 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 colour-matched to the rest of the body on the 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 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 XC60 R-Design.

Modern and exclusive interior

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

The elegant dark centre 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 colour 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 aluminium wheels – Cratus (20 inch optional)
* Sill mouldings in aluminium look
* Twin chromed tailpipes
* Colour-matched lower body mouldings.
* Chrome-plated rear skid-plate with black mesh
* Sport chassis
* 7 body colours to choose between including the R-Design unique colour Passion red

Interior:

* Sport seats for great cornering support and comfort
* Unique upholstery in smooth leather with a choice of two colour 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 aluminium
* R-Design centre 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, personalized 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 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.

Source: Volvo

Aside from striking exterior concepts, 2010′s S60 will include Volvo’s state of the art Collision Warning/Full Auto Braking system. Sensors mounted along the outside of the car will send warning signals through the dash to it’s operator. It’s designed to avoid hitting pedestrians or any object traveling under 12 miles her hour. Let’s hope this never gets put to the test.

Under the hood Volvo’s futuristic 2010 S60 will have a standard 1.6-liter, high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine. This eco-friendly monster will be able to produce 180 horsepower while aided by a Powershift twin-clutch transmission. This will help achieve the combined EPA rating of 47 miles per gallon. More facts below in the official Volvo press release.

A few days before Christmas, Volvo Cars treats the automotive world to an early unwrapping of a car that will shine bright in the streets for years to come. The Volvo S60 Concept gives the car world a glimpse of what the all-new Volvo S60 is going to look like when it arrives in 2010.

“The all-new S60 will be one of the strongest players in a segment where the competition is razor-sharp,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

The coupe-inspired lines that gave the original S60 its characteristic stance are even more pronounced in the next generation.

“The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you here and now that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car’s technology will also help you to be a better and safer driver,” says Stephen Odell.

The concept car reveals that the Volvo Cars design team is stepping up to the next level in the development of the products’ DNA.’ “The concept car’s exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60. On the inside we’ve been even more daring – there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future in the slightly longer perspective,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

Scandinavian inspiration and drama

The front of the S60 Concept naturally sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The grille itself has a somewhat new appearance with structured horizontal vanes adding refinement to its form. Two DNA lamps that flank the grill emphasise the vertical stance of the front and promote the bonnet’s V-shape. The angled headlamps flow up into the strongly sculptural bonnet. Combined with the lower air intake’s reverse trapezoidal shape, this gives the concept car a very expressive “face”.

“Dynamic and with considerable character, but without appearing aggressive. It is packed with inspiration from Scandinavian design and from the Swedish coastline’s cliffs and seas. A thrilling blend of drama and sensuality,” says Steve Mattin.

Viking longboats in the headlamps

The concept car’s headlamps unite classic Scandinavian influences with modern high-tech. In each of the headlamps, the lights create a sculpture creating the image of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for main beam and one for dipped beam. When driving in the dark, the light is reflected from the concealed, upward-facing High Performance LED bulbs, projected ahead by the ships’ filled sails.

Double wave and sensational doors

Viewed from the side, the concept car’s slim coupe roofline and window graphics are accompanied by an entirely new lateral shoulder line, forming a gentle double wave. Stretching from the headlamps all the way to the tail, it adds emotional excitement and plays with the surface and its highlights.

Both the seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and the tread of the low-profile tyres have been specially designed. The bronze-painted brake callipers match the “Warm Liquid Copper” livery.

The unique rear parallelogram doors offer a spectacular show when they are opened and shut. Door opening is initiated by pressing on a button and the movement starts off in the traditional way. In the next phase, the forward section also swings out away from the car’s body and the door glides parallel with the side of the car until it reaches its end position by the rear wheel.

Inspiration from the racing track

“In forthcoming models, you will see more and more of our “racetrack” design cues. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead forge a continuous flow pattern inspired by the fast sweeps of the racing track. In the concept car, this is particularly visible at the rear,” says Steve Mattin.

The tail lamps, which follow the curve of the rear shoulders, are as advanced as the headlamps. When switched off, the lamp panels show no trace of the traditional red or yellow. But when activated, the position marker lights, brake lights and turn indicators come on in their correct colours. The solid glass panel is sectioned into horizontal “slices”.

At the rear there is also a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties.

Interior indicates future design direction

With the interior of the Volvo S60 Concept, Volvo Cars’ design director Steve Mattin and his team are displaying a variety of spectacular next-generation ideas.

“You could say that we are showing the road we would like to take in the future. This interior is without doubt the most exclusive we have ever created,” says Steve Mattin.

The interior is packed with exciting details, all of which together create a Scandinavian fresh light feeling, full of visual harmony.

In the middle of the four-seater car glitters the jewel in the crown: a floating centre stack made out of handmade, solid Orrefors crystal. It floats like a gentle, calm wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest.

Driver-oriented environment

The entire driver’s environment has been designed to provide total overview and convenient control. The combined instrument too has the centre stack’s floating, almost weightless feel about it. The instrument is built up in several layers.

“The speedometer is designed as a three-dimensional glass spiral. The low numbers appear closest to the eye and the figures appear to be increasingly distant as you accelerate. The idea is that the speedometer should provide a visual reminder of the forward motion,” explains Steve Mattin.

Slim, floating leather seats

The floating theme continues in the concept car’s slim, lightweight contoured seats, made of soft Light Blond leather with contrasting stitching. The seats are attached to the centre console’s lower section and inner sill, which means that they don’t actually touch the floor. Both the seat belt and the armrest are integrated into the seat itself. The backrest’s pony-tail slot, first featured in previous concept cars, has a new, slightly asymmetrical design.

“The aim is to create a pleasant living-room atmosphere with gentle, invisible transfers between the various surfaces. For instance, the dark, ecologically tanned saddle leather on the floor continues up on the lower part of the door,” relates Steve Mattin.

The upper part of the doors is faced with genuine blond birch wood of the same colour as the Scandinavian coastline’s salt- and sun-bleached wooden piers and driftwood. Two parallel slits create a wave-shaped protrusion whose upper section forms a comfortable leather armrest.

New technology detects pedestrians in the danger zone

The S60 Concept also presents a ground-breaking safety innovation that, among other things, can detect a pedestrian who steps out into the path of the car – and the car’s full braking power is automatically activated if the driver does not respond to the danger.

The technology, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection, will be introduced in the all-new Volvo S60.

“Up until now, we have focused on helping the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with a system that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users. New sensor technology also makes it possible to advance from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area,” explains Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars.

Avoids collisions at speeds below 20 km/h

The car’s speed is of considerable significance to the outcome of a collision with a pedestrian. If speed drops from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, the chance of a pedestrian’s survival dramatically increases. “Our aim is that this new technology should help the driver avoid collisions with pedestrians at speeds below 20 km/h. If the car is being driven faster, the aim is to reduce the impact speed as much as possible. In most cases, we can reduce the collision force by about 75 percent,” says Thomas Broberg.

This technology is also highly beneficial in the event of rear-end impacts with other vehicles. Studies indicate that half of all drivers who drive into another vehicle from behind do not brake prior to the collision. In such cases, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake can help entirely avoid a collision if the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 25 km/h.

Visual warning on head-up display

In an emergency situation, the driver first gets an audible warning together with a flashing light in the windscreen’s head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the visual warning is designed to look like a brake light coming on in front. If the driver does not respond to the warning and the system assesses that a collision is imminent, the car’s full braking power is activated automatically.

The main aim is still for the initial warning to be sufficient for the driver to brake or manoeuvre away from the hazard. Full automatic braking is an emergency measure that is only activated when the collision is imminent.

Upgraded Adaptive Cruise Control

Volvo Cars’ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has now been upgraded with a queue assist function. The radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control maintains the set time gap to the vehicle in front all the way down to standstill, making this comfort-enhancing system usable in slow-moving queues with repeated starting and stopping.

CO2-emissions at 119g/km

The engine that Volvo Cars has chosen for the Volvo S60 Concept is a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol unit using high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology and producing 180 horsepower.

In a conventional petrol engine, fuel is injected into the inlet manifold ahead of the inlet valves. With direct injection, however, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure. The engine in combination with a range of other technical measures makes it possible to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 119 g/km (5.0 l/100 km).

Volvo Cars’ first production car with GTDi technology will be introduced during the second half of 2009.

Electric power steering, stratified combustion and other measures

In addition to GTDi technology, the Volvo S60 Concept integrates the following technical features to bring CO2 emissions down to 119 g/km:

Stratified combustion. The combustion chamber is designed such that a mist consisting of the optimal blend of air and fuel is formed around the spark plug, surrounded in turn by pure air. This allows the engine to operate with a surplus of air, thus cutting fuel consumption.

Start/stop, a functionality that switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill.
Powershift. Two manual gearboxes work in parallel, each regulated by its own clutch.
EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering). In principle an “electric servo” where the conventional hydraulic pump has been replaced by an electric motor.
“DRIVe-Mode”. Gives the driver the possibility of reducing fuel consumption via an “economy mode” that limits the function of a number of selected electrical or mechanical systems.
Grille shutter. A wind-deflecting panel that can be closed to reduce air drag when there is less need for cooling air.
Flat underbody panels.
The use of lightweight materials in the car body.

Volvo S60 Concept – featuring GTDi technology for lower CO2 emissions

The engine that Volvo Cars has chosen for the Volvo S60 Concept is a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol unit using high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology and producing 180 horsepower.
This engine in combination with a range of other technical measures makes it possible to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 119 g/km (5.0 l/100 km).

In a conventional petrol engine, fuel is injected into the inlet manifold ahead of the inlet valves. With direct injection, however, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure.
This technology promotes better gas flow with optimised air/fuel mixture and greater resistance to uncontrolled combustion. The result is higher power and lower fuel consumption.

GTDi technology combined with turbocharging makes it possible to reduce engine displacement with maintained performance, but with about 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. “GTDi technology is an important CO2-cutting technology for petrol engines. In the S60 Concept we have also added a number of other developments that further reduce fuel consumption. Several of these features will make their way into our production models in the coming years,” says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Cars.

Volvo Cars’ first production car with GTDi technology will be introduced during the second half of 2009.

The driver chooses

“Several of these solutions can deliver significant CO2 reductions in the future since they can be used throughout large sections of the model range. When it comes to “DRIVe-Mode”, for instance, the driver can actively cut fuel consumption by reducing the function of certain comfort systems. The idea is that every owner can individually choose which systems he or she wants to limit,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Groundbreaking Volvo technology helps drivers avoid accidents with pedestrians

Volvo Cars is now introducing the next generation of preventive safety technology.

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection reacts when a pedestrian walks out in front of a car – and will activate the car’s full braking power if the driver does not respond to the danger. This groundbreaking innovation is being presented in the Volvo S60 Concept, which is being unveiled for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show in early January 2009.

This safety innovation is the next step in Volvo Cars’ continuous development of technologies that detect dangerous situations and that actively help the driver avoid an accident.

“The previous stages were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with a feature that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users. What is more, we are now advancing from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area,” explains Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars. He adds:
“This technology helps us take an important step towards our long-term vision of designing cars that should not crash. Our aim for 2020 is that no one should be killed or injured in a Volvo car.”

Accidents involving pedestrians common in urban traffic

Within the EU, the proportion of pedestrians figuring in overall traffic fatalities varies in between 10 and 25 percent depending on country.
In the EU countries’ capital cities, 1,560 people died in road accidents in 2007. Of these, 43 percent were pedestrians.
The speed of the car involved in a collision with a pedestrian is of considerable significance to the outcome of the accident. Lowering the speed will help dramatically to reduce the risk of serious injury to the pedestrian. If speed drops from 50 km/h to 30 km/h, the chance of a pedestrian’s survival dramatically increases.

Avoids collisions at speeds below 20 km/h

“Our aim is that this new technology should help the driver avoid collisions with pedestrians at speeds below 20 km/h. If the car is being driven faster, the aim is to reduce the impact speed as much as possible. In most cases, we can reduce the collision force by about 75 percent,” says Thomas Broberg.
This technology is also highly beneficial in the event of rear-end impacts with other vehicles. Studies indicate that half of all drivers who drive into another vehicle from behind do not brake prior to the collision.
The main aim is still for the initial warning to be sufficient for the driver to brake or manoeuvre away from the hazard. Automatic braking is an emergency measure that is only activated when the collision is imminent.
In such cases, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake can help entirely avoid a collision if the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 25 km/h.

Safer detection with state-of-the-art technology

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection consists of a new, state-of-the-art dual-mode radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera behind the inside rear-view mirror and a central control unit.
The radar and camera continuously monitor the road in front of the car. The radar’s task is to detect objects and measure the distance to them. The camera’s function is to determine what type of objects they are. The function is programmed to respond to cars in front that are at a standstill or moving in the same direction.
Thanks to the state-of-the-art radar, which has a widened field of vision, the unit can also detect the moving pattern of a pedestrian.

“We’ve been working on this technology for ten years now. We have had test cars out on the roads for several years and we’ve driven in many different countries Factors like traffic scenarious, road conditions and climate should be considered in the design of the final system. We can also use the information from these tests to make advance computer simulations, to test and verify the system in different scenarios” says Thomas Broberg.

New technology permits full braking power

In an emergency situation, the driver first gets an audible warning together with a flashing light in the windscreen’s head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the visual warning is designed to look like a brake light coming on in front. If the driver does not respond to the warning and the system assesses that a collision is imminent, the car’s brakes are applied with full braking power.

“Active brake activation requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to the state-of-the-art sensors, it is now possible to engage full braking power. We are among the very first in the industry to achieve this,” explains Thomas Broberg.
The system is built along the same principles as the human eye and, just like our own eyes, vision is impaired in the dark and in poor weather.

Upgraded Adaptive Cruise Control

Volvo Cars’ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) has now been upgraded with a queue assist function. The radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control maintains the set time gap to the vehicle in front all the way down to standstill. Since the previous version was not active at speeds below 30 km/h, this means that this comfort-enhancing system becomes usable even in slow-moving queues with repeated starting and stopping.
It should be emphasised that the upgraded ACC has been developed to enable comfortable driving with an automatic gearbox in normal circumstances.

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection and the upgraded Adaptive Cruise Control will be introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 in 2010.

The luxury automaker Volvo has presented the public with the 2008 XC90 mid-size luxury SUV. This automobile has an entourage of safety, convenience and performance enhancing technologies built into its distinct framework. The 2008 XC90 comes in 3.2 trim, V8 AWD trim and V8 AWD Sport trim.

Up to seven can fit inside to spacious interior of the XC90. Each gets their own seat, and every one of those seats can fold independently to vastly increase the space for cargo. Textile and leather upholsteries are available; both are kept comfortable by not only the specially designed seat molds but also the electronic climate control and cabin filter. The comfort is kept safe with dual-stage frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags and inflatable side curtains. The energy-absorbing interior, Whiplash Protection System and Roll-Over Protection System all only add to the safety one gets when inside the XC90. Other safety features include an electronic stability control system, antilock brakes, Xenon headlights and pretensioners on all seat belts.

Other useful commodities found inside this luxurious SUV include a high performance audio system, optional Sirius satellite radio, MP3 capabilities and Volvo Dual Screen Rear Seat Entertainment System. The Volvo Navigation System includes real time traffic readings as well as maps of various areas. The information cluster on the dash includes eye-friendly lighting and gives readings of every conceivable vehicle reading; there are readings for external conditions such as temperature as well. Other supporting technologies include cruise control, a trip computer, power features, a Blind Spot Information System and more!

This beast runs on a standard 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that can generate 235 horsepower. It has another 4.4-liter V8 engine available that can produce up to 311 horsepower. Both of these use a six-speed automatic transmission to drive and when the right combination is selected, the XC90 can tow up to 4,960 pounds.

Everything about this vehicle is utterly fantastic!

Volvo provides an off-road capable version of its V70 wagon. This model, the XC70, has been restyled and improved for 2008. Some new features you’ll find include a better engine, more features and an all-around enhanced appearance.

The 2008 XC70 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that generates 235 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission pairs with the engine to provide power and allows the driver to maintain some control with a manual mode. The system uses front-wheel-drive the majority of the time and switches to four-wheel-drive when more traction is necessary. The Hill Descent Control technology maintains control on each wheel’s speed to allow the driver full concentration on steering the vehicle. The vehicle is meant for the highest performance on and off the road.

Volvo describes the XC70 as “Strong, sleek and distinguished;” this is shown in is sleek and sporty design. The interior of the appealing outside is spacious and loaded with cargo space and compartments. The floating center console holds controls for the various information, entertainment and convenience functions of the car. The premium sound system brings the most out of all of your music because you can now connect a portable music device. If you’re not listening to your tunes, you can take advantage of the entertainment system that features screens on the back of the headrests of the front seats. Climate control, large vehicle displays, various diagnostic readings and more can be found on the dash of this superior interior.

Also inside the vehicle is the utmost comfort and practicality. Five can fit inside, and they can do so with comfort because of the smartly designed seats. Leather upholstery is available, as well as heated seats. The rear seat is split 40/20/40 and each seat fold independently, along with the front passenger seat, to make various combinations of people and payload available. The comfortable seating arrangements are also kept safe with frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a Whiplash Protection System. Other safety ensuring additions include a strategically designed chassis for optimal protection in collisions and an electronic stability control system.

The 2008 XC70 really shines in the dealer lots this year.

The Volvo station wagon is graced with the presence of the V70 full-sized wagon. The 2008 model adds a slew of new safety features and brings this vehicle to higher status than others bring in the class. The 2008 V70 only comes in one trim level.

One area where the V70 truly shines is in its variable amount of cargo space. The 20/40/20 split back seatback and the front passenger seat can fold independently to allow multiple combinations of passenger and cargo. Various tools are built in to make the versatile cargo space as useful as possible. A flexible load compartment separates the rear storage space, roof rails allow storage on the roof and a power tailgate opens with the touch of a button. The button is on a Personal Car Communicator that uses a link between the remote and vehicle to inform you if the doors are locked or if the alarm is sounding. The Blind-Spot Information System on the large side view mirrors uses digital cameras and other technologies to check the vehicle blind spot for you.

The inside of the V70 was refined as well. The center console holds controls for the high performance sound system and has an in-dash CD player and MP3 or WMA capabilities; there is also a USB Mp3 Player connector. The Volvo Dual Screen Rear Seat Entertainment can be controlled from here as well. This excellent wagon also has available automatic climate control and power front seats. Other performance and convenience additives include adaptive cruise control, Active Bi-Xenon Headlights and the list persists!

What powers this machine is a 3.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower that drives the front wheels with a six-speed automatic transmission. With this set up, the V70 has traction control and an electronic stability control system to provide quite the show.

To keep things safe, Volvo integrated dual-stage frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that have a farther reach than the norm. Volvo also incorporates the Whiplash Protection System, an energy absorbing structure, built in booster seats and more to give every driver and passenger the best protection possible.

The 2008 V70 proves that wagons are not a dying breed.

Volvo’s S40 sedan has a wagon model named the V50. This compact luxury station wagon has been refreshed for the 2008 year. Everything from the exterior to the convenience features has a new added flare. The 2008 V50 comes in the 2.4i trim, T5 trim and the all-wheel-drive T5 trim.

Up to five people can fit inside and their seating can be outfitted with either a sportswear inspired upholstery or leather. The artistry of the V50 is unmatched because it uses Nordic oak wood to accent the various surfaces of the interior; Volvo claims it is inspired by Nordic furniture design. This aesthetically pleasing material extenuates the center console, which holds controls for the Volvo Navigation System, whichever excellent audio system you select, climate control and more. If you need more storage space, the seats on the 60/40-split rear seat fold independently as well as the front passenger seat. This boosts the already impressive wagon storage space the V50 has. More standard and optional features include power windows, power locks and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

What drives this machine in 2.4i trim is a 2.4-liter inline-five-cylinder that generates 168 horsepower. The T5 models get a turbocharged 2.5-liter variation that can produce 227 horsepower; this turbocharged champion works with a five-speed automatic transmission that comes with semi-manual capabilities. The 2.4i engine teams with a five-speed manual transmission. The wealth of power comes with a wealth of safety. Side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, tire pressure monitoring and safety ensured chassis are some of these safety features. The Blind Spot Information System gives some extra reassurance to the driver. The Intelligent Driver Information System is another useful commodity that measure driving input and output to help the car provide the most efficient ride possible.

The 2008 V50 compact luxury wagon really has it all.

The 2008 S80 sedan demonstrates Volvo’s ability to make a quality luxury automobile. This new treat combines excellent performance, in car entertainment and safety into one elegant package. The S80 comes in 3.2, T6 AWD and V8 AWD trims.

The engine for the 3.2 trim is a 235 horsepower six-cylinder; the T6 AWD trim gets a 281 horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder and the V8 AWD trim gets a 311 horsepower eight-cylinder V8 engine. All of these work with a six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic sequential shifting. To compliment all of these power sources, Volvo added ample safety features to the S80 design scheme. The airbag list includes the usual frontal airbags, dual-chamber side airbags and inflatable side curtains. Other safety technologies include a Whiplash Protection System, an energy-absorbing frontal structure, head restraints and an energy-absorbing interior. One particularly interesting safety feature on the 2008 S80 is the Personal Car Communicator. This small controller communicates with the car and alerts you when the alarm is going off and can tell you if the car is locked. It’s taking safety to the next level of technology.

What the Personal Car Communicator is protecting is a top-notch interior. The spacious inside holds comfortable ventilated eight-way power seats that are doused in leather upholstery and a variety of available color schemes. To provide further comfort, Volvo made dual-zone climate control standard. To provide entertainment, Volvo incorporated premium sound with Dynaudio, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and the Volvo Navigation System. All of the controls for these can be found on the compact center console, located just below the dash. There is a host of other driving and comfort enhancing technologies as well.

All of this is enclosed in what Volvo calls “Scandinavian elegance at its best.” Standard seventeen-inch and optional eighteen-inch alloy wheels hold the sleek sedan design that is the S80. The aerodynamic design, as well as everything else this vehicle holds, will get you where you need to go with class.

The 2008 S60 appeases to those who want a taste of luxury but without the steep prices. This mid-size sedan can be outfitted with a versatile set of options to give you the exact ratio of price and luxury that you desire. Whether you choose the 2.5T, 2.5T all-wheel-drive or the T5 trim, you will find your fit.

The eye-catching curvy shape makes this four-door sedan have a slight resemblance to a coupe. The smooth surfaces are imprinted with color-matching strips and ridges on the side to give the vehicle a distinct presence. With new headlights, a variety of available wheel sizes and a whole lot more, this 2008 mid-sized sedan has a real road presence.

The inside of this distinctive machine reaches a level of superior quality. Five people may occupy the interior and the split-folding rear seat can expand the already spacious cargo room. The buyer has the choice of sport or comfort seating to find the best match for their driving style and comfort preference. In between the front seats is what Volvo calls a “tunnel console” that is “much more than an armrest.” This supped up center armrest merges cup holders, coasters and various storage pockets into one convenient little piece of space. Directly in front of the tunnel console is the center console that holds control for the performance-geared audio system, optional navigation system, electronic climate control and more! T5 drivers have the option to deck out their S60 with sporty features such as a sports steering wheel, Combi Watch Dial Instrumentation and a Trunk Lid Spoiler.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine generates 208 horsepower and is standard in the 2.5T trims. The T5 gets a turbocharged 2.4-liter can get up to 258 horsepower. The five-speed automatic transmission has an optional manual shifting provision; the manual shifting is standard on T5 models. With the power comes protection in form of safety features. Standard side-impact and side curtain airbags provide necessary cushioning for an impact. To compliment the airbags, the S60 also includes features such as an electronic stability system, antilock brakes, traction control and whiplash protection.

Make sure to check out this 2008 hot shot!