Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Polestar says goodbye to Volvo C30 in video tribute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Volvo C30 was put to its eternal bed a few months ago, but the tuners at Polestar have a little more eulogizing to do. The Swedish house of speed that has raced and reworked the little hatch since its introduction in 2006 wants the world to know what they've been through together, so it has encapsulated seven years of around-the-world action into three minutes and 28 seconds of track footage and champagne.

We're still waiting on word of a replacement for the funny little hatch, and while we lament what could have been, the video below proves that the C30 provided plenty of thrills for those outside of the US. And as you can read in our recent review of the Polestar-enhanced road-going C30, it provided a decent amount of fun for those of us in the States, as well.

Continue reading Polestar says goodbye to Volvo C30 in video tribute

Polestar says goodbye to Volvo C30 in video tribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo c30c30polestarvideovideosvolvoTue, 12 Mar 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/20496121/article-detail.xml 20496121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volvoc30polestartribute_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volvoc30polestartribute.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last Hurrah Comes and Goes In A Hurry

2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition

It isn't very often that we drive a new car that's already out of production, but that's exactly what has happened with this 2013 Volvo C30. After just five years on the North American market, the last C30 quietly rolled off the assembly line back in December. But before that happened, Volvo decided to send its compact hatchback out on a high note with a little added performance and exclusivity courtesy of this R-Design Polestar Limited Edition model.

The term "hot hatch" is admittedly tossed around a lot these days, but the combination of an R-Design styling package coupled with a good number of extra ponies under the hood should be more than enough to put the C30 in the mix with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and its not-too-distant cousin, the Mazdaspeed3. The chief problem with the Polestar Limited Edition, though, is that it's priced against sportier all-wheel-drive compacts like the Golf R and Subaru WRX STI, so we decided to spend a week with the Polestar to see if its exclusivity and performance are enough to make up for its higher price tag.

Continue reading 2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video]

2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo c302013 volvo c30 polestar limited editionc30c30 r-designc30 r-design polestar limited editionpolestarreviewreviewsvolvovolvo reviewThu, 28 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20481720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/20481720/article-detail.xml 20481720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-review.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #317]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota thinks of beefing up US production, Marchionne on Alfa, Dart and minivans, Ford Atlas concept, Honda Gear concept autoblog podcast logo

Episode #317 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Jeff Ross and Michael Harley bookend the other podcast topics with a pair from the Montreal Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Honda Gear concept, and in between we talk about Toyota building all its US-market cars stateside, Hyundai building a Nurburgring test facility, Sergio Marchionne's latest words about Alfa Romeo, Dodge Dart powertrains and the future of Chrysler vans. Some chatter about the Ford Atlas concept finishes up the meat of the 'cast and then we wrap with your questions. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #317:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volvo C30
2013 Dodge Journey
2013 Nissan Altima

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Michael Harley


Runtime: 01:50:11

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #317

Autoblog Podcast #317 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoaltimaatlasautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 317c30dartdodgefeaturedfordford atlas conceptgearhondahonda gear concepthyundaihyundai nurburgringjourneynissannurburgringpodcastpodcast 317toyotavolvoWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #317Autoblog01:25:37 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/20437004/article-detail.xml 20437004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/#commentsFiled under:



Despite 2012 being the best year of auto sales this country has seen since 2007, not every vehicle got an equally large share of the sales pie. Some barely got a sliver, as evidenced by this year's list of the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

We've dug through sales data from every automaker to come up with this year's list and, like last year, we've set some parameters to ensure it includes legitimately bad-selling vehicles.

The first parameter is a starting MSRP under $100,000, which automatically excludes what's parked in most one-percenters' garages. We're also excluding vehicles cancelled in 2012, even if they garnered sales through the end of the year while dealerships sold off remaining inventory. This includes models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and last year's worst-seller, the Acura RL. Next, vehicles are considered as they are reported by the automaker, which means that, while sales of the Murano CrossCabriolet were probably low enough to make the list, because Nissan reports only one number for all Murano sales, it was excluded. Cadillac, however, reports sales of the Escalade EXT separately from the Escalade, hence its repeat appearance.

Finally, there was the question of whether or not eligibility should be given to Suzuki vehicles, as the brand announced in November that it would end sales in the US as soon as its current inventory ran out. We decided Suzuki vehicles should be included as the brand was offering 2013 models at the time of the announcement, and as far as we can tell, inventory levels remained high enough to satisfy demand through the end of the year.

Without further ado, below are the top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012.

Continue reading These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012

These are your top 10 worst-selling vehicles of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012acuraappsaudibmwc30equatorescaladeescalade extgt-rgtrgtr nurburgring timeilancerlancer sportbackmitsubishinissansubarutribecattvolvoworst selling carsworst-selling vehiclesworst-selling vehicles of 2012z4zdxMon, 07 Jan 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20417056/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/these-are-your-top-10-worst-selling-vehicles-of-2012/20417056/article-detail.xml 20417056 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mitsubishiikbb10best20121-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mitsubishiikbb10best20121-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo latest Euro carmaker to cut production, workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/volvo-latest-euro-carmaker-to-cut-production-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/volvo-latest-euro-carmaker-to-cut-production-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/volvo-latest-euro-carmaker-to-cut-production-workers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volvo Ghent

Amidst economic turmoil, the less-than-stellar news continues to develop in Europe. In the context of automobile industry, Belgium appears to be the latest region to feel the effects of the crisis, as Volvo has announced it will reduce production in its Ghent facility in 2013.

The Volvo assembly plant currently produces the S60, XC60, C30 and V40 models. It employs roughly 5,200 people. This news comes on the heels of Ford announcing the shuttering of its own Belgian facility, located in Genk.

According to Lars Wrebo, Senior Vice President Manufacturing at Volvo, "We have had a very positive trend during a number of years, with 2011 as a record year." He continued, "Now we see customer demand declining and we need to rebalance our production output. In today's market situation, flexibility is essential in the automotive industry."

In order to address the declining demand, production volume will be reduced from the current rate of 59 cars per hour to 54 cars. The result of this move on the workforce is the non-renewal of approximately 300 agency worker contracts. Check out the press release below to see all the details on this announcement.

Continue reading Volvo latest Euro carmaker to cut production, workers

Volvo latest Euro carmaker to cut production, workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumc30s60v40volvoxc60Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20361918/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/volvo-latest-euro-carmaker-to-cut-production-workers/20361918/article-detail.xml 20361918 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/volvo-ghent_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/volvo-ghent.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo takes final orders for C30, production ends this December]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/volvo-takes-final-orders-for-c30-production-ends-this-december/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/volvo-takes-final-orders-for-c30-production-ends-this-december/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/volvo-takes-final-orders-for-c30-production-ends-this-december/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Volvo C30 Polestar edition - front three-quarter view

According to an Autoblog reader with access to Volvo's internal dealer site, the Swedish automaker has officially notified its dealers that North American production of the C30 will cease in December. It's not exactly a surprise - the C30 disappeared from Volvo's Swedish website months ago and C30 forum users have been discussing the end of the hatch in various markets all summer. This only makes it official that Volvo is pulling the plug on a car that only sold about 4,500 units per year for the six years it was here.

The bulletin notes that while the "C30 successfully achieved its goal to attract new customers to the Volvo brand, pulling a high percentage of customers from brands like Mini, Mazda and Volkswagen," its end is necessitated by the need to develop "high volume products to better sustain our brand health and network viability moving forward," presumably in the U.S. market. Autoblog reached out to Volvo for comment, and they confirmed the news, remarking "...we have made the decision to discontinue C30 production to better position Volvo for the future and the next stages of our model portfolio." (Their full statement is available by scrolling below).

We've been hearing about this transition for years, but frankly, we still don't know what those products might be. The effacing of the C30 leaves the S60, S80, XC60, XC70 and XC90 in the U.S. lineup - the C70 convertible is expected to bow out early next year. From everything we've heard out of Volvo, we're not getting the excellent new V40 or V40 Cross Country, but there have also been rumors of a C90 and an S100 luxury flagship that aren't anything like high volume. We've also heard that company CEO Stefan Jacoby is contemplating a Mini rival, but isn't that what the C30 was supposed to have been?

Perhaps the C30's biggest problem is what it costs to get in one. According to the company's consumer website, there are only two models offered, the base T5 starting at $25,500 and the R-Design at $27,850. The C30s were well equipped, but the Mini Cooper starts at $20,400. For those volume buyers fixated on the bottom line, that stat led to some open minds slamming shut on the C30. The little hatch also could have used a lot more advertising. While we wait for something to take a spot under the S60, the dealer bulletin suggests that the C30 Polestar Limited Edition promised for the U.S. will figure into dealers' final allocations.

Here's hoping that an eventual C30 successor will make a better go of it.

Continue reading Volvo takes final orders for C30, production ends this December

Volvo takes final orders for C30, production ends this December originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo c30c30c30 productionpolestarvolvoFri, 12 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348470/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/volvo-takes-final-orders-for-c30-production-ends-this-december/20348470/article-detail.xml 20348470 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/32701510151168570194489774799422o-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/32701510151168570194489774799422o-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition heads to U.S., only 250 available]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/2013-volvo-c30-polestar-limited-edition-heads-to-u-s-only-250/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/2013-volvo-c30-polestar-limited-edition-heads-to-u-s-only-250/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/2013-volvo-c30-polestar-limited-edition-heads-to-u-s-only-250/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Volvo is adding a bit of exclusivity to its C30 hatchback for the 2013 model year by offering a special Polestar Limited Edition model in the United States. And we do mean limited - only 250 of the Rebel Blue hatches will be offered, boasting upgraded performance (sort of) and a whole host of standard kit.

We say "sort of" because, well, the Polestar power kit for this special C30 isn't any different than what you can spec on the standard car. Still, it offers an additional 23 horsepower and 27 pound-feet of torque, bringing the turbocharged inline-five's output numbers up to 250 and 273, respectively, paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Aside from its new blue hue (that we really like, by the way), the Polestar Limited Edition is set apart from other C30 models with the addition of unique 17-inch Styx matte black alloy wheels, as well as a color-coordinated R-Design body kit. Inside, standard equipment matches that of the C30 Premium Plus model, meaning all of the Limited Edition cars are fitted with a sunroof, power seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED daytime running lights and Xenon headlamps. Of course, if you're feeling spendy, you can option up for the Platinum model, which adds navigation and a premium sound system to the mix.

All of this limited-run goodness comes at a price, though - the front-wheel-drive Polestar Edition retails for $32,445, including $895 for destination. Ticking the Platinum option will no doubt increase that cost by a few grand, and while it'll certainly be a hoot to drive, it's far more expensive than loaded competitors like the Mazdaspeed3 and runs into all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R territory.

We've asked Volvo to pass along more images aside from the one poorly cropped, low-res shot you see here, and we'll be sure to update you if more photos surface. In the meantime, scroll down to read all of the details in the official press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition heads to U.S., only 250 available

2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition heads to U.S., only 250 available originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo c302013 volvo c30 polestar limited editionc30polestarpolestar limited editionvolvoTue, 11 Sep 2012 18:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/11/2013-volvo-c30-polestar-limited-edition-heads-to-u-s-only-250/20320987/article-detail.xml 20320987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/32701510151168570194489774799422o-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/32701510151168570194489774799422o-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Stefan Jacoby says Volvo contemplating Mini rival]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/stefan-jacoby-says-volvo-contemplating-mini-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/stefan-jacoby-says-volvo-contemplating-mini-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/stefan-jacoby-says-volvo-contemplating-mini-rival/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Volvo C30 R Design - Red - rear three-quarter dynamic cornering view

Up or down? That's the question about which way Volvo is going to take its brand: solidly into premium, full-size sedan luxury or into a smaller near-premium offering to challenge what is, right now, a very hot segment. Most of the chatter has centered around the former option, with Volvo declaring it would go for the top luxury guns, a patent filing suggesting an S100 flagship, and talk of a C90 luxury coupe to fight models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

In between, that there's been speculation on the other side, with reports that Volvo is looking for a partner on a small car. Officials have themselves confirmed that within ten years, they won't have an engine larger than four cylinders, and everyone figuring that Volvo will have to do something with the spot occupied by the expiring C30 other than rename it and add two doors. The V40 takes the fight to the A3 and BMW 1 Series five-door, but what about premium and popular subcompacts like the Mini Cooper, Audi A1 and A-Class?

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby tells Automotive News that the Swedish brand is considering a model in that space, but to do so would require not only the aformentioned partner, but a smaller engine. We're not sure what to make of the engine comment, since it apparently already has smaller engines planned for its larger line. If such a car comes, it won't be soon; Jacoby says his priorities now are "Volvo's core ranges" and getting the Scalable Platform Architecture fully integrated into the brand's next-generation cars. But with the scattershot temperament of Volvo news lately, who knows.

Stefan Jacoby says Volvo contemplating Mini rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30small volvostefan jacobyv40volvovolvo c30volvo hatchbackTue, 21 Aug 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304496/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/21/stefan-jacoby-says-volvo-contemplating-mini-rival/20304496/article-detail.xml 20304496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2011-volvo-c30-r-design-rear_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2011-volvo-c30-r-design-rear.jpg <![CDATA[Despite rumors, Volvo not ceasing electric C30 production plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/despite-rumors-volvo-not-ceasing-electric-c30-production-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/despite-rumors-volvo-not-ceasing-electric-c30-production-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/despite-rumors-volvo-not-ceasing-electric-c30-production-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

volvo c30 electric

Dutch website NU recently reported that Volvo expects low demand for its C30 Electric, and therefore it decided to stop building the mostly electric car (it has a small, ethanol-burning heater to keep passengers warm). The original source for this information was a story in the Belgian newspaper The Age that cited Volvo's government affairs director, Anders Kärrberg. Turns out, this isn't quite right.

First, Volvo has always said the C30 Electric is a limited program. When the company started making the attractive EV in last summer, the public plan was to make just 250 units. So, the fact that the automaker is getting ready to finish up building the 250 units and then reevaluate the situation is not a surprise.

We asked Volvo's Malin Persson about the situation, and she told Autoblog that "[it has] never been our aim to continue with production of C30 Electric for a longer period of time." She added that:
  • [Volvo Car Corporation] will not end the production of the C30 Electric - but it has always been a project limited in numbers and time.
  • Approximately 200 cars have been built from the first generation, another 50 remain to be built before summer.
  • In the second generation, starting after the summer, 100 cars will be built in cooperation with Siemens and with Siemens technology.
  • The know-how and experience VCC has gained and will gain from the C30 Electric project will be extremely valuable when taking decisions about the way forward when it comes to electric cars.
So, instead of reporting that Volvo is stopping C30 Electric production, the reality is that 100 vehicles has been added to the build order. How aggressively Volvo continues to push on with electric technology beyond its C30 program - in something like the XC60 plug-in hybrid - remains to be seen. Kärrberg told The Age that Volvo thinks EVs will only make up one percent of the market in the next eight years, thanks to expensive batteries and a hodgepodge of government incentives.

Despite rumors, Volvo not ceasing electric C30 production plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30c30 electricc30 evc30 productionmalin perssonvolvo c30Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/26/despite-rumors-volvo-not-ceasing-electric-c30-production-plans/20199716/article-detail.xml 20199716 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/volvo-c30-electric-outside-6-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/volvo-c30-electric-outside-6-630.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo not bringing new V40 to these United States [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/volvo-not-bringing-new-v40-to-these-united-states-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/volvo-not-bringing-new-v40-to-these-united-states-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/volvo-not-bringing-new-v40-to-these-united-states-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Volvo V40

There are some cars we enjoy writing about more than others. Those tend to be the ones with the big horsepower numbers and seldom more than two doors, but the new Volvo V40 that was officially released today stands as an exception, because while it is hardly what you'd call exotic, it did pique our interest more than a workaday hatchback should. But we'll have to try not to like it too much, because we just received confirmation that it is not, we're sorry to report, coming to the United States.

In an email we received today from Geno Effler, head of public relations for Volvo Cars of North America, we were told that - and we quote - "The V40 is not coming to the United States." Rats.

Effler further states in the correspondence that "The V40 is not replacing an existing model; it is a new model." Which may be true enough, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the existing C30 hatchback, S40 sedan and V50 wagon all go the way of the dodo in due course.

But then we wouldn't be all that surprised, either, to see a three-door version spun off of the V40 to officially take the place of the aging C30, a sedan version to replace the even older S40 and maybe even a longer wagon to take the place of the V50. For now, however, this is one more stylish European hatchback we'll just have to admire from afar.

So do you think Volvo ought to change its mind and bring the V40 to these shores? Cast your vote in our informal online poll below. You never know who in Gothenburg might be listening.


View Poll

Volvo not bringing new V40 to these United States [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo v40c30genevageneva 2012geneva motor showgeno efflers40v50volvovolvo v40Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/volvo-not-bringing-new-v40-to-these-united-states-w-poll/20181987/article-detail.xml 20181987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webv40-1330459170_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webv40-1330459170.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/volvo-offering-23-hp-upgrade-for-1-295/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/volvo-offering-23-hp-upgrade-for-1-295/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/volvo-offering-23-hp-upgrade-for-1-295/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volvo C30, S40 and V50

Volvo enthusiasts should know the name Polestar well. The performance garage has a long history of tuning Volvos, and was anointed by the factory to run its works touring car program. Based on that success, Polestar launched a radical C30 PCP concept that is tipped to jump-start a new era of performance models from the Swedish auto marque.

Most recently, Volvo turned to Polestar to help tweak its R-Design specs, and had the tuning house start work on an ECU reflash for the S60. Now Volvo has officially announced the availability of the fruit of its collaboration with an upgrade for select models.

For $1,295 (including installation), owners of the C30, C70 and S40 (and soon the V50) with the T5 engine will be able to have an extra 23 horsepower and 29 pound-feet of torque squeezed out of their turbocharged five-pots with a dealer-installed tuning package.

The enhancement is affected by increasing airflow and optimizing spark timing, and while the aftermarket could surely squeeze out more for less, for a factory-backed upgrade, it strikes us as a good deal. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295

Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30c70polestars40v50volvovolvo c30volvo c70volvo s40volvo v50Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20101264/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/volvo-offering-23-hp-upgrade-for-1-295/20101264/article-detail.xml 20101264 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/volvo-c30-s40-v50_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/volvo-c30-s40-v50.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo nixing C30 in favor of five-door V30?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/volvo-nixing-c30-in-favor-of-five-door-v30/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/volvo-nixing-c30-in-favor-of-five-door-v30/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/volvo-nixing-c30-in-favor-of-five-door-v30/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Volvo C30 is nearing the end of its lifecycle and that means Volvo can take its compact hatch in one of two directions: plug on with a three-door variant or make a more spacious five-door to compete with the Audi A3.

According to Autobild and based off these previous spy shots, Volvo plans to go the latter route, with a new stretched hatchback to take on the BMW X1, upcoming Mercedes-Benz BLK and Volkswagen Golf abroad. Slated to arrive sometime next year, the so-called V30 would pack a range of gasoline and diesel mills, maxing out with a 240-horsepower four-cylinder driving the front wheels. There's not talk of an all-wheel-drive version, but an all-electric variant that extends the capabilities and range of the C30 EV prototypes running around Europe is most certainly in the cards.

Volvo nixing C30 in favor of five-door V30? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volvo v30c30C30 Electricvolvovolvo c30volvo v30Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/07/volvo-nixing-c30-in-favor-of-five-door-v30/20100391/article-detail.xml 20100391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/volvo-v30-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/volvo-v30-spy-shots.jpeg <![CDATA[Four-door Volvo C30 spotted... call it V30?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/four-door-volvo-c30-spotted-call-it-v30/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/four-door-volvo-c30-spotted-call-it-v30/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/four-door-volvo-c30-spotted-call-it-v30/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Don't let this test vehicle's proportions deceive you - there's stretched Volvo C30 architecture under all of that cladding. Yes, Volvo is working on expanding its C30 range with the addition of this, the upcoming V30, set to rival the Audi A3 and recently redone BMW 1 Series hatchback in Europe. There's also a high-riding crossover variant, tentatively dubbed XC30 (go figure) in the cards.

The V30 will launch along side or shortly after the next-generation C30 hatch, and this prototype previews the new 30 family's design. In front, we can see smaller, more angular headlamps that better mimic what we see on the S60, and around back, we can see a more shapely taillamp design, still incorporating Volvo's signature all-the-way-up-the-D-pillar lighting scheme.

Look for the V30 to officially debut in late 2012 or early 2013.

Four-door Volvo C30 spotted... call it V30? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30spy photosspy picsspy shotsv30volvovolvo 30xc30Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20078632/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/11/four-door-volvo-c30-spotted-call-it-v30/20078632/article-detail.xml 20078632 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-volvo-v30-spy-shots628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-volvo-v30-spy-shots628.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/03/volvo-to-launch-new-performance-line-with-production-c30-pcp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/03/volvo-to-launch-new-performance-line-with-production-c30-pcp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/03/volvo-to-launch-new-performance-line-with-production-c30-pcp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo C30 PCP
Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype - Click above for high-res image

If you ever looked at those old Volvo ads that suggested their station wagons were the next logical step up from a Lotus, well, you can stop snickering. Sure, it may still be a long shot, but Volvo appears to be getting serious about offering performance-oriented automobiles.

A couple of weeks ago, we brought you a report that indicated Volvo was forging a closer relationship with Polestar, the racing outfit that fields the company's entries in the Scandinavian and World Touring Car Championships. Volvo, it seemed, had already turned to Polestar to squeeze a bit of extra juice from its S60 and XC60 R-Design models, and according to the report, was prepared to utilize Polestar's talents even more in the future.

A clearer picture of that that partnership is now emerging, and so far, it looks promising. Their first collaborative project is tipped to be a production version of the baby-blue, 400-horsepower, all-wheel drive C30 hatchback unveiled last year. If given the go-ahead, we could be looking at a limited run of 500 cars priced around £50,000 in the UK - about the same as a BMW M3.

Like the concept, the production Volvo/Polestar C30 would be the first to carry the PCP badge - referring not to the chemical narcotic, but standing, somewhat repetitively, for Performance Concept Prototype. Similar high-performance versions of Volvo's other products would follow and wear the same nameplate, creating a subdivision for Volvo that would be equivalent to what Mercedes-Benz has in AMG and what BMW does with its M division.

Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30c30 pcpc30 performance concept prototypepcpperformance concept prototypepolestarvolvovolvo c30volvo c30 pcpvolvo c30 performance concept prototypevolvo c30 polestarvolvo pcpSun, 03 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19982346/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/03/volvo-to-launch-new-performance-line-with-production-c30-pcp/19982346/article-detail.xml 19982346 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/c30-1280-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/c30-1280-630.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo pondering slimming U.S. model range, adding finance arm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/volvo-pondering-slimming-u-s-model-range-adding-finance-arm/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/volvo-pondering-slimming-u-s-model-range-adding-finance-arm/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/10/volvo-pondering-slimming-u-s-model-range-adding-finance-arm/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Volvo C30
2011 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Automotive News, Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby has stated that the automaker will likely "trim [its] product line" in the United States over the next few years. Jacoby has not revealed exactly what models will be cut, but instead says that the company's core products here in the States will be the S60 sedan, as well as the XC60 and XC90 crossovers.

Volvo has already announced that it plans to stop selling the V50 and V70 wagons in the United States, and according to Tamara Darvish, a Volvo dealership owner in Rockville, Maryland, the company will likely phase out sales of the S40 sedan. Our own speculation suggests that the C30 premium hatch could be on the chopping block, as well.

Jacoby has said on many occasions that Volvo hopes to sell 120,000 vehicles annually in the United States by 2020. In 2010, Volvo managed to move 53,948 vehicles, and current data suggests that the company is on track to sell between 60,000 and 70,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2011.

Automotive News also reports that Volvo is looking to start its own captive finance arm here in the U.S. "We're committed to increasing sales here," Jacoby stated, saying that a decision about such a finance division would be made by the end of the year. If this plan gets the green light, it will likely involve a joint venture with a bank or other financial service institution. Currently, Volvo dealerships often obtain financing from U.S. Bank.

Volvo pondering slimming U.S. model range, adding finance arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30s40s60v50v70volvoxc60xc70Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964078/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/10/volvo-pondering-slimming-u-s-model-range-adding-finance-arm/19964078/article-detail.xml 19964078 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2010-volvo-c30-large-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2010-volvo-c30-large-1.jpg <![CDATA[Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/solid-start-to-the-touring-car-season-for-volvo-polestar-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/solid-start-to-the-touring-car-season-for-volvo-polestar-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/04/solid-start-to-the-touring-car-season-for-volvo-polestar-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Polestar Volvo C30 WTCC at Zolder
Polestar Volvo C30 WTCC at Zolder - Click above for high-res image

Last year, Volvo's factory-backed Polestar Racing team clinched the title in the Swedish Touring Car Championship. Based on that success, the Swedish outfit elected to bump up its efforts to challenge for the World Touring Car Championship, all the while fighting to defend its national title back home where the Swedish series has merged with the Danish one to form the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship.

This week saw the debuts of both the World and Scandinavian series, the former kicking off at Belgium's Zolder circuit and the latter at the Jyllands-Ringen in nearby Denmark. Volvo Polestar made a strong showing in both with its competition-spec C30.

At Zolder, Polestar/Volvo landed 13th place in the first race and 7th in the second, scoring its first points in front of 27,000 spectators and a television audience of 45 million. Meanwhile, in Denmark, the team finished on the podium in 2nd and 3rd in the first race but 8th and 13th for the second when the starting grid was reversed, putting the team second in the standings so far.

Polestar continues working on a new turbocharged engine that it figures will account for the difference between its position at Zolder and the leader's. The WTCC heads to Monza in three weeks for the next round, as the STCC heads back to Sweden in one week. Follow the jump for the official press releases.

Continue reading Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing

Solid start to the touring car season for Volvo Polestar Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30polestarscandinavian touring car championshipstccswedish touring car championshipvolvovolvo c30volvo polestarvolvo polestar racingworld touring car championshipwtcczolderWed, 04 May 2011 10:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/04/solid-start-to-the-touring-car-season-for-volvo-polestar-racing/19925012/article-detail.xml 19925012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-volvo-polestar-wtcc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-volvo-polestar-wtcc.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy... does it look better? [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/volvo-rolls-out-exclusive-c30-black-design-for-italy-does-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/volvo-rolls-out-exclusive-c30-black-design-for-italy-does-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/volvo-rolls-out-exclusive-c30-black-design-for-italy-does-it/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Volvo C30 Black Design
2011 Volvo C30 Black Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volvo C30 is a bit of a divisive design. Some love the radical P1800ES-inspired hatch, while others find it awkward. But maybe the brand's latest special edition can help.

Called the C30 Black Design, it's limited exclusively to the Italian market and to just 600 examples. What sets it apart is the application of a 3M carbon-look film to the roof, pillars, grille surround and wing mirrors. There's also 17-inch matte black wheels (upgradable to 18-inchers) and a specially trimmed interior with individualized dedication plaque.

Italian buyers can choose between the 115-horsepower D2 or 150-hp D3 turbo-diesel engines, or a 145-hp 2.0-liter gasoline four, and specify theirs in white, gray or orange. The question is, does the faux-carbon trim make the C30 look better or worse? Cast your vote in our poll below after looking over the gallery.


View Poll



Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 Black Design


[Source: OmniAuto.it (translated)]

Volvo rolls out exclusive C30 Black Design for Italy... does it look better? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volvo c303mc30c30 black designcarbon filmfaux carbonvolvovolvo c30Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19904501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/07/volvo-rolls-out-exclusive-c30-black-design-for-italy-does-it/19904501/article-detail.xml 19904501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-volvo-c30-black-design2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/web630-volvo-c30-black-design2.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/volvo-c30-to-get-special-edition-with-a-hint-of-citrus/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/volvo-c30-to-get-special-edition-with-a-hint-of-citrus/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/volvo-c30-to-get-special-edition-with-a-hint-of-citrus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volvo interior with orange leather

Once again an automaker is turning to you, The American Car Buyer, to find out what you want. This time, it's Volvo wondering what America's consumer audience thinks of a special edition C30 that would combine metallic Orange Flame paint and 17-inch wheels outside with two-tone seats in T-Tec and orange cloth, Sirius Satellite, an an upgraded audio system inside. If you answered, "Yes, I like the sound of that," Volvo wants to know if an automatic, climate control and bi-xenons would also be on your list.

The Orange Metallic paint is a current option on U.S. C30s - this is really about the interior and the special wheels, which aren't available. There is nothing to indicate that you'll have a chance to buy such a C30 no matter how badly you want it, but Volvo product communications guru Dan Johnston is listening to all comments left over at our friends at Swedespeed. Check 'em out by clicking on the link below.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c30c30 special editionC30SpecialEditionorange carorange paintOrangeCarOrangePaintvolvo c30volvo special editionVolvoC30VolvoSpecialEditionWed, 18 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19597898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/18/volvo-c30-to-get-special-edition-with-a-hint-of-citrus/19597898/article-detail.xml 19597898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/volvo-c30-orange-int-profile-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/volvo-c30-orange-int-profile-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: <i>Autocar</i> calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/video-autocar-calls-polestar-volvo-c30-a-junior-nissan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/video-autocar-calls-polestar-volvo-c30-a-junior-nissan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/07/video-autocar-calls-polestar-volvo-c30-a-junior-nissan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Polestar Volvo C30 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Earlier this year, Volvo and Polestar debuted the C30 Polestar Performance Prototype hot hatch, showing what would happen if a Swedish touring car were tuned down for road car use. It's a menacing little devil, what with its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five boosted to 405 horsepower, Haldex all-wheel drive, massive brakes and raft of other performance add-ons.

The team at Autocar recently had the chance to flog the Polestar C30 around Volvo's proving grounds, saying that the hatch feels like a well-sorted version of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution or even a "junior Nissan GT-R." High praise, indeed, and we don't doubt them. Obviously, we won't be seeing a production version of the vicious C30 anytime soon, but this exercise mostly shows what sort of performance machines could come from a partnership between Volvo and Polestar. This would certainly give BMW's M and Audi's S/RS divisions a run for their money, and we'll never complain about having too many hot hatches on the market.

Follow the jump to watch Autocar's test of the Polestar C30, and head back to our earlier post to read all the details about the road-ready touring car.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R'

Video: Autocar calls Polestar Volvo C30 a 'junior Nissan GT-R' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volvo c302011VolvoC30autocarC30polestarPolestar Performance Volvo C30 Prototypepolestar volvo c30PolestarPerformancePolestarPerformanceVolvoC30PrototypePolestarVolvoC30videoVolvovolvo c30VolvoC30youtubeMon, 07 Jun 2010 19:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19506075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/07/video-autocar-calls-polestar-volvo-c30-a-junior-nissan/19506075/article-detail.xml 19506075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/volvovideo630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/volvovideo630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/volvo-teases-c30-polestar-performance-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/volvo-teases-c30-polestar-performance-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/21/volvo-teases-c30-polestar-performance-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype - Click above for high-res image

Volvo and Polestar are set to officially unveil the C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype this weekend. Designed to be an exercise in what would happen if a race team was allowed to do what they do best without the burden of a regulatory body looming over them, the wicked hatch is about as far from what's available at your local Volvo dealer as you can get.

The base C30 gets its power from a 2.5-liter, 227-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder, and the Polestar version bumps that same mill up to a heavenly 405 ponies thanks to a larger turbo, massive intercooler and custom internals. The pistons, connecting rods and camshaft are all unique units build just for the project.

The Haldex all-wheel drive system stays in place, though mechanical differentials, front and rear, have been fitted to add a little control to the chaos. Polestar also dropped in a quick-ratio steering rack and an Ohlins suspension. Brake work gets handled by epic Brembo six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back.

Obviously Volvo doesn't have any plans to bring a Polestar C30 to production, though it is cool to see a road-going version of a Swedish touring car come to life. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept

Volvo teases C30 Polestar Performance Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C30C30 Polestar PerformanceC30PolestarPerformancePolestar Performance C30Polestar Performance Volvo C30 PrototypePolestarPerformanceC30PolestarPerformanceVolvoC30PrototypeVolvoVolvo C30Volvo C30 Polestar Performance Concept PrototypeVolvoC30VolvoC30PolestarPerformanceConceptPrototypeWed, 21 Apr 2010 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19448732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/21/volvo-teases-c30-polestar-performance-concept/19448732/article-detail.xml 19448732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/c30-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/c30-630.jpg -1 2