Autoblog

Volvo has announced a recall of 82,000 vehicles due to a rust problem that can lead to engine stall. The recall affects My 2004 through 2006 5-cylinder gasoline-powered S40 and V50 models. The majority of the problem cars are roaming the streets of the United States, Sweden and Germany as they are countries considered to be "corrosion markets". The issue stems from fuel pump electronics being exposed to rain, snow and road salt leading to their degradation. If excessive rust occurs it can lead to fuel starvation of the engine and thus, stalling. While markets with volatile climates get the fix, vehicles in more arid countries will receive an extended guarantee.

[Source: CNNMoney.com]

It looks like the dual-clutch preselector transmission is emerging as the leader in automated manuals. Volkswagen's DSG has been around a while and offers fewer compromises than less purpose-built manuals. Ford's champing at the bit to get their own trick DSG-like transmission into production, and it looks like we'll see such a unit drop soon with the PowerShift moniker. Gearbox maker Getrag has several different variations on the theme, and word is they'll start off in PAG brand like Volvo first and then trickle down to other Fords as a premium option. Volvo is a logical entry point, as the marque's S40 T5 can be mentioned in the same breath as the A3 without the entire room snickering.

The core engineering seems to be essentially the same, with the packaging, max ratio spread and durability of the innards varying among the different configurations. Applications cover the various vehicle architectures of FR, FF, and MR, plus AWD, though we're not sure if the center differential is a seperate unit or integral to the trans. They're mostly six-speeds, although there is a seven-speed version with triple cone synchronizers and a max torque capacity of 750Nm. The exciting thing is that these transmissions reportedly have Job 1 dates in 2007, so we should see the debut soon in something. Europe will likely get them first in the diesel S40/V50s. There's a version rumored to be destined for the Fiesta, which is destined here, so before long, we may all be revelling in the perfectly executed blip-blip downshift as we clip the apex and get back on the power to exit fast while behind the wheel of a Ford vehicle.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Volvo Cars has started European delivery of S40 sedans and V50 estates with its new and more powerful D5 diesel powerplant, aiming at Europe's premium diesel car market.

The S40 D5 and V50 D5 debuted at the Bologna Motor Show in December with the new 180 hp five-cylinder turbodiesel, a considerable step up from the two four-cylinder alternatives offering 109 and 136 hp. Currently, the D5 engine is available only with a five-speed automatic. The new models are expected to account for about 10 percent of S40 and V50 sales in Europe.

Volvo plans to roll out a C70 D5 model later this year, and the annual production target for the three D5 models is about 10,000 units.

[Sources: Volvo via What Car?]