Volvo V60

 VOLVO

The Volvo V60 makes its entry onto the car market with its sights firmly set on giving the all-new S60 sedan model a tough match over the title of "The Most Dynamic Volvo Model Ever".
"Many of the customers who had an advance look at the new V60 during the development process feel that its attitude is at least as sporty as that of the all-new S60," says Volvo Cars Design Director Peter Horbury.
No less than 90 percent of the annual Volvo V60 production of 50,000 cars will find European buyers.

"The typical sports wagon customer is an S60 buyer who would like some extra space and flexibility, but without the slightest compromise on sporty design and exciting driving properties," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell, and adds:
"The competition is razor-sharp and the customers in this segment know exactly what they want. That is why we have further boosted the interior's sense of exclusive quality and packed the car with safety- and comfort-related technical innovations. The result is a truly unique sports wagon, in total harmony with its sporty attitude."
Coupe rather than estate car
The pronounced wedge shape and the slim coupe-like roof line of the new Volvo V60 are accompanied by the shoulder profile along the car's sides, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

"From the design viewpoint the focus was on making the car as close to a coupe as possible, while retaining that handy extra space at the rear. Our sports wagon does not aim to compete with the traditional estate car. For the customer who wants a lot of load space, there is our V70 or XC70," says Örjan Sterner, head of exterior design for the new Volvo V60. He adds: "The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel."

Siemens and Volvo Form Electric-Car Venture

German industrial conglomerate Siemens AG said Wednesday it has agreed with Sweden's Volvo Car Corp. on a strategic cooperation agreement on electric cars.

The focus will be on the joint development of electrical-drive technology, power electronics and charging technology as well as the integration of those systems into Volvo C 30 Electric cars, Munich-based Siemens said in a statement.

It added that the first vehicles will be on the test tracks at the end of this year.

Beginning in late 2012, Volvo will be delivering a test series of up to 200 vehicles to Siemens, which will then be tested as part of an internal Siemens test fleet, the German company said.

Volvo Car Corp. was last year acquired by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. from Ford Motor Co.

For Siemens, the partnership is another step toward a greener image. Siemens touts itself as a pioneer in electric vehicles, and developed electric trams as early as the end of the 19th century.

Cooperations between companies are increasingly common in the development of environmentally friendly vehicles as a means to share the high entry costs and risks. General Motors Co. and LG Electronics Inc. also recently announced their partnership in the development of electric vehicles.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid 2013

The new Black Edition Porsche Cayman S combines performance and style, with a 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder tuned to deliver 330 hp, distinctive alloy wheels 19 "black finish and a luxurious interior. Production is limited 500 copies worldwide, and sales in the UK starts in September 2011. The extra power is produced at 7400 rpm (an extra 200 rpm vs standard car), while peak torque remains unchanged at 370 Nm at 4750 rpm. This additional power is fed directly by the execution of the acceleration a black mid-engine two-seater. 0 to 62 km / h (0-100 km / h) is improved by one tenth of seconds to 5.1 seconds with the manual gearbox six speeds and a 5 0 seconds with the optional Porsche double-clutch (PDK), respectively. With Launch Control enabled on the ability of PDK Sport Chrono Package, a further acceleration improves to 4.8 seconds.

The speed of the Porsche Cayman S Black Edition is a little more mph faster than the Cayman S - 173 mph (279 km / h) with manual transmission and 172 mph (277 km / h) with PDK. In line with the principles of intelligent performance of Porsche, the fuel consumption of Porsche Cayman S Black Edition is identical to the car show, despite the increase in power. The Black Edition Porsche Cayman S with manual gearbox returns 29.7mpg combined and 30.1mpg combined with PDK. Similarly, the CO2 is 223g/km for the manual and 221g/km for the PDK. Helping dynamic performance of the Black Edition Porsche Cayman S Boxster Spyder light is finished in black wheels with a diameter of 19 inches are an inch larger than the wheels of the standard Cayman S, and half an inch wider than the optional 19-inch wheels available on the Cayman S. Tires are size 235/35 ZR 19s equipped on the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19 in the rear.

The characteristics of the Porsche Cayman S Black Edition Standard bi-xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights, auto-dimming mirrors inside and outside with integrated rain sensor. The front seats are covered in black leather with a Porsche crest in headrest part and a design steering wheel sport. Air conditioning and cruise control add to the overall comfort. Another highlight of the interior Black Edition is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), including satellite navigation. This is combined with audio interface allows universal connectivity and an MP3 player is compatible with Bluetooth mobile phones.

The color scheme of the Black Edition Porsche Cayman S is uniform across the faces of the panels is black like the gear lever / selector keyboard and buttons on the dashboard. The function of gate guards letters "Black Edition" and are made of stainless steel, the lid of the glove wears a badge noting the limited edition status. Costs Porsche Cayman S Black Edition £ 50,420 (€ 67,807 in Germany, including VAT) and is on sale in the United Kingdom in September 2011. Guests can also explore the potential of your new car, to participate in a free course at the Centre of Expertise Porsche, Silverstone.

Peugeot Hoggar

Peugeot wants to establish itself as a leader in the manufacture of automobiles in general. To do this, we must work in all segments. And because Brazil is the largest market for compact pickups, was elected to the worldwide launch of the Hoggar, which arrives in dealerships May 15. Although not the mark of the first truck to be sold in the country – in 90 years, average of 504 have been imported from Argentina – Peugeot Hoggar entry in the fastest growing segment of the public services and is the largest sales .

The direction of the compact pickup is more than a decade with the Fiat Strada, followed by Volkswagen Saveiro, Chevrolet and Ford Courier veteraníssima Montana. That is, the French brand (one of the pioneers among the “newcomers” to land in Brazil for almost 20 years) just pick a fight against so-called “Big Four” the longest established brands in the market . Peugeot Hoggar Peugeot shows the ambition of accelerated internationalization and confirms strategy.Designed brand in Brazil for the Brazilian market, this pill is perfectly suited to the needs of local customers. Allows Peugeot to support and expand its status and its links as a local manufacturer.
First in the world, will revive the historic facility and Marque by the merger in the future. Peugeot Hoggar subtly combines the durability and reliability of the pickup and dynamic design, which separates the Marque.

In the Hoggar, Peugeot brings a touch of seduction and emotion in the world of pick-ups. The comfort and quality of finish Peugeot Hoggar seduce the most demanding customers, and not compromise the function of style. With a load volume of 1,151 liters and a payload to 742 kg, making the vehicle a benchmark for the market. Peugeot Hoggar design, strong and modern, has been developed with an eye to aesthetics distinctive feature of the family 207. The facade has an air inlet through which a large impact bar and expressive headlights that turn over the wings, which adds a feline model.

There is a buffer strip along the side of simple, smooth lines of the vehicle along the side of the stage, which not only facilitates access to the cargo space, but also excerpts from the cabin air and improved acoustic comfort in the cabin, thanks to its location. Bus passes to cut all around the cargo area, defined as a symmetrical line of the back. This will improve in two parts: flaps on the door handle extends from the rear tail lights, and opening the lower floor. Between the two lines, the symbol of the Lion Peugeot appears. The rear lights convey strong personality elaborate form of the model. The three elliptical light representing the different functions of the car – brake lights, indicator lights, indicators, reversing lights – is located in a triangular red glass, which continues around the side of the vehicle. The rear bumper, which contributes to a gross aspect, the pick-up, is surrounded by a party who can even protect the lights, has two projections that can be used as steps for access to the cabin and can each take a weight of 140 pounds. 

New Volvo D5, Fuel efficient

Volvo's United Kingdom division officially announced the launch of the New D5 diesel engine range. This is the first variant in the upgraded version of the model V70 Volvo XC70 and S80.

Capitalized, five-cylinder D5 engine turbo-diesel, is present to improve the performance and torque from 205 Nm to 215 hp/420 hp/440 Nm. While the machine is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by as much as eight percent.

 

Fuel consumption (EU combined) from the Volvo S80 D5 is now 57.7 mpg (129 g / km CO2) with manual gearbox, this put him in the category 18 percent of BIK. For the automatic version of the figure obtained is 44.1 mpg (159 g / km CO2).

While the figure for the Volvo V70 is 55.4 mpg (134 g / km) with a manual gearbox and 45.6 mpg with the automatic gearbox (164g/km). Fuel consumption in the XC70 D5 AWD manual is 50 mpg (149 g / km) in the AWD version, with manual gearbox and 41.5 mpg (179 g / km) with an automatic gearbox.

Volvo V70, XC70 and S80 had an increase in the number of features including driveline, interior and exterior equipment includes a user-friendly system. While the initial version of the D5 prices starting from 30,100 pounds (USD 416 million). As for the V70 D5 (215hp) ES valued at 31,135 pounds (Rp417 million). Sebsar 32,765 pounds (Rp452 million) for the XC70 D5 AWD (215 hp) ES Start / Stop.

"We have made this vehicle more enjoyable and as cost efficient as possible. With the exhaust lower CO2 which means the company makes car drivers have a larger engined vehicle without having to get a tax increase," said Selwyn Cooper Volvo UK sales manager.

Volvo Truck Mileage 1 Million Km Without Replace Clutch

An experienced truck driver Phil Moore recently completed a 1 million mile journey by truck Volvo. Hebatya, this trip uses only one clutch only, without ever being replaced.

Phil runs for seven years using six-axle Volvo FM. He worked for EBC Brakes as a consignor. Phil had just returned from the Netherlands recently. The busy schedule took him around Europe such as Holland, Bristol, Leeds and Hawick. And being able to reach around 2,700 miles a week.

 

"When I drive, I never stepped on the clutch. When I stopped at traffic lights, I always put the handbrake. This is a great achievement because, according to Volvo dealers, truck like this could have a clutch of three or more sets," said Moore as autoevolution reported on Saturday (08/06/2011).

Volvo FM Phil is the second truck, equipped with 9-liter engine that produces 300 hp solid. The truck, purchased from new in 2003, is managed by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia Dealerpoint Kettering. Phil get the long life of the clutch with careful driving style. This is both a proven fact that Volvo does well.

Meanwhile, the ECB is a manufacturer of Brake discs and pads for cars and motorcycles and even ATVs. In 2009, the company moved from importing products into the U.S. from England and established a large warehouse facilities and corporate EBC Brake USA Inc., located in California.

BMW X3 M in works, powered by tri-turbo straight 6

BMW has an M treatment in the works for its mid-sized X3, according to a report by CAR Magazine. With the exception of the X1, all upcoming X models will have M division treatment available. This model is expected to hit the road as of early 2012.
Starting with the M3 motor, the BMW X3 M will be a modified version that could include some exciting new upgrades. BMW is working on taking forced induction where it has never been before with a tri-turbo in development. It is possible that the X3 M will debut with three turbochargers, including two exhaust-gas driven and one electric, paired with the straight six. To accommodate the changes displacement will increase from 3.0 to 3.2 liters. That should help it produce somewhere around  449-hp.
The X5 M and X6 M’s next generation will keep the twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 engine, and gain 9-hp, bringing it up to 564-hp. Fuel efficiency will also be improved at up to a 15% increase.

Citroen DS3

Citroën has announced the new Citroën DS3 will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009. The Citroën DS3 will be the first model from Citroën's brand new DS line, a product range consisting of three distinctively styled, attention-grabbing models that highlight the very best of Citroën's 'créative technologie.'
With razor sharp styling and a visually-arresting design, Citroën DS3 is a radical take on the compact urban vehicle and a contemporary breath of fresh air for the class.
Designed to meet the requirements of even the most demanding connoisseur, Citroën DS3 offers an extensive array of style, personalisation and quality materials for a bespoke and refined driving experience, whilst at the same time embodying the very latest Citroën technology including fuel-efficient, environmentally-considerate engines.

STUDIO STYLING
Citroën's creative talent for innovative vehicle design manifests itself on every feature of the Citroën DS3.
From all angles, the car's undeniable on-road presence and refreshing style is evident with stand-out elements such as the colour-contrasted 'floating roof', 'shark fin' B-pillar and sleek design of the front LED lights - a desirable feature usually seen on premium models.
Inside, the atmosphere in the cabin is one of class and contemporary elegance with an exceptional attention to detail and an extensive use of luxury materials such as leather and chrome. The upper part of the flowing dashboard echoes the floating roof. Thermo-coated components are used throughout - an organic, soft grain
Offering freedom of expression, the innovative Citroën DS3 provides extensive levels of personalisation - both inside and out.
In addition to a range of body shades, the Citroën DS3's distinctive 'floating' roof is available in a choice of four colours - Black, White, Blue and Red - to contrast with the main body of the car. The wing mirrors and rubbing strips can also be personalised in colours or smart chrome finish and the wheels and wheel centres are available in a wide spectrum of colours.
Inside, Citroën DS3 can offer further personalisation with the dashboard strip - which encompasses the air vents, instrument cluster, multi-function screens and even a scented air-fresher - in a choice of six finishes.
The modern seat upholstery design is available in a variety of coloured fabrics and leather; even the gear knob can be tailored in five different trims, combining satin-finish chrome with an array of colours and leather. The smart chrome touches which adorn the Citroën DS3's cabin will also be available in a satin-textured finish. You can even carry a bit of your Citroën DS3 with you thanks to each distinctly styled Citroën DS3 key fob featuring a disc coloured to match your choice of body paint.
ENERGY AND ELEGANCE
Proving that environmentally-considerate motoring doesn't mean having to compromise on style or performance, the Citroën DS3 will be available with a choice of five CO2-efficient Euro V power plants consisting of two HDi diesel units and three BMW co-developed petrol engines, combining refined performance with strong fuel economy.

The two HDi diesels - a 90bhp and an 110bhp - are fitted with Citroën's lauded DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System) and the three petrol engines - VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150 - are fitted with either 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes.
Fully in line with Citroën's commitment to producing cleaner, more environmentally considerate vehicles, the two HDi DPFS engines will deliver ultra low CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and 115/g km, whilst the petrol units will emit between 136/km and 160g/km.
LOST IN SPACE
Both enjoyable and easy to live with, the Citroën DS3 combines high-end style with practical versatility, creating an exceptionally spacious cabin out of its compact external dimensions - a Citroën speciality.
One of the smallest vehicles in its class - 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high - the Citroën DS3's interior belies its neat frame, setting a new class standard for spaciousness. The result of extensive work on the architecture of the car's interior design, occupants can enjoy levels of roominess normally associated with models in the segment above.
A 'raised' dashboard design creates increased amounts of front leg room whilst the slender front seats and intelligent rear design increases space for rear occupants with all passengers able to enjoy five full-sized seats and ample arm, leg and headroom.
The Citroën DS3 also boasts the largest boot in its class at 285-litres, and for additional load capacity the 60:40 split-fold rear bench can be tumbled forward in a single, effortless movement.
FUN AT THE WHEEL
A cockpit-inspired driving position puts the driver firmly in control with a sports-styled instrument cluster featuring three conical dials, small-diameter wheel and low-slung, body-hugging seats. Citroën DS3 delivers a nimble driving experience with a turning circle of around 10.3m also making it a surefooted companion for manoeuvring around cramped urban environments.
Building upon Citroën's extensive experience in producing smooth running-gear, Citroën DS3 delivers impressive ride comfort together with responsive road-handling and dynamic poise. Drivers also benefit from excellent body roll control, responsive and confident cornering thus providing a secure and fulfilling drive.
I.C.E. COOL
Citroën DS3 is available with Citroën's latest in-car technology such as the integrated MyWay satellite navigation unit which incorporates a sophisticated audio and multimedia system, wide format colour screen, MP3 and WMA compatible CD player and Bluetooth® hands free kit. Providing exceptional acoustic clarity, the audio system benefits from a third speaker in the middle of the upper dashboard as well as an amplified subwoofer mounted in the boot for a broader frequency response and immersive audio experience.
A convenient range of driving aids will also be available including cruise control with speed limiter, and an intelligent indicator which recommends the optimal moment for gear changes allowing drivers to improve their fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
PLAY IT SAFE
The Citroën DS3 is designed with an emphasis on robustness, strength and optimum safety to ensure protection for all occupants. For reassuring control in any driving situation Citroën DS3 models will feature as standard ESP, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as well as six airbags and Isofix anchor points on the rear side seats.

Buying a New Car?

Did you know that there are holiday packages that bundle airfares, accommodation andcosmetic surgery? It’s a sort of incentive program for women (and some men) to have their surgery done overseas and is especially popular in Britain and Australia. Well, as some of you may already know, there are similar programs for people who want to buy a new car.

These so-called, “European Delivery Programs” are offered by companies as diverse as Audi,BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volvo. Effectively you’re bundling a discount European vacation with your new car purchase.

You fly to Europe, spend a few nights in a hotel with your mistress family and pick up your car from the dealer or factory there. You save a bit of money on MSRP (no doubt offset by all the souvenirs and what-have-you), enjoy a European holiday and simply drop your car off at the dock when you’re done.

There’s no negotiating or destination fees and turnaround averages four months, with two months to build your car in Europe and another two to ship it back stateside. Many automakers thrown in perks like complimentary meals, free airfares and complimentary stays, insurance and all the rest.

The price can be as little as US$1,500 (€1,050), plus the US$30,000 (€21,000) or so you’ll pay for your entry level BMW or Audi.

But as the luxobarge manufactures are keen to remind us, it’s not about the car...it’s about theexperience.

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Volvo to Extend Driving Range of its EVs

Electric Vehicles, or EVs, are the future. Or so the automakers say. And they would be correct, if it wasn’t for a significant disadvantage over petrol or diesel powered models: their abysmal range which makes them suitable only for limited city use.

Volvo is taking measures to solve this problem and make its EVs attractive to the public by adding an extra 1,000 km (621 miles) to their range. The solution, which has also been adopted by other models such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Audi A1 E-Tron concept, is the addition of a “range extender” internal combustion engine.

The project, which has the support of both the EU and the Swedish Energy Agency, has three possible combos and tests will begin in the first quarter of 2012. The first two are based on the C30 Electric, in which the battery pack has been reduced in order to make room for the fuel tank. All three concepts can run on either petrol or ethanol (E85) and emit just 50g of CO2/km, or even less.

In the first concept, Volvo added a 3-cylinder petrol engine with 60HP under the boot floor and a 40-liter (10.5 gallons) fuel tank. The engine is used primarily to power the 40 kW generator that drives the 111HP electric motor, while the driver has the option to let the generator charge the battery, increasing the range on electricity alone. The 110 km (68 miles) range of the C30 Electric on battery power alone is increased by an additional 1,000 km (621 miles).

In the second concept, the C30 Electric is fitted with a more powerful 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with 190HP (at least that’s what Volvo claims on the release) at the rear and differs from the first in that the two engines are working in parallel, with the electric driving the front wheels and the internal combustion one the rear via a 6-speed auto gearbox.

The car can also run on electricity alone. The electric motor is the same 111HP unit, and the combined output reaches 300HP, while the range is extended from 75 km (47 miles) on the battery pack to more than 1,000 km (621 miles).

The third concept is based on the V60 estate, and both engines are placed under the bonnet. It uses the same 111HP electric motor and 190HP turbocharged engine as the second C30 concept, with a larger (45 lt) fuel tank. The 3-cylinder either drives the front wheels or charges the battery pack when needed. On electricity alone its range is 50 km (31 miles), while with the range extender, like the other two, it exceeds 1,000 km (621 miles).

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Volvo announces three range extended EV concepts

Volvo Car Corporation develops Range Extenders for electric cars - adding 1,000 km extra range

Volvo Car Corporation is now taking the next step in the company's electrification strategy by producing test cars with Range Extenders - electric cars that are fitted with a combustion engine to increase their effective range.

The projects, supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and the EU, encompass three potential technology combinations. Tests of the various concepts will get under way in the first quarter of 2012.

"This is an exciting expansion of our increasing focus on electrification. Battery cost and size mean that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. With the Range Extender, the electric car has its effective range increased by a thousand kilometres - yet with carbon dioxide emissions below or way below 50 g/km," says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering at the Volvo Car Corporation.

The company's technological developments in this area currently encompass three different technology combinations, with three-cylinder petrol engines being installed to complement electric drive to the front wheels. All the variants feature brake energy regeneration. The engines can run on both petrol and ethanol (E85).
Two of the solutions are based on the Volvo C30 Electric. In both cases, the standard battery pack has been somewhat reduced in size to make room for the combustion engine and its fuel tank.

Technical concept I: Volvo C30 with series-connected Range Extender

This is based on a C30 Electric with a three-cylinder combustion engine producing 60 horsepower (45 kW) installed under the rear load compartment floor. The car also has a 40 litre fuel tank.
The combustion engine is connected to a 40 kW generator. The power it generates is used primarily to drive the car's 111 horsepower (82 kW) electric motor, but the driver can also choose to let the generator charge the battery, thus increasing the car's operating range on electricity. The Range Extender increases the electric car's range by up to 1,000 km - on top of the 110 km range provided by the car's battery pack.

Technical concept II: Volvo C30 with parallel-connected Range Extender

Here the car gets a more powerful three-cylinder combustion engine at the rear and a 40 litre fuel tank. The difference between this and the first solution is the parallel connection, whereby the turbocharged 190 horsepower engine primarily drives the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This gives a better fuel efficiency rating when driving with the combustion engine cruising on the highway. Via a 40kW generator the battery can also be charged to give the car increased range on electricity alone.
Here too the electric motor is a 111 hp (82 kW) unit. The two power sources give the car more than 300 hp in total, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h of less than six seconds.
The Range Extender increases the electric car's range by more than 1,000 km - in addition to the range of up to 75 km provided by the car's battery pack.

Technical concept III: Volvo V60 with parallel-connected Range Extender

This is a solution whereby the entire drive package is installed under the bonnet at the front. The 111 hp (80 kW) electric motor is supplemented with a three-cylinder petrol turbo engine producing 190 hp (140 kW), a two-stage automatic transmission and a 40 kW generator. Power from the combustion engine drives the front wheels via the gearbox and recharges the battery pack whenever needed.

Up to 50 km/h, the car is always powered solely by electricity. The combustion engine is activated at higher speeds. What is more, it charges the battery pack when its charge drops below a predetermined level.

The battery pack is located under the rear load floor and it gives the driver a range of 50 km on electricity alone. The car also has a 45 litre tank for petrol or E85.
With this technology, the Range Extender increases the car's total range by more than 1,000 kilometres.

CO2-lean driving pleasure and comfort

The series-hybrid Range Extender in the C30 is part of an EU project in which the Volvo Car Corporation is the only car manufacturer among eight partners. The company's two parallel-hybrid Range Extender solutions are being developed with a grant of SEK 10.8 million (EUR 1.2 million) from the Swedish Energy Agency.

"These three projects allow us to evaluate the Range Extender's various possibilities. As with the C30 Electric and V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the goal is to make the cars exceptionally CO2-lean without compromising on customer requirements such as comfort, driving pleasure and practicality," explains Derek Crabb.

Volvo s60

Volvo s60

 Volvo S60

Volvo S60 is a entry-level luxury car / compact executive car built by Volvo that was first introduced in 2000. It uses the Volvo P2 platform, which is shared with the Volvo V70, Volvo S80 and Volvo XC90. It was one of the first "curvy Volvos" designed by Peter Horbury and appropriately used the tagline "Revolvolution" in its advertising campaign. The model was refreshed in 2004.

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

 Volvo S60

Volvo S60

Volvo S60 Performance Concept

Volvo’s Australian arm has pulled the wraps off a conceptual performance version of its S60 sedan. Based on the S60 T6 R Design, the S60 Performance Concept is an Australian initiative and utilizes two partnerships within the Volvo family - Polestar and Heico - for some very discreet upgrades.

Polestar, which handled the performance tweaks, fine-tuned the electronic software of the T6 engine increasing output by 24HP to 330-horses and torque by 40Nm to 480Nm (354 lb-ft).

Like the R Design models, the S60 Performance show car features a lowered sports suspension that includes monotube damping at the rear, 15 per cent stiffer springs and the bushings that are 20 percent stiffer compared with the dynamic chassis in the regular S60 models.

Exterior modifications are limited to the 19-inch Heico wheels shod in Pirelli tires and the quad exhaust tail pipes.

No changes were made in the cabin, which retains the production S60’s R-Design features including the sports seats with firmer side bolstering, leather clad three-spoke steering wheel, dials with blue surrounds and aluminium ridged pedals.

“The S60 T6 already boasts excellent performance credentials and the S60 Performance Project takes that even further,” said Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid. “With the extra power, torque and unique wheels and exhaust system the S60 Performance Project really is a very special edition S60.''

Volvo has declined to confirm whether it plans to build the S60 Perfomance Concept, but sources within the company said that if there is a positive customer reaction and demand, then it might enter a limited production.

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Owners Leasing Cars May Be Able to Make a Profit

With the recent surge in used car prices in the U.S., many people leasing vehicles have discovered the surprising fact that the market value of their automobiles is greater than the dealer’s quoted residual (buyout) price.
All a would-be lessee needs to do is buy the car from the dealer and sell it on privately. The dealer gets the residual amount and the former lessee pockets a tidy sum.
Take the example of a 2008 Volvo XC90. With more than twelve months left on the lease, the dealer’s buyout price was a quoted US$18,500. Compare this to the amount the lessee was likely to get by selling the car privately: a far more substantial US$27,000. That’s a profit of US$8,500!
Paul Taylor, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) describes the situation thusly:
“What’s likely to happen now is [dealers have] underestimated the value of the car. So the residual price is low, and [lessees] have more incentive to purchase it. Or, buy it and then sell it.”
It’s all thanks to the undersupplied, overinflated used car market in the U.S. at the present time. Add to that the fact many lease contracts are agreed on months or even years in advance, there’s nothing the lessees can do about it.
And owners are taking notice. 21.8% of lessees now buy their cars, up from a historical average of 16.4%. Additionally, 40% of those who do buy their cars resell their cars within six months, up from 27.3%. We are living in interesting times, indeed.

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Volvo Will Axe S40/V50 duo from US Line-up Due to Poor Sales

Volvo will stop selling its mid-size sedan, the S40, and its station wagon “twin”, the V50, in the USA during the 2012 MY. The reason? You guessed it; poor sales. According to Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston, US deliveries of the two models were disappointingly low with the S40 down 29% in 2010, while the V50 fared even worse, with its sales dropping by more than 50%.
"It seemed American buyers weren't looking for that kind of product and for us as a car company, it's not profitable to sell something that has a declining market share”, Johnston told Autonews.
Since the V70 was also discontinued last year, that leaves Volvo with a US line-up consisting of the C30 hatchback, C70 coupe-cabriolet, S60 sedan, the S80 sedan, the XC60 SUV, the XC70 (the only station wagon) and the XC90 SUV.

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