|
|
|---|
Thursday, March 6, 2008
When Volvo organised the Volvo Ocean Race the very first time in 2001-02, the company sold 4,500 special edition Volvo V70s and X70s. In conjunction with the 2005-06 race, the Ocean Blue family was extended with the Volvo XC90 and sales increased to 8,600 cars. The most recent Volvo Ocean Race Edition will reach dealers in June 2008 and Volvo expects to sell about 9,000 cars. The five largest markets are 
Volvo has launched a series of specially designed cars dedicated to the sailing competition, “Volvo Ocean Race”. The new “Ocean Race Edition” range encompasses three models the V70, XC70 and XC90. Available in two exterior colors, Ocean Blue and Electric Silver, the special edition models feature full leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Offblack, with the centre console and other details in a silk matt aluminium finish. Additionally, the stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making while the aluminium detailing on the mats resembles clews. -Continued
Monday, October 29, 2007
Normally, a picture like the one you’re seeing above would have been found in a car forum posted by a driver wanting to share his (horror) story with online readers. But that’s not the case here. These images were actually released by Volvo in order promote the safety of their cars.
According to the Swedes, the driver of this 2000 V70, Patrick Englund, was involved in a head-on collision with a car that strayed on the wrong side of the highway near Hyssna, east of Gothenburg, back in March, 2007. Luckily, Patrick, his wife and his two-month old son who were also on board managed to escape this accident with minor injuries. And that’s what counts. -Press release and images after the jump
Press Release: Patrik's Volvo V70 saved the entire family
Every driver's nightmare occurred on the way home from viewing a house. The oncoming car on the straight highway strayed onto the wrong side and Patrik Englund had no chance of swerving. The collision was violent but Patrik and his family escaped without serious injury. "Our Volvo V70 kept its promise. I drive the same car model today," says Patrik.
The accident occurred at about 3 in the afternoon on Sunday, 4 March 2007.
Patrik Englund, his partner Emilie and two-month old son Lucas were driving along the highway near Hyssna, some way inland east of Gothenburg, on the way home from viewing a house.
The sun was shining, the road was straight, and the traffic quiet and undramatic. The speed limit was 70 km/h and the road was monitored by cameras.
Patrik noticed that the oncoming car, a small SUV a couple of hundred metres away, started to move closer to the centre of the road.
"I didn't think too much about it initially. Oncoming cars usually adjust their course quite quickly. But when it crossed the centre marking and drove straight at us I realised that things were going very wrong", remembered Patrik.
Patrik slammed on the brakes and almost managed to stop his Volvo V70 before the oncoming car drove straight into the front of his car.
Violent collision - minimum damage to the Volvo
The collision was violent. But the front of Patrik's V70 was deformed and absorbed most of the collision forces - the passenger compartment remained intact.
Patrik in the driver's seat was protected by the pre-tensioned safety belt and the airbag.
He suffered a crack to his twelfth vertebra but was otherwise uninjured. After three months with support for his chest and back he had recuperated.
His partner Emelie was wearing the three-point safety belt in the middle of the rear seat. She suffered a fracture to one of her knees, which hit the centre console between the front seats. Emilie was on crutches for six weeks and has now recuperated.
Little Lucas, then two months old, sat facing backwards in his baby seat that the family had borrowed from the child welfare centre. He survived unharmed apart from a bruise on his arm. Today Lucas crawls around just as quickly and enthusiastically as his little friends.
Patrik Englund's Volvo V70, a 2000 model, ended up on the scrapheap however ... "But I still drive a Volvo V70. You don't take any risks after having suffered such a violent reminder of the importance of choosing a really safe family car," says Patrik.
New systems can avoid similar accidents
Volvo Car Corporation works intensively on developing systems that can help prevent this type of accidents.
During the course of 2007, Volvo will be introducing two systems which, if they had been installed in the car that collided with Patrik and his family, could have prevented the car from straying onto the wrong side of the road.
Driver Alert Control monitors the car's movements on the road and warns tired drivers who lose concentration whereas Lane Departure Warning warns the driver when the car strays across the centre or side markers for no apparent reason.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Simultaneously with the new V70, Volvo’s unveiling its crossover sibling, the 2008 XC70 at the 2007 Geneva Show. Like its predecessor, the XC70 is basically a higher V70 (+75mm) with 4x4 design elements like the scratchproof protective cladding around the wheelarches and the chunkier, redesigned bumpers.
Available in Europe from this fall (
PRESS RELEASE: THE ALL NEW VOLVO XC70 – CAPABLE, SPORTY AND READY FOR ADVENTURE
-Significantly enhanced levels of refinement and all road capability
-Offers unparalleled levels of athleticism, versatility and safety in the premium estate class
-Powered by a 185 PS D5 diesel and a 238 PS 3.2-litre petrol
Volvo’s boldly styled and intelligently configured all new Volvo XC70 AWD (all-wheel drive) estate offers significantly improved levels of all-road-all-weather ability and an engaging driving experience combined with class-leading safety features, load-carrying versatility and refined passenger comfort.
Performance
The all new XC70 offers both performance and fuel economy with Volvo’s naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine and its second generation 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel engine.
The D5 turbo diesel, with 185 PS and 400 Nm, packs a full technical punch and features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder technology, an electronically controlled turbocharger, a maintenance-free particle filter, a more advanced multi-point injection system and an enhanced engine management system. It accelerates to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds (manual) and on to a 130 mph maximum speed.
The D5 is available as a 6-speed manual gearbox or Volvo’s six-speed Geartronic transmission, which gives the driver the choice of automatic or manual shifting. Designed by Volvo in
Driving Dynamics
Underpinned by advanced new chassis architecture, the all new Volvo XC70 delivers an agile and rewarding driving experience that combines exceptional driver control, outstanding ride comfort and secure road holding.
Extensive use of high-strength steels throughout the all new XC70 has boosted torsional rigidity by 15 percent compared to the previous model and particular focus on chassis technology, the suspension system and engine installation ensures that the XC70 delivers good stability and torsional rigidity.
The all new XC70 is also fitted with Volvo’s DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control), which enhances cornering stability and reduces the risk of a skid by utilising feedback from numerous dynamic sensors to reduce engine torque and apply carefully calculated braking.
Four-C, Volvo’s advanced active chassis technology with electronically controlled damper adjustment, is also available. “With an active chassis, the car’s driving properties improve in all situations,” says Volvo Cars XC70 Project Director, Tomas Ahlborg. “It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive.”
Cross Country Capability
All road ability is a key XC characteristic and, combined with a stiffer chassis, the all new XC70 is equipped to offer dramatically enhanced cross country capability.
Volvo’s engineers and designers paid particular attention to the all new XC70’s ground clearance and wading depth as well as its ramp, approach and departure angles. With a ride height 75mm (with 2 occupants) higher than the new Volvo V70 estate, the XC70 has an impressive wading depth of 300 mm and an effective ground clearance of 211 mm. Also, with ramp angles of 19.2° approach, 19.8° breakover and 24° departure, the new XC70 betters the outgoing model (16°, 18° and 20° respectively) in all three areas.
This ability to deal with adverse road conditions is enhanced by a hill descent control (HDC) system that regulates the vehicle’s speed on steep downhill gradients in all conditions. The electronic one-touch system – standard on both manual and automatic gearboxes – utilises the brakes to modulatethe amount of torque distributed to each, ensuring the Volvo maintains a steady 6 mph during its descent. Touching either brake or accelerator pedal will speed up or slow your descent speed () in all conditions. Simply press the HDC button to regain full manual control. The HDC system also works in reverse which makes it ideal for tricky manoeuvres such as when launching a boat on a steep slipway.
The all new XC70 is also fitted with Volvo’s responsive AWD with Instant Traction™ system, using an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to instantly distribute torque to the wheels for the best possible grip in all conditions.
Another feature that enhances the off-road experience is the speed-dependent power steering option which, as its name suggests, delivers more servo assistance at low speeds and less as speeds rise. Ideal for low-speed manoeuvres when tackling slippery surfaces, there are three levels of assistance available and they can be adjusted via Volvo’s information and set-up system. To assist on tricky hill starts, the all new Volvo XC70 is fitted with an intelligent PPB (power parking brake) that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed and the car pulls away.
Sporty and luxurious
The car’s enhanced dynamic ability is complemented by athletic new styling. Its eye-catching new sporty design, headlined by its raked windscreen and tailgate angles, blacked-out side pillars and C30-inspired taillights, are complemented by its tough and practical off-road body kit.
Hard-wearing scratchproof protective cladding along the XC70’s flanks and around the wheelarches is complemented by chunkier redesigned bumpers as well as tough chromed front and rear scuff plates that shield the XC70’s nose and tail during more arduous off-road work. The all new XC70 models are also fitted with unique XC embossed roof rails as standard. These features, in combination with refined lines and contours, give the all new XC70 a more luxurious, elegant appearance.
“The dark-coloured plastic panels at the bottom are less obvious than on the current model. But as with exclusive outdoor clothing, the protection is placed exactly where it needs to be to withstand the rough stuff,” says Volvo Cars Design Director, Steve Mattin. The XC design continues inside with unique leather interior colours, bold cross stitching on the seats, cross-brushed aluminium trim and mesh pockets at the rear.
Estate versatility
The all new Volvo XC70 marries its contemporary Scandinavian style with intuitive functionality, comfort and refinement. The XC70’s revised tailgate design is not only a striking design feature, but results in an even larger loading aperture than before, and the boot’s size has grown by an effective 55 litres over the outgoing model, to a vast 575 litres. And the XC70’s 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat and foldable front passenger seat means 16 different seating combinations for unrivalled versatility in the sector.
The boot floor features adjustable load-securing anchorage points and aluminium rails to secure objects in transit, further helped by the integrated anchorage eyelets in the boot’s side panels. Those XC70 drivers who regularly transport heavy or bulky goods can opt for the innovative sliding load floor and optional powered tailgate to boost ease of loading even further.
Boosting usable interior cabin space has resulted in a 48 mm increase in rear legroom and a 21 mm increase in rear knee clearance. Front passengers now enjoy 30 mm of additional shoulder room, while the overall distance between front and rear passengers has been extended by 21 mm. The spacious XC70 cabin is enhanced by its sleek and slim centre console, intelligently configured dashboard and ergonomically correct layout of its controls.
The all new Volvo XC70 is equipped with a first class DSP (digital signal processing) audio system which features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern and the Premium Sound option offers loudspeakers from Danish audio experts Dynaudio. Integrated RSE system for rear passengers, the latest generation of RTI navigation system, MP3 player compatibility and optional subwoofers are also available.
Class-leading safety
As with all new Volvos, the XC70 is equipped with a raft of ground-breaking active and passive safety features to ensure that it's the safest car in its class. Highlights include improved crumple zones that use differing strength steels to absorb energy during an impact, the same advanced WHIPS (whiplash protection system) as that found in the new S80 and an energy absorbing nose and bonnet.
Mindful of the XC70’s higher ground clearance, Volvo has positioned a lower cross-member to supplement the front suspension frame at the height of a conventional car’s bumper so that, in the event of a collision, it will strike the other car's protective structure and activate its crumple zone.
Using higher-strength steels in the XC70’s side panels significantly enhances the performance of the Volvo’s SIPS side impact protection, as do its new dual compartment side-impact airbags, which feature two separate chambers for the hips and for the chest.
Volvo’s innovative dual-stage integrated rear child booster seat tops the all new XC70’s list of family-oriented safety features. With two heights, this optional adjustable booster cushion is ideal for () children between 95 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 15 and 36 kg. Force limiters on the seatbelts have been adjusted to provide the right amount of tensioning force for children.
A new extended IC (inflatable curtain) airbag, 60 mm longer, boosts child safety by providing superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes.
The Volvo XC70 can also be equipped with a number of advanced electronic driving systems including Volvo’s award-winning BLIS (blind spot information system), HBA (hydraulic brake assist), OHB (optimised hydraulic brakes), ACC (adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support), active bi-xenon headlamps, radar-controlled collision warning, emergency brake lights, all-round laminated glass and Volvo PCC (personal car communicator), which is used to lock and unlock the car as well informing the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, to detect if someone is in the car.
Sales and introduction timings
Since the introduction of the PV445 in 1953, Volvo has dominated the premium estate market. The first XC model was launched in 1996, inventing the cross-over estate concept, and has attracted global sales of around 40,000 units each year.
During its first full year of sales, Volvo expects to sell around 40,000 all new Volvo XC70 models worldwide. Prices of the all new XC70 will be announced in early June, with a September showroom due date and first customer deliveries in October this year. The current Volvo XC70 remains on sale until the autumn.
Technorati: Volvo+XC70, Volvo+V70, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Technorati: Volvo+XC70, Volvo+V70, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, scoop, Geneva+Motor+Show
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Following the leaked pics, the official press release and gallery here’s a narrated video of the all-new Volvo V70, which will make its official debut at the Geneva Show in March. And oh yeah, lets not forget to note that we still don’t dig it.
Technorati: Volvo+V70, Youtube, video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, Genevea+motor+Show
Friday, February 2, 2007
PRESS RELEASE: The all-new V70 model offers more of everything; it is more luxurious inside than its predecessor, it is sportier to drive, offers more space for both passengers and luggage, and it integrates a variety of intelligent solutions for flexible usage. Safety is at the highest level and the car also includes a world breakthrough – for the benefit of families with young children. Design and Dynamics The Volvo V70 is the jewel in Volvo’s crown, and the engineers and designers wanted to ensure that in the new V70 driver, passengers and luggage are all treated to the same first class driving experience. With its sleeker and more athletic lines, rakish windscreen, blacked-out side pillars, C30-inspired taillights and dynamic tailgate angle, the V70’s head-turning style hints at its newfound on-road dynamism. Sitting on all-new chassis architecture, the Volvo V70 delivers an athletic and engaging driving experience that combines exceptional ride comfort, secure and stable road holding and enhanced driver control. Optimised use of high-strength steels throughout the new chassis has boosted torsional rigidity by 15 percent compared to the previous model. Allied to Volvo’s advanced active Four-C chassis technology with electronically controlled damper adjustment, the V70 is now both safer and more entertaining to drive. Volvo’s DSTC dynamic stability and traction control is a standard feature on the V70. This stability-enhancing system uses feedback from numerous dynamic sensors to reduce engine torque and apply carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid. The top-spec T6 model is fitted with Volvo’s responsive Instant Traction AWD (all-wheel drive), that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to instantly distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing the Volvo’s all-season versatility and safety. As well as speed-sensitive powered steering with three settings, the V70 also features an intelligent PPB power parking brake that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed and the car moves off, making easy work of hill starts. Versatility The Volvo V70 may set a new benchmark for style and luxury, but it’s still a Volvo estate, and that means unparalleled versatility and load-lugging ability. No surprise then that the V70 introduces a world first – an integrated rear child booster seat with two heights. The seat’s adjustable dual-stage booster cushion means the seatbelt geometry is optimum irrespective of the child’s height. The integrated booster cushion is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters for its smaller and lighter occupants. The V70’s revised tailgate design now makes the boot aperture even larger than before and the boot has grown by an effective 55 litres over the outgoing car. The 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat offers unrivalled versatility in the sector (16 different combinations). The centre backrest can be lowered to house longer items or raised to provide an additional seat, or the larger backrests can be folded separately to create a flat-floored load. Factor in the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, and the load-carrying possibilities are even greater. The loadbay floor itself is fitted with aluminium rails and movable load-securing anchorage points which fold away when not in use. The boot’s side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to hold luggage securely in place and create a unique 3D load securing system. A clever sliding load floor is also available as an option. Fastened into the floor rails, it slides easily over the bumper to permit convenient loading, facilitated by an optional powered tailgate. A lockable storage area under the load floor is standard and, for total load and passenger security, there is also the option of fitting all-round laminated glass windows. Performance For the first time ever, the new Volvo V70 will be available with an all new T6 six-cylinder petrol engine – a compact and lightweight all-aluminium 3.0-litre in-line unit breathed on by an advanced turbocharger featuring twin-scroll technology. The twin-scroll system takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow split into two, each flow feeding three cylinders for immediate throttle response. Producing 285 PS and a hefty 400 Nm of torque, the flagship V70 delivers 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a 155 mph top speed. This flagship powertrain is joined by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre derivative of the same engine. Developing 238 PS and 320 Nm, the straight six engine features Cam Profile Switching as well as Variable Intake System on the inlet manifold that employs two throttle valves to adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to deliver optimised performance throughout the rev-range. Like all engines in the V70 range, the six-cylinder units are transversely mounted, further reducing the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision. The petrol engine line-up is completed by Volvo’s 2.5 litre in-line five cylinder engine with integrated turbocharger, which posts outputs of 200 PS and 300 Nm of torque. A bio-fuel E85-compliant version of this engine with 145 PS will join the range towards the end of the year. The V70 will also be powered by two versions of Volvo’s 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engines. Expected to be key sellers in the Both feature double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and, in their revised form benefit from a new electronically controlled turbocharger, a more advanced multi-point injection system, an enhanced engine management system and a service-free particle filter. All engines in the V70 range are hooked up to Volvo’s acclaimed six-speed Geartronic transmission, which gives the driver the choice of automatic or manual shifting. The flagship T6 model comes with a Sport mode for quicker and more dynamic gearshifts, whilst the 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T are also available with a 6 speed manual gearbox. Interior The Volvo V70’s interior is the perfect example of Scandinavian style that combines clean design, intelligent functionality, exceptional comfort and unmatched luxury. One of the key goals of the V70’s development team was to boost cabin space effectively and intelligently. In the all new Volvo V70 rear legroom has increased by 48 mm, rear knee clearance has grown by 21 mm, front shoulder room by 30 mm, while the distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 mm. The V70’s sense of space is enhanced by its sleek and slim centre console, intelligently configured dashboard and ergonomically correct layout of its controls. Renowned for their long-distance orthopaedic comfort and support, Volvo has improved its seats even further; along with driver seat power assist as standard, both front seats can also be specified with ventilated leather offering the comfort of both a heating and cooling function. The new Volvo V70 comes with the option of a superb DSP digital signal processing audio system, featuring loudspeakers from Danish audio experts Dynaudio, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern, integrated RSE system for rear passengers, the latest generation of RTI road traffic information system, MP3 player compatibility and optional subwoofers to produce a total output of 910W. The V70 also features an innovative Clear Zone Interior Package to further enhance on-board comfort. Based on ECC electronic climate control and the IAQS interior air quality system, this vents the passenger compartment for a full minute when the car is unlocked and the external temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius. Along with interior trim materials and fittings selected to emit minimum levels of harmful substances, this creates a passenger environment that has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association. Safety As you’d expect, the all new Volvo V70 was developed and engineered to be the safest car in its segment and, sharing the same sophisticated network of interactive safety features, arrives with a raft of ground-breaking active and passive safety features. Top of the list is the innovative dual-stage integrated rear child booster seat. With two heights, this optional adjustable booster cushion is ideal for children between 95 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 15 and 36 kg. The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. This optional safety feature can be fitted in both outer rear seats and its seatbelt positioning and recalibrated force limiters ensure maximum protection. Child safety is further improved by the new V70’s extended IC inflatable curtain. Now 60 mm longer, this airbag provides superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes. The V70’s patented SIPS side impact protection system not only benefits from the use of higher-strength steels in the side panels, but also from the development of Volvo’s new side-impact airbags. The dual compartment airbags feature two separate chambers – one for the hips and the other for the chest. The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body’s network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection. The front passenger airbag can be disabled using a key, and the front seat can be specified with attachments for a rear-facing baby seat. Enhanced crumple zones that use differing strength steels to absorb energy during an impact, IDIS intelligent driver information system, a more advanced WHIPS whiplash protection system (the same as that launched in the new S80), an energy absorbing nose and bonnet, the choice of laminated glass all-round, a collapsible steering column, five three-point seatbelts and dual-stage front airbags complete the safety package. The Volvo V70 can also be fitted with a raft of advanced electronic driving systems to further boost safety. Highlights include active bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support, and emergency brake lights. A radar that constantly monitors the front of the car will activate a head-up display warning light and buzzer if the car approaches another vehicle from the rear with no driver reaction. Once alerted, if the driver still does not react, then the brakes are pre-charged to minimise the likely consequent impact. Other key safety features include Volvo’s award-winning BLIS blind spot information system, HBA hydraulic brake assist, OHB optimised hydraulic brakes and, like the Volvo S80, the V70 offers the option of Volvo’s PCC personal car communicator. This advanced pocket-sized control centre has a range of around 100 metres and is not only used to lock and unlock the car but can also tell the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, if someone is in the car. Later in 2007, the engine range will encompass units with power outputs between 100 kW (136 hp) and 210 kW (285 hp). During the first year of production, a 145 hp FlexiFuel alternative will also become available. Technorati: Volvo+V70, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images 
About 24 hours after an internet leak provided us the first official pics of Volvo’s 2008 V70 the Swedish firm released the press pack that includes images and of course the press release. I’ve never been a fan of the Volvo Station Wagon family and from the looks of it, I still ain't. 
Petrol engines Configuration Output kW/hp Torque Nm
3.0 T6 I6 210/285 400
3.2 I6 I6 175/238 320
2.5 T I5 147/200 300
Diesel engines Configuration Output kW/hp Torque Nm
D5 I5 136/185 400
2.4 D I5 120/163 340
