Volvo Introduces New 2.0-liter Five-Cylinder Diesel, Upgraded Six-Cylinder petrol engines

For the 2011 model year, Volvo is introducing a new five-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel that will be available throughout its range while the Swedish automaker also upgraded the six-cylinder petrol engines offered on the S80, V70, XC70 and XC60.

The new five-cylinder diesel unit is in principle the same engine as the 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced (with a shorter stroke) to 2.0-liters. It will be offered in three different variants in terms of output.

In the S80, V70, XC70 and XC60, the newly developed 2.0-litre diesel produces 163HP and 400 Nm of torque. In these models the engine is badged the D3.

In the smaller C30 hatchback, S40 sedan, V50 estate and C70 coupe cabriolet, the new 2.0L unit is available in two flavors, the D3 with 150HP and 350 Nm of torque and the D4 with 177HP and 400 Nm of torque.

All the variants of the new 2.0-liter turbodiesel can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

In addition, Volvo updated its 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged petrol T6 that now offers 304HP and 440 Nm of torque.

The six-cylinder 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine has also been upgraded and features an improved crankshaft and less internal friction. It now produces 243HP and maximum torque is 320 Nm.

In order to meet US legislative requirements, Volvo also offers a PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) variant of the same engine that produces 231HP and 300 Nm of peak torque.

2012 Volvo XC90 - Allegedly Official Screenshot of Next-Gen Crossover

Since we don't like jumping on any 'bandwagon' without sufficient additional information, we not too eager to adopt Swedish car magazine Teknikens Varld's claims that this rather simple rendering depicts an early illustration of the next-generation Volvo XC90 SUV/Crossover. The screenshot allegedly comes from an internal video presentation and it appears to show a larger model than the XC60 crossover model with an even more station-wagon profile.

Via: Teknikensvarld

Volvo XC70 Pickup Truck Spotted Outside Volvo’s Museum!

A watchful reader over at our Swedish pals at “Bilfeber” scooped these pictures of two Volvo pickup trucks parked in front of the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden. While the six-wheeler XC90 LWB pickup truck is something we’ve seen before, the XC70 “El Camino” is a first –if you’ve seen it anywhere else, feel free to drop us a line.

From what we managed to find out, both of these cars seem to be the work of a Swedish coachbuilder called “Dalbo Fordonsteknik”. Call us weird, but we found the XC70 AWD El Camino’s design somewhat appealing. Maybe FoMoCo should look into building this one itself. What do you think? –More pics after the jump

Via: Bilfeber

2009 Volvo S80 & XC90 Executive Models

For the 2009 model year, Volvo is enhancing its most exclusive line-up, the S80 and XC90 Executive models with the addition of massage and ventilation functions in the front seats along with a range of improved materials and trim details.

Though it would have been nice if Volvo offered a nice tall Swedish blonde gal to do the massage, the front seats are actually equipped with five built-in inflatable pockets built that pump and drain sequentially to create a wave-like motion (adjustable at two hardness levels) that massages the lower back. -Continued

Other upgrades on the S80 and XC90 Exclusive models include new upholstery in perforated soft hide; new lumbar support setting that uses the same inflatable cushions for adjusting the massage function; centre console cover in soft leather; 8" wide VGA LCD screens integrated into the rear of the front seat headrests instead of the previous 7" units and a new analogue clock set into the wood inlay in the instrument panel.

Furthermore, S80 Executive gets additional ambient lighting in the door panels and storage compartments, and in the front cup holders and along the floor by the front seat, aluminium sliding cover in the front console and updated crystal glasses with an engraved Executive emblem. Finally the XC90 Executive features new hand-sewn leather in the door handles.

Geneva Show: Volvo “Ocean Race Edition” Models

Volvo has launched a series of specially designed cars dedicated to the sailing competition, “Volvo Ocean Race”. The new “Ocean Race Edition” range encompasses three models the V70, XC70 and XC90. Available in two exterior colors, Ocean Blue and Electric Silver, the special edition models feature full leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Offblack, with the centre console and other details in a silk matt aluminium finish. Additionally, the stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making while the aluminium detailing on the mats resembles clews. -Continued

When Volvo organised the Volvo Ocean Race the very first time in 2001-02, the company sold 4,500 special edition Volvo V70s and X70s. In conjunction with the 2005-06 race, the Ocean Blue family was extended with the Volvo XC90 and sales increased to 8,600 cars. The most recent Volvo Ocean Race Edition will reach dealers in June 2008 and Volvo expects to sell about 9,000 cars. The five largest markets are Germany, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain and Japan.