Archive for Volvo
2010 Volvo C70 by HEICO SPORTIV
Posted by: | CommentsAt the next week’s Geneva Auto Saloon, the Volvo cars tuner HEICO SPORTIV will exhibit for first time publicly its latest development, the HEICO SPORTIV Volvo C70. Combining in itself astonishing coupe and comfortable convertible, the refined ride blends perfectly Scandinavian elegance, athletic design and astonishing individuality.
Holger Hedtke, the HEICO SPORTIV General Manager says “Our program kicks in where Volvo’s leaves off. It’s characterized by supplementation rather than substitution.”
The HEICO’s tuned C70 is distinguished by newly designed front spoiler made in PUR-RIM technology, which fits more naturally than OEM element and further provides distinctively sporty but unobtrusive look. At the rear-end, the engineers have mounted a stunning diffuser and a stainless steel exhaust unit with four round chrome plated end pipes.
Set to provide even greater driving dynamics and improved cornering experience, the HEICO C70 benefits from 30mm lower sport suspension unit and sleek 9×20-inch multi-spoke design forged lightweight alloys VOLUTION® X.
In the terms of interior design, the newcomer boasts redesigned with new leather dashboard, door trims and cover profile of the metal convertible roof. Unmistakable cabin highlight is also the hand-made filigree wooden gear shift lever designed in cooperation with THONET.
2011 Volvo S60 Official Detail
Posted by: | CommentsThe 2011 Volvo S60 makes its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday 2 March 2010. It launches into one of the automotive world’s most competitive segments backed by an elegant new coupe-like design, dynamic driving characteristics and ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection safety technology.
In its overall shape, the 2011 Volvo S60 is a coupe; sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo. In its design, it promises excellent driving characteristics, even before you get behind the wheel. To deliver the highest levels of driving enjoyment, the chassis team have refined every single detail that influences a car’s driving properties and fine-tuned the driving experience to offer the most dynamic ride ever seen before on a Volvo.
The 2011 Volvo S60 range will be available from launch with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine, including an uprated high-performance 3.0-litre T6 petrol version with 304bhp, a 2.4-litre 205bhp D5 and a 2.0-litre 163bhp D3 powerplant. A DRIVe version powered by a 1.6-litre 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.
DESIGN
In its overall shape, the 2011 Volvo S60 is a four-door coupé – sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo.
The C-pillar of the 2011 Volvo S60 stretches all the way to the tail lamps – and the slim coupé –like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body. This creates a gentle double wave in the line from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.
The S60’s athletic stance is accentuated by a sculpted bonnet and short overhangs front and rear, plus what Volvo’s design team calls the “racetrack” design. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.
This sporty appearance can be further enhanced with an exterior styling kit that incorporates front and rear skid plates, two frames in the lower valence, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Volvo’s designers have also used LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create distinctive, signature lights at the front and rear that make the car clearly identifiable as an S60, even in the dark. The 2011 Volvo S60 is being introduced with a range of exterior colours including two new shades: Vibrant Copper and Electrum Gold.
NEW DYNAMIC CHASSIS
The 2011 Volvo S60 is the most sporting Volvo ever built and during the development process, the chassis team refined every single detail to fine tune the driving experience. The result of their labours is a newly-developed Dynamic chassis, standard on every 2011 Volvo S60.
The steering gear ratio is 10 per cent faster than in previous models to give enhanced steering feel and sharper response. The steering column’s thicker tubing and stiffer bushes have increased torsional rigidity by 100 per cent. This also contributes to the increased feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.
The front spring struts have thicker pistons compared with the sports chassis in the Volvo S80. The resultant 47 per cent increase of stiffness means that the body structure is better able to absorb lateral loads. The springs themselves are shorter and stiffer than before and the Eigen frequency has increased by 10 per cent. At the front, spring strut mounting stiffness has increased by 50 per cent. The front and rear subframe bushes are up to twice as stiff compared with previous models. The link arm bushings have also been optimised for sporty driving and full control.
The damper mountings at the rear are made of PUR (polyurethane) instead of rubber to provide better balance between comfort and dynamic control.
Stefan Sällqvist, responsible for the S60 chassis development explained: “We spent many weeks fine-tuning the dampers out in the English countryside. We drove on old Roman roads that have only ever received a few layers of tarmac over the centuries – a perfect environment for finding the right damping qualities.”
Advanced Stability Control
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) in the 2011 Volvo S60 has a number of sophisticated features to improve driving pleasure and safety. The S60 is the first saloon on the market with Volvo’s Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll sensor, it’s possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving that involves considerable lateral forces.
New Corner Traction Control for smoother curves
The dynamic new chassis is backed up by a range of electronic systems that further sharpen the sporty driving experience. Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car takes corners more smoothly. This technology is a further refinement of the DSTC system. When taking a curve, the car’s inner driven wheel is braked at the same time as more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to take the corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.
Advanced, integrated braking functions
A highly advanced braking system is an important part of the dynamic driving properties of the 2011 Volvo S60. A number of features interact to provide the shortest possible stopping distance in all scenarios. Technology includes:
•Ready Alert Brakes can predict when emergency braking is needed. The brake callipers are applied lightly to the brake discs even before the driver presses the brake pedal.
•Hydraulic Brake Assist helps the driver brake in the shortest possible distance. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal fast or hard enough, Hydraulic Brake Assist can help utilise the ABS system optimally and thus shorten the overall braking distance.
•Optimised Hydraulic Brakes is a system that amplifies braking ability during firm braking by using hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.
•Fading Brake Support uses the hydraulic system to gradually build up brake pressure during long, hard braking. This helps reduce the risk of brake fade and maintains pedal feel.
•The 2011 Volvo S60 is equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake as standard.
FOUR-C as an option
All variants of the 2011 Volvo S60 can be specified with the FOUR-C active chassis, which has been modified and refined for better control and comfort. This is an advanced, self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving situation.
With three alternative chassis settings, all it takes is for the driver to press a button to alter the car’s character: Comfort, Sport or Advanced.
ENGINE RANGE
At launch, the S60 range will be available with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine. All the engines have been developed to meet the highest demands on sporty, dynamic driving with competitive fuel consumption.
2011 Volvo S60 engine programme from start of production:
Petrol engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
T6 AWD 3.0 6-cyl in-line 304 bhp 440 Nm
Diesel engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
D5 2.4 5-cyl in-line 205 bhp 420 Nm
D3 2.0 5-cyl in-line 163 bhp 400 Nm
Two five-cylinder turbo diesels
The high-performance twin turbo D5 produces 205 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 146mph (manual) and 143mph (automatic). In the most recent D5 version, introduced in spring 2009, the performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power within a broader rev range. The result is alert response and rapid acceleration at all speeds, with seamless transfers in the turbo rev range between the two turbochargers. The complementary properties of the two turbos combine high performance with lower fuel consumption of 47.9mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).
Advanced fuel injection technology using piezoelectric fuel valves gives exact distribution of fuel in the combustion chamber, with efficient combustion and low emissions as a result.
Smaller displacement lowers fuel consumption
In addition there is the newly-developed 2.0-litre D3 engine producing 163hp and 400Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 137mph (manual) and 134 mph (automatic).
The new five-cylinder 2.0D is, in principle, the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox fuel consumption is now up to 54.3mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).
The engine has been optimised to offer reduced fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectrical fuel valve compared with the D5 engine. These valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in far more efficient combustion.
In order to give the car better driving properties, the turbocharger has been fine-tuned for high torque from low revs.
Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. A maintenance-free particulate filter that traps about 95 percent of the soot particles is fitted as standard in both engines.
High-performance T6 petrol engine
The 3.0-litre T6 petrol engine generates 304 hp and 440 Nm of torque, enhancing acceleration and smooth progress on the road. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 155 mph. Volvo Cars’ engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 per cent to 27.7 mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).
The engine’s power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo’s second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gear changes than before. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.
Engines to be added during first year of production:
Petrol engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
T5 2.0 4-cyl in-line 240 bhp 320 Nm
T4 1.6 4 cyl in-line 180 bhp 240 Nm
T3 1.6 4-cyl in-line 150 bhp 240 Nm
Diesel engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
1.6 D DRIVe 1.6 4-cyl in-line 115 bhp 270 Nm
DRIVe diesel below 115 g/km
During the first year of production a DRIVe version of the 2011 Volvo S60 will be introduced, featuring a new 1.6-litre diesel engine. Fuel consumption will be an impressive 65.7mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure), corresponding to CO2 emissions approximately below 115 g/km. The uprated engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Later during the first year of production, the 2011 Volvo S60 will also become available with a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240 hp and torque of 320 Nm. Furthermore, there will be a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions: 180 hp (T4) and 150 hp (T3) with torque of 240 Nm.
All the GTDi engines will be available in combination with Volvo’s optional automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The Powershift concept works like two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, giving quick and fuel-saving gearchanges.
Further information on these engines will be communicated at a later date.
PEDESTRIAN DETECTION WITH FULL AUTO BRAKE
The 2011 Volvo S60 features the ground breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system. Pedestrian Detection consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar’s task is to detect any object in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.
The full auto brake part of the technology also responds to vehicles in front that are at a standstill or that are moving in the same direction as the car fitted with the system.
The newly developed dual-mode radar’s much wider field of vision ensures that pedestrians about to step into the roadway can be detected early on. The camera has higher resolution than the previous-generation auto brake which makes it possible to detect the pedestrian’s pattern of movement.
“The auto-brake system requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to the advanced sensor technology used, it is now possible to increase to full braking power,” explains Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.
“Detecting pedestrians with sufficiently high reliability has been a complex challenge. Our innovative technology is programmed to trace a pedestrian’s pattern of movement and also to calculate whether he or she is likely to step into the road in front of the car. The system can detect pedestrians who are 80 cm tall and upwards, that is to say including children.”
New technology permits full braking force
In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen’s head-up display. In order to generate an immediate, intuitive reaction, this warning resembles a brake light. At the same time, the car’s brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.
This technology has the same limitations as the human eye, and just like us it “sees” less well in the dark and in poor weather.
Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 21mph if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car’s speed as much as possible prior to the impact. The speed reduction is up to 21mph.
Statistics reveal that the car’s speed has considerable importance for the outcome of the accident. A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced. For instance, if speed is cut from 30mph to 15mph, Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is expected to reduce the fatality risk by as much as 20 per cent and in certain cases by up to 85 per cent.
City Safety
The 2011 Volvo S60 also features City Safety as standard, as seen on its bigger brother - the XC60. The system can reduce or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 18mph.
Additional safety systems available:
•Driver Alert Control (DAC). A unique technology to alert tired and distracted drivers. This function monitors the car’s progress between the lane markers and warns the driver if his or her driving pattern changes in a random or uncontrolled way.
•Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) helps detect vehicles in the rear blind spot on both sides of the car. A warning lamp beside the relevant door mirror comes on to alert the driver to the danger.
•Active Bi-Xenon Lights are articulated headlights that follow the curve of the road. For best possibility illumination when driving in the dark on twisting roads.
•Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the car runs across the lane markers without the turn indicator being used.
•Advanced Side Impact Protection System
•Seat-mounted side airbags
•Improved Inflatable Curtains
•Whiplash Protection System
INSIDE THE CABIN
Drivers and passengers can experience the agile new chassis in complete comfort thanks to the spacious and refined cabin. The interior of the 2011 Volvo S60 has been designed with driver-oriented details, but is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by 30 mm compared with the previous-generation S60.
The designers also took the exterior’s racetrack inspiration into the interior of the car. “Every detail looks like it’s in motion. All the lines ‘embrace’ the driver’s cockpit. The instruments and centre stack are angled towards the driver to create a sensation of focus and control. The new dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and the new sports seats with extra side supports are standard. There isn’t any compromise anywhere in the dynamic approach we adopted from the very beginning,” says Jonathan Disley, head of interior design in the 2011 Volvo S60.
Easily accessible storage space is another important part of interior comfort and convenience. The 2011 Volvo S60 has a storage compartment behind the centre stack and another in the centre console armrest, while in the door pockets there is space for books, maps, soft-drink bottles and cans. Both the front and rear seat occupants have seat pockets within easy reach. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening has been made 100 mm wider than in the previous-generation S60.
Beige and black are the main colours of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the new highlight shade of Beechwood Brown – a tan leather upholstery that traces its proud roots back to classic Volvo models such as the P1800 ES and 164.
Clean Zone Interior gives enhanced comfort
The Electronic Climate Control system, (ECC), offers automatic control of both temperature and ventilation. The 2011 Volvo S60 can be equipped with IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) which prevents particles and unpleasant odours from entering the cabin. To offer highly-sensitive passengers even better climate comfort, the system has also been equipped with Clean Zone Interior, a system based on ECC and IAQS. When the car is unlocked using the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
The 2011 Volvo S60 also features:
•Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front and operates at speeds below 18mph, all the way down to standstill.
•Optional front and rear parking sensors and a rear Park Assist camera.
•Optional camera in the front grille with a 180-degree field of vision that can ‘see around the corner’ to help drivers negotiate blind exits and park with greater safety.
New Infotainment system
The 2011 Volvo S60 also gets a new Infotainment system that integrates information from the audio unit, navigation system, mobile phone and other functions into a five- or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. The screen is in a high position to make it easy for the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
All the functions can be controlled from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen. In addition there is a separate remote control for passengers to use. Integrated navigation with voice control is available as an option, as is the possibility of using Bluetooth to connect the driver’s own mobile phone to the car’s infotainment system.
One of the first cars with MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories
The 2011 Volvo S60 is one of the first cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theatre markets. MultEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin’s acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound for everyone in the car.
In addition to the top-of-the line Premium Sound, which comes with a seven-inch screen, the 2011 Volvo S60 is available with a choice of three other audio systems:
•Performance – with a 4×20 W amplifier, six loudspeakers and a five-inch screen.
•High Performance – with a 4×40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This system also comes with a five-inch screen.
•High Performance Multimedia – with a 4×40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This level is combined with the optional navigation system and the larger seven-inch screen.
GLOBAL SALES
The first-generation Volvo S60 was launched in 2000. It soon became Volvo Cars’ most popular model, enjoying worldwide acclaim and peak sales of 110,000 cars in 2002. In total, there are about one million S60s on roads the world over today.
The initial annual global target for the 2011 Volvo S60 is 90,000 cars and the car’s customer base is spread unusually uniformly throughout the world. Europe (including Russia), North America, and the rest of the world will each account for about one-third of total sales. The five largest single markets will be the UK, USA, China, Russia and Sweden. The 2011 Volvo S60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium and first cars will be delivered to customers in early summer 2010.
Full UK specification, technical details and prices will be announced at a later date.
2010 Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe with only 99 g/km harmful emissions
Posted by: | CommentsThe new Volvo C30 DRIVe was recently introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Powered by 1.6 liter diesel engine with Start/Stop technology the car consume only 3.8 litres diesel fuel per 100km and it emits only 99 grams of CO2/km. The car is able to cover a distance of 1380 kilometres on a single tank, 52 litres, of diesel. These figures make it one of the best hatchbacks on the market.
“This puts us among the absolute elite as regards low CO2 emissions,” says Peter Ewerstrand, head of CO2-related issues at Volvo Cars.
The facelift of C30 is a lot of different, than the previous model. The car gets entire new front and remodeling of every single part , including the front wings. Now C30 clearly distinguishes itself from the Volvo S40 and V50. The updates include new larger iron mark in the middle of the grille just as in the rest of the Volvo range. The air intake has also grown in size and resembles that of the XC60. The grille has a unique new pattern.
“The C30 is enhancing its visual stature and self-confidence and this is entirely in line with Volvo Cars’ design strategy. At the same time, the C30 has an expression all its very own. The new honeycomb pattern in the grille, for instance, means that all it takes is a quick glance in your rear-view mirror to see that this is a Volvo C30,” says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.
2009 Vizualtech Design Volvo C30 Racer
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a assignment from Bilsport magazine (Sweden), that published this car as a inspiration for Volvo to go racing with the big guns again. Volvo got a long history in saloon car racing, and should do well with this car in DTM or Lemans type racing, and get new appeal to the brand. The idea was to create a Diesel or “green” racing car with low emissions and high output, combined with nasty looks. Design is all Vizualtech team.
2010 Volvo XC60 Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsAnticipation is growing as Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced pricing of the exciting new 2010 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD small premium utility. With a starting price of just $37,200* for the well-equipped XC60, buyers will have it all: Class-leading safety, stunning design and unrivaled driving dynamics. The new Volvo XC60 goes on sale this March.
The XC60 is Volvo’s entry into the growing small premium utility segment. Features such as leather seating surfaces with a power driver’s seat, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary six-month subscription), hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports are all standard. As a special introductory offer, the unique Panorama moonroof will be offered at no charge. Customers may also opt for Volvo’s DVD-based navigation system with integrated back-up camera and two new colors: Lime Grass Green or Terra Bronze.
Continuing Volvo’s quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world’s first — City Safety — as standard equipment. City Safety is a driver-support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less.
The new Volvo XC60 is the first production expression of Volvo’s new design DNA. As a crossover, it artfully blends a dynamic mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakable, immensely capable XC pumps up its muscles creating a strong athletic body that is mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up top the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.
The 3.0-liter turbocharged T6 engine is based on Volvo’s naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline all-aluminum six-cylinder that was introduced in the Volvo S80 in 2008. The T6 delivers 281 horsepower with torque of no less than 295 lb.-ft., combining for best-in-class performance. Maximum torque is available from just 1,500 rpm and remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift acceleration and impressive passing performance. Volvo’s all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction is standard in the new XC60.
The XC60 is also included in Volvo’s recently announced Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program, which covers the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance helps reduce the cost of ownership by providing customers the first four maintenance visits to their Volvo retailer as complimentary. A wide range of services are covered by the program, including oil and filter changes, cabin filter replacement, complete fluid level top-offs and a check of the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system.
VCNA, part of Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The 2009 Volvo Cars model lineup includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); the stunning C70 retractable hardtop convertible and the dynamic C30.
2010 Volvo S60 Concept Official Details and Images
Posted by: | CommentsA 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 lightin 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.
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 function 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. Since there is no interruption in torque delivery, gearchanges are instantaneous and the efficiency rating is higher.
EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering). In principle an “electric servo” where the conventional hydraulic pump has been replaced by an electric motor linked directly to the steering system’s gear rack.
“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. This may for instance include the air conditioning, cruise control or automatic transmission gearchanging settings.
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.
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.
