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Volvo XC90 gets modest tweaks for 2012

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST

The Volvo XC90 has always been a strong seller, and apparently the Swedish automaker sees no reason to rock the boat with a full-scale retooling of the luxury crossover. Still, that doesn't mean an update wouldn't breathe a bit of fresh air into the XC90 - and by our clock, it's (over)due for a freshening, as the segment stalwart is entering its ninth year of production. Volvo has done just that for the 2012 model, and both the exterior and interior get a few tweaks to bring the styling up to par with the rest of the market.

Like the rest of the automotive world, Volvo has decided to add LED daytime running lamps to the front of the XC90. The lower silver trim on the bumper helps add a touch of masculinity, and it blends nicely with the silver-clad roof rails. The LED upgrades make their way to the rear of the car in the form of bright taillamps, and the exterior upgrades are literally rounded out by the new 18-inch wheels that wear a silver-matte finish. Inside, the 2012 XC90 features new gauge faces inspired by watch dials, a new three-spoke wheel, aluminum trim and Bluetooth streaming audio.

In addition to standard trims, Volvo will continue to offer the racier-looking R-Design model. Customers jumping into the XC90 R-Design will get more aggressive styling that's set off from the outside by Ixion 19-inch wheels.

You can check out the 2012 Volvo XC90 by clicking through the gallery. Be sure to click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volvo XC90 gets modest tweaks for 2012

Volvo XC90 gets modest tweaks for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Bulk Store Buying: Costco and Volvo team up to sell cars

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Volvo

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's the holiday season and that means shopping and deal-finding is at a premium. A trip to warehouse stores Costco or Sam's Club will likely net you some tidy deals on anything from eggs and Hot Pockets to a Jacuzzi or even a casket. Even carmakers are getting in on the dealmaking, as a recent promotion with Mitsubishi and Sam's can attest. Not to be outdone, Costco is also getting in on the act.

The warehouse store and Sweden's Volvo are collaborating on a promotion for the XC60, XC70 and XC90 that includes discounts and a $500 Costco card which comes six-to-eight weeks after purchase. Customers who purchase an XC60 from Costco also get Volvo employee pricing. Buyers of the XC70 and XC90 will receive an additional $500 off. The deals being offered through Costco are in addition to any dealer incentive programs that are currently available.

We find it rather amusing that the promotion is only for Volvo crossovers - and yet it makes complete sense at the same time. Shopping at Costco practically necessitates driving a large vehicle while a quick glance at any warehouse store parking lot reveals a sea of trucks, SUVs and minivans. At least Volvo appears to be properly targeting Costco's customer base.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Volvo XC60

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Costco]

More Bulk Store Buying: Costco and Volvo team up to sell cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo shows off sporty new XC60 R-Design

Chris Paukert — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Volvo

Volvo XC60 R-Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

From the "You knew it was coming" file is word that Volvo is readying an R-Design variant of their new XC60 crossover. With the company's sporty trim designation finding its way into nearly every product in the fold (C30, S40, V50, S80, V70, and XC90), the move may be an expected one, but it is pleasant nonetheless.

Given that it features stiffer damping (Volvo doesn't specify how much firmer), a more robust chassis (Volvo doesn't specify how it's reinforced) and improved steering (thanks to a new, "direct steering gear") than its more prosaic counterparts, the R-Design isn't purely an appearance package, but with no underhood work, it isn't far off. That's in keeping with the brand, though, as Volvos aren't traditionally the most sporting offerings in their segment.

In the case of the XC60, the R-Design is distinguished by its color-keyed lower body (standard XC60s are matte black), "matte silk metal finish" flourishes (grille, mirror caps, trim moldings), unique 18-inch "Cratus" pattern alloys (20-inch pieces are optional) as well as skid plates and a pair of chromed exhaust outlets.

The interior also gets some new trimmings, including aluminum steering wheel inserts, door moldings, and a darker finish floating center stack that features "a circular pattern that expands outwards in a dynamic way" - a pattern that is replicated in the striping of the two-toned seating surfaces. The pedals gain aluminum surfaces with grippy rubber inserts, and there's the requisite complement of R-Design badges as well.

As shown in the images, Passion Red is an R-Design-specific available color, but there are six other colors to choose from.

No word yet on model cost or availability, but we expect to see the the XC60 R-Design hitting dealers soon. For now, however, check out the gallery of high-res exterior photos below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Volvo XC60 R-Design

Continue reading Volvo shows off sporty new XC60 R-Design

Volvo shows off sporty new XC60 R-Design originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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