Volvo Concept Estate to spawn V90 luxury wagon, joining CUV and coupe

The Volvo Concept Estate garnered Autoblog's Editors' Choice award as our team's favorite reveal at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month for its sleek take on Scandinavian design, and now it looks like we might actually see the sleek wagon in production. Volvo is reportedly considering using the concept as the basis for a replacement for the V70 wagon, dubbing the new model V90.

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Volvo Updates V40 With Cleaner D2, New T2

Volvo has introduced a number of changes for the V40 available in Europe. The car is still brand new to most people, but the Swedes have found ways to make it a bit better and attractive to customers.

The first big change is to the efficiency of the D2 engine, which is now available with an automatic gearbox and returns combined fuel economy of 3.9lt/100km (72.4mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 102 grams per kilometer. The manual gearbox model is even more efficient. Before, this 1.6-litered turbo put out 94 grams of CO2 through the exhaust, but now it only emits 88 grams per kilometer and has much improved efficiency: 3.4 l/100km on average.

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Volvo to finally replace XC90 in 2014

There's not a whole lot of life left in the current Volvo XC90, but it seems a replacement is on the way. According to What Car?, Volvo will launch its new flagship crossover sometime in 2014, riding on an all new platform that will eventually underpin several models in the company's range.

According to Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson, this new architecture will eventually underpin the next-generation S60, V70, S80 and XC60, all of which will be getting mid-cycle enhancements over the next year. In speaking to What Car?, Samuelsson said that Volvo would not try to follow the paths set by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, instead focusing on "safety, elegant design and user-friendly functionality" for its next round of new cars.

The new XC90 will remain a seven-passenger vehicle and will be powered by a range of four-cylinder engines. Volvo will soon be dropping the five- and six-cylinder powertrains from its lineup.

This whole new model offensive will start with the XC90 at the end of 2014. Until then, we have the delightfully refreshed 2013 model to tide us over.

News Source: What Car?

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Volvo Boss Confirms Nine New Models by 2015

The new CEO of Volvo, Hakan Samuelsson, has confirmed that the Swedish automaker will be updating and/or replacing eight of the nine models currently in the range, within the next 12 months. The information comes courtesy of autocar.co.uk, who spoke to Samuelsson at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

Aside from the aforementioned updates, there will also be an all-new XC90, which will most likely be unveiled later this year, before its official market debut in 2014. It will use Volvo’s new SPA or Scaleable Platform Architecture, which will also be used in the company’s other large cars.

Volvo is trying to counter the six percent decline in sales they recored in 2012, when they sold 421,951 cars worldwide.

Samuelsson announced that the 60- and 70-badged models will be getting refreshed later this year, while the 40- and 50-badged models will get full replacements, which Volvo will be (or is already) developing on its own. Apparently the latter may even require an all-new small platform.

The Volvo boss also said that they would not be building any cars smaller than the current V40. They will, however, begin concentrating more on SUVs, which will become ‘core’ Volvo models, in order to better define the brand image.

We always thought Volvo was all about making great estate cars, but it seems times have changed...

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IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed its annual list of Top Safety Picks, an award that highlights automobiles it says offer "superior crash protection." A new and still more significant award, the Top Safety Pick+ honor, is given to those vehicles that earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five areas of measure. And while some 117 vehicles were given the TSP seal of approval for 2013, just 13 passed muster for TSP+.

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Volvo buyers have best credit scores among all auto shoppers

Experian, the US credit reporting agency, recently concluded a study into the financing and credit scores of US car buyers. One of the prime findings was that Volvo buyers enjoy the strongest credit scores among new car shoppers from all brands (nota bene, these are Experian's own numbers and can differ from other agencies). Unlike the Forbes report on the same story, though, we don't find that surprising at all, nor do we think it necessarily helps Volvo's upscale brand aspirations. The Gothenburg-based carmaker has sold its wares on tank-like safety for decades, so it seems natural that its buyers would be just as safe with and attentive to their credit scores as they are with their choice of vehicle.

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This papercraft Volvo 240 is pure lunacy

We've seen some pretty impressive papercraft creations as of late, including a massive Bugatti Veyron and a 1969 Ford Mustang, but this Volvo 240 Wagon takes the cake. The pieces come in a sizable tome, complete with instructions, and buyers can choose from a ludicrous number of options. Your papercraft Volvo 240 can be made with either a right-hand or left-hand-drive steering wheel, black or silver trim, automatic or manual transmission and electric or crank windows as well as a slew of wheel options. We can't exactly say we have the patience to sit down, cut out and assemble a paper box of our own, but we're in awe of the finished product.

If you have a soft spot for bricks and some time to kill, you can buy the kit from eBay for the low price of $12.90, plus $6.00 for shipping. Sounds like a steal to us.

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Volvo XC40 with Interior Revealed in Latest Spyshots

The Volvo XC40 is a pretty hot topic these days, as people want to know how the Swedish carmaker’s latest crossover looks like. We have previously shown you the car with no camo on, but that was a low-resolution view - Now we have a new set of spyshots that fully reveals the car, along with the interior.

Compared to the recently-launched V40, the vehicle uses protection elements for the lower side, comes with a front fascia that uses a more dynamic design and also features aluminum elements.

Under the hood, we expect to see the same engines as in the V40, which means that we’ll get diesel units with outputs ranging between 115 and 177 hp and petrol units with power figures that range between 150 and 250 hp.

The interior of the XC40 seems to be extremely close to that of the V40, at least in terms of design. The crossover is expected to make its debut this fall, at the Paris Auto Show.

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Rattlecan Volvo 245 is art in a box

We've been guilty of employing unorthodox paint schemes on our personal vehicles from time to time. There are few body ailments that can't be solved with the judicious application a roller, a spray can and some cheap paint. Sadly, our efforts rarely turn out as classy as the Volvo 245 wagon in this video. Two world-class graffiti artists, Carlos Aguilar and Ksera, took the time to slather their skills down the sides of this Swedish box, and the finished product is all kinds of eye-grabbing.

Combined with a little subtle aero work, just the right amount of drop and a rocking set of wheels, this brick sits just right. Or at least it would be with a barking 302 V8 under the hood. Sadly, there's little word on what propels this particular 245, which means are imaginations are free to run rampant. Check out the clip of the Volvo getting tagged for yourself. 

via: YouTube via Hooniverse

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Heico Sportiv unveils tuned Volvo V40

When a new hatchback or sport wagon hits the European market, it's only a matter of time before the tuners get their hands on it. And in the case of the new Volvo V40, that comes at the hand of Heico Sportiv.

The German tuner has been teasing us with plans to mod the V40 for months now. So with sketches and the promise of a racing version already on the wire, Heico has followed up with the first images of its V40 tuning program.

Mechanical changes center around an ECU reflash for the turbo five that boosts output from the car's standard 237 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque up to 266 hp and 269 lb-ft. Seven-spoke alloys, a full aero kit, and quad ovoid exhaust tips round out the package and set Heico's V40 apart from its stock brethren.

via: Heico Sportiv

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Volvo plans 500bhp, M3-beating Polestar S60

A 500bhp, Polestar-developed version of the Volvo S60 will make production, insiders have revealed. The new model, developed by the team behind Volvo’s Swedish Touring Car Championship entry, was spied in Sweden for the first time last week and is said to be close to a market launch.

Insiders have given no details away other than the BMW M3-eclipsing power output. It is unlikely Volvo would have stretched its six-cylinder engine to make such a figure, so power is expected to come from a turbocharged version of the 4.4-litre Yamaha V8 found in the XC90 (and 
the Noble M600).

A Haldex all-wheel drive system is also likely to feature, along with a pair of clever differentials taken from the C30 Polestar concept.

The spy pictures mask Polestar’s bodywork changes, but these are likely to include a more aggressive front end with additional engine cooling, plus wider sills and a diffuser at the rear. The spy pics do show the new, larger alloy wheels.

Polestar offers performance upgrades for various Volvo models, but it has not created a full-blown Volvo production car before. The Polestar C30, which used a 400bhp 2.5-litre, five-pot engine, was never given the green light, despite positive feedback.

via: autocar

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Volvo teases M3-fighting S60 Polestar ahead of race debutVolvo teases M3-fighting S60 Polestar ahead of race debut

Remember the hotted-up Volvo S60 that's set to take the fight to the BMW M3 with enhancements from Polestar? The Swedish sport sedan we told you about is apparently not nearly as far off as you might think. According to a report from the TTA racing group, Volvo is set to debut its new steroid-enhanced sedan on June 16 at the Gothenburg City Arena race.

According to Polestar Marketing Director Hans Bååth, "The performance concept road-car is a spinoff of our work evaluating and developing the S60 for racing."

Mum's still the word on exactly what lies under the hood of the new Polestar S60. Rumors have suggested either a Yamaha-sourced V8 (a version of the engine that is used in the XC90) or a boosted version of the turbocharged inline-six currently found in the S60. Guess we'll just have to wait until the 16th to find out.

Via: TTA Group

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Heico Sportiv Previews Volvo V40 Tuning Kit Again

Back in May, Heico Sportiv released a sketch of an upcoming modification package for the Volvo V40 and now the tuner is back to tease us some more. However, this time we get actual images - one the reveals the front end and another one that brings us to the back of the car.

While the front fascia isn’t too bold, the rear comes with an extra topping of aggression, using an air diffuser, as well as four massive exhaust tips. The tuner said that its V40 program will include ECU remaps for most engines in the range, new exhaust systems, sporty suspension and beefier braking system, as well as new rims and items that target the interior. Unfortunately, Heico Sportiv hasn’t released any other additional details on the developments.

Before we go, we’llremind you that Heico Sportiv has recently released a racing version of the V140, with this being a green development.

via: autoevolution

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New V40 to spawn rugged XC40 version

An XC40 version of the new Volvo V40 hatchback will be unveiled at this autumn’s Paris motor show ahead of UK sales early next year.

As with other XC models, it will feature a raised ride height, wheel arch and sill extensions, four-wheel drive (possibly as an option) and interior alterations to suit its more rugged personality. 

Saloon and estate versions of the V40 have also been designed, but there are currently no plans for any other variants due to the car being developed during a profitability squeeze and the last phase of Ford ownership. However, there will be a plug-in hybrid version of the V40.

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Volvo contemplating C90 luxury coupe

Volvo has its heart set on a new, larger luxury coupe, according to Inside Line. The Swedish automaker aims to build a model slotted above the current C70. Dubbed the C90, the model will compete directly against hardware like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, which means a convertible version will likely follow as well. The news comes via unnamed insiders.

The C90 will be built on the same Scalable Platform Architecture as the upcoming C80. As such, we can probably expect the new two-door to share the C80's gasoline and diesel drivetrain options. Given Volvo's affinity for plug-in hybrids, we wouldn't be surprised to see a battery pack show up eventually as well.

Unfortunately, none of this is written in stone. The C90 still hasn't made it into the Volvo model cycle plan, meaning the luxe two-door won't see the light of day until 2015 at the earliest. Still, the news underscores Volvo's intention to move upmarket and fight head to head with entrenched European luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. 

Via: Inside Line

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Next Volvo XC90 Rumors

The Volvo XC90 has been on the market since 2002, so saying that the Swedish SUV needs a replacement would be a major understatement. The carmaker is well aware of this and is working to give us a new model, but this is not expected to arrive soon.

The next XC90 will be the first Volvo to use the carmaker’s Scalable Platfrom Architecture (SPA), which will also be found under the next XC60, S60, V70 and S80, with power set to come from the automaker’s fresh four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture), which should be an example of downsizing. Volvo is expected to also offer a hybrid version alongside the typical petrol and diesel ones.

In other Volvo-related news, the company is expected to expand its crossover range by launching an XC30, which will be slotted under the upcoming XC40, with the vehicle set to arrive by the middle of the decade.

Via: Inside Line

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Volvo S60 R Polestar Rendering

No automaker becomes famous for making safe, boring and efficient car. But volvo is about all those things, plus a bit of sensible Swedish design on top. So while engineers have been working on airbags for the people you hit and four-cylinder engines that replace the T6, a fire has been brewing inside of them.

Last week, we showed you the first spy photos taken in Sweden of a covered up S60, rumored to be the new hot version of the car that uses all-wheel drive and offers as much as 400 horsepower.

Volvo has already made it clear that Polestar is supposed to become a soft of performance division. The tuner is already responsible for their race cars and the famous C30 Polestar, a one-off car that offers a monster 400 hp T5 engine.

Despite this expertise with turbocharging, the S60 R performance sedan is rumored to be a V8 powered car, though the T6 can not be ruled out.

Based on week’s spyshots, the first rendering of the S60 R Polestar has been created by our friends at PS-Garage. The car sits lower to the ground and offers up bigger air intakes. But the similarity to Audi’s S4 makes us believe this is a more focused car with about 350 hp, not a true monster

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Heico Sportiv debuts Volvo V40 mods with bio-diesel racer

The V40 is a vital product not only for Volvo itself, but also for the tuners that specialize in customizing the Swedish automobiles. And among the foremost of them is Heico Sportiv.

The German tuning firm hinted a few weeks ago at its impending line of accessories for the new sportwagon, and has now followed up by announcing the racecar you

 see here. The modified V40 serves two purposes: The first will be to race at the Nürburgring 24-hour race – presumably next year's since this year's just finished. Secondly, it previews a range of modifications that the company will be offering buyers of the new V40.

The mod job includes a full aero kit, complete with flared wheel arches, front splitter, rear diffuser and a big rear wing. The exhaust, suspension and rolling stock have also been upgraded, capped by a version of Volvo's five-cylinder turbo-diesel tuned to produce 300 horsepower on bio-diesel fuel. That much is hinted at by the "Green Racing" livery that mimics that run by the Volvo team in various touring car series.

The car will make its public debut at the upcoming auto show in Leipzig, Germany, but you can scope it out now in the press release below. 

Via: Heico Sportiv via World Car Fans

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Rumour: High Performance Polestar Volvo S60

This news is still in a very early stage but, we’re told told that Volvo might we be working on a high performance version of the Volvo S60. If the rumours are true, this car can will be pitched as a competitor for the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Audi RS4.

What is for sure is that Volvo has a good base to build a car for this segment. We are, of course, talking about the C30 performance concept car that had an output of 405 hp. Polestar Performance will have a hand in the build process of this car. 

More rumours suggest that the powerful S60 could use the 4.4 liter V8 engine that we saw before in the Noble M600. In the Noble, this produces a stunning 650 hp. If Volvo is planning to use that engine we might see a totally different car than a simple competitor for the BWM or Mercedes-Benz. Official release is expected late 2013.

[via Autofans.be]

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How Pedestrian Airbags Work

Pedestrian safety is undoubtedly one of the main concerns for all automakers out there, so it’s no wonder that new technologies emerge every once in a while.

On January 1, 2009, Euro NCAP, the famous European safety organization, announced a new rating system that was focused more than ever on pedestrian protection, especially to force car manufacturers increase their efforts in this regard.

As always, Volvo is one of the first companies that come in the spotlight to announce a new innovation: the so-called pedestrian airbag. First car to feature it: Volvo V40.

Officially announced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, Volvo V40 stepped into production in May, with the Swedish manufacturer forecasting that about 90,000 units are likely to get the green light every year. Besides the fact that the four-door hatchback range includes multiple engine options, it also benefits from one of the newest safety technologies in the industry – the pedestrian airbag.

As a safety pioneer, Volvo worked hard to make its vehicles safer for pedestrian too, so after releasing the so-called Pedestrian Detection system that could even apply full brakes to avoid a collision, the debut of the new technology was more like a matter of time.

Just like any other airbag, this innovative system especially aimed at pedestrians is based on sensors and a control unit. Pretty simple, isn’t it? It looks so, but in reality, the whole idea is a lot more complicated.

An army of seven sensors defend the front side of the car, keeping an eye on every single collision that might occur. Under the hood, a control unit receives every byte of information and allows the available systems to act accordingly.

Basically, the moment when an impact is about to happen, the front sensors send information to the connected control unit which, in its turn, analyzes the information to detect the shape of the object. In case it determines that the car is about to hit pedestrian legs, the control units activates the airbag.

But how’s that possible? you may ask. Well, the Swedish manufacture says the new technology is based on lots of tests that involved human-like dummy legs and heads that could simulate a real accident as much as possible.

 

Now let’s make the transition to the geek side.

Mounted at the bottom of the windshield, the airbag can cover not only the surrounding area of the wipers, but also one-third of the windscreen and the lower part of the A pillars. But only when inflated, of course. In other words, the airbag can cover exactly the areas likely to be hit by the adult pedestrian head in the unfortunate case of an impact.

Just like any other airbag, the pedestrian system is based on a sack and a gas hybrid generator that’s responsible for filling up the sack with gas according to information sent by the central units. The system only works at speeds ranging in between 20 and 50 km/h, which is quite okay given the fact that most accidents involving pedestrians occur at city speeds.

And because accidents involving pedestrians may vary a lot, the bonnet has been configured to contribute to pedestrian safety, too. Volvo installed a specially-developed pyrotechnical release mechanism supposed to release the rear of the bonnet panel and, just as expected, to raise the bonnet per se. Why? Because a raised position of the bonnet means that it could dampen the impact with a pedestrian head.

What’s more, once it’s released, the airbag is also capable of raising the bonnet, especially because it needs as much space as possible, not only to reduce the effects of an impact between the bonnet and pedestrians’ heads, but also to leave more room for deformation. The bonnet is lifted ten centimeters and the entire airbag inflation process takes just a few hundredths of a second, says Volvo.

This way, the airbag plays not only a key role in protecting pedestrians directly, but it’s also an important piece of a larger system supposed to bring a great contribution in this regard. The choirmaster is however the remote control unit that’s supposed to take care of everything, just like it happens in traditional airbags too.

As said, the new pedestrian airbag technology is available on the new Volvo V40 that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show this year. And looking on the spec list, such a system is clearly needed, since the top version of the car is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbo engine that develops 254 horsepower. The top speed is 155 mph (250 km/h), while the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is made in just 6.5 seconds. The full list of specs for the entire 2012 Volvo V40 range can be found here.

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