Autoblog

VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Freya Svensson feels like she's getting screwed. According to her blog postings, she owns a still new-looking Volvo XC70 that has had more than its fair share of problems: a faulty transmission and an internal coolant leak that could have been caused by a cracked cylinder head or head gasket. To make matters worse, Svensson says the transmission, cylinder head and motor mounts (twice) have been replaced by Rusnak Volvo in Pasadena, California. Svensson further claims that when the transmission was replaced, she told Rusnak that it still didn't feel right but the dealership allegedly wouldn't take a look at it again. Now that the supposed defective tranny is out of warranty, the dealership wants to repair it. None of this tale is funny, odd, or different from some of the dealer/warranty horror stories that we hear about all the time. So why are we bothering to report on this one? As you might have guessed from the viking helmet and acoustic guitar show above, Svensson has no issue in pulling out all the stops in order to get her message across. She's even got t-shirts. This amuses us.

For starters, Svensson started up her own website, Rusmackedvolvo.com, which details her problems with Volvo North America and Rusnak Volvo. She took to Facebook to friend Volvo North America President Doug Speck, offering to help him add to his paltry friend total of 24 in exchange for free repairs to her Scandinavian lemon. To add a little flair, Svensson then took to YouTube to provide a video play by play of what is going on with her cursed wagon. The blonde haired, blue eyed Svensson plays up the Swedish connection by even singing an original composition, "O Rusnak Volvo" in her native tongue. Hit the jump to watch the clip, and don't worry if you don't speak Swedish - Svensson has been thoughtful enough to provide English subtitles.

[Sources: Rusmackedvolvo.com; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue

VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #130

Dan Roth — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Opel, Fiat, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #130 of the Autoblog Podcast sees Chris, Sam, and Dan kibbitzing over the obvious news, but it's not an All-GM-Bankruptcy show. Starting with General Motors (after all, it's a huge event) we move on to Magna's deal with Opel (and GM, coincidentally). Volvo's clever implementation of a diesel hybrid in its wagon comes next before talk turns to Fiat-based Chryslers. It all wraps up at about an hour and a half after we polish off some of your questions. Thanks for listening, hit us up at Podcast at autoblog dot com with questions/comments/praise/scorn.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #130

Autoblog Podcast #130 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Volvo's Vs could get new roofline

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Volvo, Rendered Speculation

One of the last bastions of contentment for wagon lovers may be over as reports indicate that Volvo is considering abandoning the classic long and low shape for something a bit more modern. Of course, that means a higher roof-line, ground clearance and seating position, along with a slightly trimmed footprint. In fact, the Swedish automaker seriously considered making a change to its current V70 model before it was released to the public. The true test will come when the new XC60 crossover hits the market, as its sales figures will determine how Volvo designs its next V50 and V70.

Ford's Flex might offer a preview of the shape of things to come from the Swedish automaker, as its design is similar to what may be on offer from Volvo if it scraps the traditional wagon. We wouldn't expect anything too 'trucky' though, as sales of traditional SUVs have fallen off dramatically in the last two years.

Redesigns of the mid-sized S60 and XC90 have also reportedly been pushed a bit further into the future as the automaker struggles to reign in its recent lack of profits. The latest timetable puts the new sedan's appearance in 2010 while the 'ute's redesign isn't expected until 2012, though a refresh could spice things up a bit in 2010 with a possible hybrid drivetrain.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: Volvo's Vs could get new roofline originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Letterman remembers Paul Newman...and their V8 Volvos

Alex Nunez — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Videos, Volvo, Celebrities

In the wake of Paul Newman's passing just over a week ago, we've seen countless, wonderful tributes to the man written from different points of view. He's remembered as an actor, a colleague, a racer, and most importantly, a towering philanthropist. One of the best non-written remembrances, however, comes from the mouth of David Letterman, who paid respect to Newman in one of his monologues on The Late Show last week.

The whole thing's worth watching, but at around 3:45 in, Dave gets to the story about when Newman called him up one day and talked him into buying a custom Volvo wagon (a 960) with a supercharged Ford V8 underhood. You see, Newman was having one made and was very pumped up about it, so he asked if Dave wanted one, too. And you know, how do you say no to Paul Newman? Dave recounts the whole affair beautifully, and of course, it's also funny.

After you watch the clip, head over to Swedespeed, where in 2003 they profiled a third car just like the ones built for Newman and Letterman, with even more background about Newman's car and what went into the build. This is the very definition of "sleeper."

[Source: The Sheila Variations]

Letterman remembers Paul Newman...and their V8 Volvos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wagons Ho! Volvo V70 gets R-Design treatment

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Volvo, UK

Click above for more high-res pics of the Volvo V70 R-Design

Once upon a time, there was a subtle wagon called the V70R who's meek outward appearance belied the snortiest turbo 5-cylinder Volvo has ever put in a production car. All-wheel-drive helped the power get to the ground instead of immolating the front tires, and the R sat atop the V70 trim-level range. Alas, the R is no more. While it was awesome and amusing, it was also outgunned by the competition, even with 300 hard-breathing horsepower. Still, there are those who desire the look and demeanor of the R, while finding no fault with the lesser powertrains that Volvo offers.

Those buyers can find what they're looking for with the new V70 R-Design package on the third generation wagon. Since the demise of the R, the V70 has moved up to become the wagon version of the S80, and the R-Line package adds a little visual oomph and chassis verve to the big estate. Ride height has been reduced and thicker swaybars are added, along with higher durometer bushings in the suspension. Like we saw on the C30 R-Design, matte finish metal accents are added to exterior pieces like the mirror housings and grille surround. Sporty-looking exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels round out the exterior changes. The interior gets blue-faced gauges, unique metal trim pieces, and Volvo's already excellent seats get R-Design logos and sportier bolstering. The R-Design package adds £2,000 or so to the price of a UK V70, a decent price for a handling upgrade and a hunkered look. Volvo hasn't decided whether to bring it to the United States yet. If it does come to the North American market, the V70 R-Design will be a 2009 model, and we'll know by early summer if we have to look longingly across the pond for a clean-looking, sporty-driving wagon.

Gallery: V70 RDesign

[Source: Volvo]

Wagons Ho! Volvo V70 gets R-Design treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo to offer T6 engine option in XC70 this fall

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Wagon, Crossover, Volvo

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 recently spent some time in the Autoblog Garage, and while we liked the vehicle overall, we had a few major complaints: its high price, poor gas mileage and a noticeable lack of power. At least one of those issues will be rectified somewhat this fall when Volvo begins offering the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine for the XC70. This engine is already available in the S80 sedan, and since the V70 and XC70 use similar chassis architecture, it was only a matter of time before the T6 engine migrated down the line. The 281 horsepower of the T6 engine should offer a useful improvement over the standard 235 horsepower 3.2 liter six. According to AutoWeek, the T6 model will be the crossover's flagship, so it seems unlikely that the 311 horsepower V8 will show up underhood any time soon. Power often covers a multitude of sins, so we're betting that the boosted-six will prove to be a popular option among buyers.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Volvo XC70

[Source: AutoWeek]

Volvo to offer T6 engine option in XC70 this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo thinks it needs more crossovers and wagons

Chris Tutor — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Volvo

And as a new father in need of a larger vehicle, I agree. Volvo has long been known for their safe, sensible wagons and last year almost half its total sales came from this class of vehicles.

Volvo Car Corp. COO Steven Armstrong tells Autoweek that his company sees plenty of wagon and crossover-type market gaps that need filling. Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo Car senior vice president of brand business and product strategy (we hope he gets paid by the syllable, btw) is a little more specific, saying that if the company were to target those gaps, it would likely be in the V or XC range.

Again, as the new daddy, I'd love to see Volvo reintroduce the V90 as an ultra luxury wagon to give the class a more upscale image. But as a practical new dad (hey, diapers ain't cheap) I say bring on a fuel-efficient 5-seater crossover simiilar to, but smaller and cheaper than, the upcoming XC60 (pictured above). But as the father who still craves some excitement now and then, I would, of course, opt for the European delivery with the Nurburgring package.

With so few automakers competing in the U.S. in the wagon segment, we see Volvo snagging lots of new customers. But the Swedes need to be quick before Honda and Toyota decide to re-enter with Accord and Camry wagons.

[Source: Autoweek]

Volvo thinks it needs more crossovers and wagons originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo wagons rated highest for making whoopee

John Neff — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Volvo

Looks like the 21st century has crowned its new shaggin wagon according to UK car insurer Yes Insurance. Suprisingly, the staid Volve Estate was chosen in a poll conducted by the insurance company of 4,000 people as the best car to have sex in. Why an insurance company needs to know which vehicle sees the most action is beyond us, but it's an interesting tidbit nonetheless. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van came in second, which gives us a great idea for a project vehicle with shag carpet and a waterbed. Third place went to a vehicle that's actually equipped with the right hardware for such encounters, the VW Camper Van.

Other interesting facts culled from the poll:

68% of people have had nookie in their cars
10% of people have engaged in sex while driving
6% admit to damaging their cars during a steamy session
1% actually files a claim for damaged incurred during steamy session

Follow the jump for a complete list of the Top 10 Vehicles for Making Whoopee.

[Source: DailyMail.co.uk via Winding Road]

Continue reading Volvo wagons rated highest for making whoopee

Volvo wagons rated highest for making whoopee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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