autos sport

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

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 Germany, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain and Japan.

I’m sure that most of you remember the Icy Car Crash video that we posted a few days ago featuring a series of pinball-car-crashes in Portland. Undoubtedly, the most entertaining hoon of all was the person in the first SUV, as he made a home run on every car, or poll he found. According to Oregonlive, the West Hills Volvo XC90 driver who pinballed seven cars is a 79-year-old named Broughton Bishop. Luckily, Broughton managed to come out of the car bearing only a few scratches. But hey, what's a few scratches and a hurt ego compared to all that publicity he's receiving! Via: Jalopnik & Oregonlive

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Volvo hand built four unique scaled bodies (1:15), mounted on electrically driven chassis developed by the Nordic Sport company. The radio controlled mini-Volvo has a 2hp electric motor giving it the capability to transport either four discuses, three javelins or two hammers (2 hammers alone, together weigh 14 kg). According to the Swedes, this mini-XC90 can go up to 20 km/h.

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Volvo is adding a more sporty version of it’s supposedly already Sport-Utility-Vehicle (...) the XC90 SE Sport which will be available with 4.4 V8, 3.2 6cylinder and D5 diesel engines. Changes include dynamic sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system and larger, 19in wheels etc. For more specific information read the press release bellow.

Dynamic driving characteristics with stiffened chassis settings: The chassis settings for the new Volvo XC90 SE Sport have been refined and specifically developed on UK roads to increase genuine driving pleasure. The shock absorbers have stiffer rebound rates and the anti-roll bars are stiffer (front +0.5mm; rear +1.0mm) to offer a high level of stability when cornering. The speed dependent steering has also been adapted to offer quick steering response. Furthermore, Volvo’s self-levelling system, Nivomat, has been fine-tuned to offer great stability and driving control.

Sport interior and upholstery: The interior design is customised with a more dynamic and exclusive feel. Figure-hugging sports seats, offering additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering, give a more sporty character together with a sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather. The leather seats use a combination of two different grades of leather with contrasting piping, while the instrument dials feature metal chronograph watch-style faces with a shimmering blue lustre.

Distinctive and sporty exterior: The Volvo XC90 Sport is distinguished by double chromed exhaust pipes and the addition of a unique paint colour, Passion Red. Extended body coloured wheel arch extenders emphasise the distinctive, larger five-spoke 19in Vulcanis alloy wheels – available in silver bright or diamond cut with contrasting effect – which are fitted with 255/50 R19W Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres. In addition, exterior trim will have a satin silver finish, rather than the standard chrome, with the lower skid plate also in satin silver. The unique sill mouldings are in brushed stainless steel.

To accentuate the car’s sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, roof rails are not fitted – although they will be available as a no cost option, if required.

V8 and 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engines, or D5 five-cylinder turbodiesel: There are two petrol and one diesel available for the XC90 SE Sport - Volvo’s V8 (315PS) and its new 3.2-litre (238PS) six-cylinder petrol engines, plus the latest generation, 2.4-litre D5 (185PS) five-cylinder turbodiesel. All three are very powerful and energy-efficient engines that contribute to the driving enjoyment. The engines are extremely compact and are transversely mounted in the engine bay for the best possible safety and to maximise cabin space. All three engines are available with six-speed Geartronic transmissions, while a six-speed manual is offered with the D5.

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No German car for Pope Benedict XVI as the Catholic church leader received a new Volvo XC90 that has been custom tailored for his personal use. During a June 28 ceremony at the Vatican, the Pope was presented with the keys to the SUV. The V8 version vehicle is dark blue with a light interior and Volvo officials say the car, like every Volvo XC90, is designed for safety with features like ROPS (rollover protection system).

Press Release

Volvo Cars presented His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, with one of its Sport Utility Vehicles. The keys of the car have been delivered to the Pope in the Vatican, on Wednesday June 28th, with a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.

On Wednesday June 28, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has received the keys of the Volvo XC90 that Volvo Car Corporation has presented him with. The delivery of the keys to the Pope has taken place in the Vatican, during a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.

To represent Volvo Cars, Gerry Keaney, Vice President Volvo Car Corporation, Marketing Sales and Service, Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia, and Michele Crisci, General Manager Volvo Auto Italia attended. The Volvo XC90 delivered to the Pope – and fitted for His personal use – is a V8 version. It is a dark blue XC90 with light interiors.

"We are absolutely happy and proud of the opportunity we had to give a car to the Pope. Safety has always been a no-compromise must for Volvo; no doubt, our strong commitment to safeguard lives could not get a higher and more touching recognition", said Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia.

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