Autoblog

Volvo mulling S80 R-Design?

Dan Roth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:35:00 EST

Volvo has transitioned from R-badged cars delivering increased performance to R-Design vehicles carrying more visual horsepower, but no additional underhood muscle. Volvo's R-Design models are well-trimmed and attractive, and Volvo wants to see if there's interest in an S80 wearing more athletic trappings. A tentative step toward a full-blown R-Design S80 is being tried in the UK, where an R-Design interior package is available on Volvo's top sedan.

The toe-dip into full-on R-Design waters will indicate whether there's enough demand to warrant working up a body kit. Tack-ons would include a rear spoiler, sportier fascia, and sill extensions for more visual aggression. The typical R-Design chassis tweaks wouldn't be needed, since the S80 can already be had with a sport-tuned chassis, so really, Volvo's most of the way to an R-Design S80 already.

Volvo is also keeping up with its green consciousness by fitting Start/Stop to many of its models, and testing reaction to that system on the S80 is another area Volvo is researching. Putting a Stop/Start S80 into production is possible, but would require some substantial rewiring and would increase the cost of the car. Volvo spokesman Chris Wailes told Autocar that hybrids will be in the model mix for 2012, and will use the most efficient engine possible mated to hybrid equipment that should return better economy than what Honda and Toyota are currently serving. However, don't expect a hybrid Volvo S80 to compete with the likes of the Toyota Prius.

[Source: Autocar]

Volvo mulling S80 R-Design? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Volvo

Just like the long-wheelbase Audi A4L that debuted in China yesterday, Volvo has just rolled out a longer S80 with an extended wheelbase designed to suit Chinese premium car buyers' tastes. Unlike the Audi, we have a profile shot to show the extra length of the Volvo S80L. Volvo entered the Chinese market with its locally built S40 in 2006. Now it has made the decision to produce this market-specific version of the brand's flagship sedan in China, as well. The S80L gets stretched a full 14 cm (5.5 inches), and all of that extra space goes into the rear seat area. You have to wonder if these longer versions will eventually make their way into other markets.

One additional note: While most of the commenters on the Audi A4L post spent their time arguing about racism, stereotypes, average heights and nutrition, we want this one to be all about the car. So just to be clear, nobody was saying that all Chinese people are looking for additional height. We're sorry if some of you thought that was implied in the post. In fact, Chinese people apparently want extra length... in their premium cars. Get your minds out of the gutter.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market

Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive in aluminum: Heico Sportiv S80 shines at 2007 SEMA show

Drew Phillips — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Volvo

Click above image for a high resolution gallery of photos

German Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv brought the goods to the 2007 SEMA Show with its S80 T6 HPC Concept. The car has been more than a year in the making and features a 7-layer "aluminum effect" paint job that looks absolutely stunning in person and pretty darn good in pics, too. This Swedish beauty also packs a serious punch, with a 350-horsepower inline-6 that has been tuned to run on E85 ethanol. Because the original show car was based on the front-wheel-drive S80, Heico converted the car to Volvo's AWD system so that it could put the power down more efficiently. Other hi-po parts include 13.9-inch big brake kit with 6-piston calipers, a sport-tuned suspension system that rides 1.5-inches lower than stock, and lightweight forged wheels wrapped with Continental tires.

The inside of the car looks just as good as the outside with a carbon fiber-look silver aluminum console and leather covering the headliner, instrument panel and door panels. The rear seats have been exchanged with separate bucket seats, and the front seats also have thicker side and thigh bolsters.

For more details, follow the jump for the press release and click on the gallery for more than 15 high resolution shots of the car.

Gallery: Heico Sportiv Volvo S80 T6 HPC

Continue reading Attractive in aluminum: Heico Sportiv S80 shines at 2007 SEMA show

Attractive in aluminum: Heico Sportiv S80 shines at 2007 SEMA show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E85-swilling Heico Sportiv Volvo S80 High Performance

Chris Shunk — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Volvo

Click image for high-res gallery

With SEMA right around the corner, it's high time Autoblog is flooded by audacious performance tuners' creations showing more bling than 50 Cent. The German aftermarket gurus at Heico Sportiv passed up plenty of sweet German hardware in favor of the Swedish Volvo S80, and the end result is far cooler than anything you can pick up at Ikea. Heico foregoes Yamaha-sourced V8 in favor of the turbocharged inline six, whose power has been pumped to 350 HP running on biofuel E85. With that kind of power in tow, the Heico Sportiv Volvo S80 will hit 60 MPH in about 5.8 seconds, and more power is promised out of the tuned powerplant by the time SEMA begins.

Some of the more impressive mods come in the styling department, and the beautiful paint job sets the tone. Designers employed seven layers of paint to make the car look metallic, and we'd say, "mission accomplished." The S80's stance is widened with the use of larger rims and tires and flared-out wheel arches. Auto-running integrated LED headlights, larger air ducts, integrated spoiler flaps, and sweet leather seats round out the major mods. Heico has made one heck of a beautiful tuner in its modified S80, and we'll be at SEMA for the official unveiling. Hit the jump to read Volvo's press release, or click on the image above to view Autoblog Green's high resolution photo gallery.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Gallery: SEMA S80 Heico

Continue reading E85-swilling Heico Sportiv Volvo S80 High Performance

E85-swilling Heico Sportiv Volvo S80 High Performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo

Click the image above for a gallery of all the IIHS contenders.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released its most recent round of crash tests, rating everything from the Kia Amanti to the BMW 5-series in one fell swoop. With a focus set on more luxury-oriented vehicles, the IIHS tested six new models to destruction, and walked away with results for front, side and rear impacts.

Topping the list, were the 2007 Acura RL, Kia Amanti and Volvo S80, all of which earned top marks. The S80, not surprisingly, garnered the Institute's Top Safety Pick for overall crash worthiness, rating good in all three categories, plus having standard stability control. The BMW 5-series didn't fare as well, getting a "marginal" score on the side impact test, despite being equipped with side airbags.

Mercedes asked the IIHS to retest the 2007 E-Class after only scoring an "acceptable" rating when test previously. After re-engineering a number of interior bits, the score remained the same, although the Institute noted a slight improvement, but not enough to affect the overall score. IIHS president, Adrian Lund, remarked that the E-class could have earned the Top Safety Pick award if the side impact rating had increased.

The IIHS also retested a revised version of the 2007 Cadillac STS, which included reinforced B-pillars, front door trim and a modified side torso airbag, which resulted in an "acceptable" rating.

The Institute made it a point to say that nearly every passenger vehicle now earns a top rating for frontal crashes, but side and rear impacts remain all over the board.

The full IIHS press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: IIHS]

Gallery: IIHS Luxury Vehicle Results - August

Continue reading IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety

IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo S80, Scion xB score 'good' on IIHS crash tests

Dan Roth — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Scion, Volvo

"Good" is such a broad term. When we go looking at crash test data, "good" is not the word that grabs us by the earlobes and says "Hey! I'll save your tail!" "Good" indicates a level of competence perhaps elevated from average levels of acheivement, but the word doesn't connote stellar performance upon first glance. When you realize that "good" is where the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) ratings top out, the word has more gravity when shopping for a safe vehicle.

Today, the IIHS announced the two newest members of the "good" club. The Volvo S80, now in its second generation and based off the EUCD platform that will soon be ushering the P2's out the door entirely, has scored a good rating for frontal collisions. Another vehicle entering its second generation, the Scion xB, has also managed to rack up a green box on the test.

Both models' predecessors also earned "good" scores on the IIHS frontal collision test. The S80 hasn't been tested for side impacts by the Institute, but we'd safely bet on Volvo's mature SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) technology to keep us intact. The xB on the other hand, received a "Poor" score in its previous guise, and the new model hasn't been tested yet. The IIHS data, when combined with the Euro NCAP results and NHTSA results, provide a pretty complete picture of how all-around safe a car is, and good scores with the IIHS usually translate to safer ratings with the other agencies, as well.

[Source: IIHS]

Volvo S80, Scion xB score 'good' on IIHS crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holy Geneva! 2007 Volvo S80 revealed in advance of Swiss debut

Chris Paukert — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Trends, Sedan

Volvo's renaissance started with 1999's S80 flagship sedan, and the turnaround appears to have come full circle with its successor, seen here for the first time without camouflage. In what looks to be yet another premature press photo distribution leak, the good folks who frequent SwedeSpeed have provided us with an advance glimpse into Gothenburg's gurus latest... well ahead of the car's Geneva coming-out party.

The exterior is clearly evolutionary and couldn't be anything other than a Volvo, but this is hardly unfortunate. Up top, more aggressively raked glass, along with a sharkfin antenna presents a sportier roofline, and the S80's corners have been substantially radiused, with headlights and taillamps appearing to 'wrap around' the car's perimeter, neatly integrating the front end turn signal lens in the process. Side cladding has also been minimized for a cleaner profile, and subtle cues like the second set of inboard character lines on the hood and less timid exhaustwork afford the S80 a more energetic and dynamic look.

[Further exposé including 7 additional photos inside-and-out after the jump]

Continue reading Holy Geneva! 2007 Volvo S80 revealed in advance of Swiss debut

Holy Geneva! 2007 Volvo S80 revealed in advance of Swiss debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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