Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Return of the R for Volvo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Swedespeed has asked the question that anyone who follows Volvo is thinking: Will R cars return? After a tumultuous last couple of years that saw the Swedish brand suffer falling sales amidst parent company Ford's effort to sell the brand to the highest bidder (it's looking like Chinese automaker Geely at the moment), Volvo has gotten as far away from producing performance automobiles as a brand can. All the while, its competition from Germany, Japan and the U.S. have augmented their luxury lines with mid-level or super high-performance cars like the BMW 335i/M3, Audi S4/RS4 and Cadillac CTS-V. Volvo, meanwhile, put all its egg into a basket that touted refined design and safety. Unfortunately, every player in these segments has upped the ante with their designs and superior safety is no longer an island on which Volvo finds itself alone.

So back to the R cars. Volvo had some success with the 850R in the mid-Nineties, which was a mildly hotter version than the standard box sedan on which it was based. After that, the P2-gen S60R and V70R were downright scorchers with a complex Haldex all-wheel-drive system, 300-hp motor, adjustable 4C suspension and Brembo brakes. But then the R cars disappeared and were replaced by "R Design" packages that offered all of the visual potential for high performance but little else.

Swedespeed decided that proper R cars should return with the arrival of the all-new S60, and rather than being blow-the-doors-off quick, should offer mid-level performance like the original 850R did. What you see above is their rendered speculation of a reborn S60R. Click here to read more about it and catch an extra view. We think they're spot on and would love to see Volvo return to building R cars that make us think of more than safety and design when we're behind the wheel.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Rendered Speculation: Return of the R for Volvo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s60s60rvolvovolvo s60volvo s60rVolvoS60VolvoS60rMon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lookin-swede-volvo-reveals-geneva-bound-2010-s60-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lookin-swede-volvo-reveals-geneva-bound-2010-s60-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lookin-swede-volvo-reveals-geneva-bound-2010-s60-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A company's image can be a burden and a blessing. Volvo, for example, remains keen on ditching its image for boxy, lackluster automobiles, but it's eager to capitalize on its reputation for safety. With its sale from Ford's empire looming on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been hard at work to spruce up its image, and this is the latest result.

Though predictably toned down for public consumption, the production-ready Volvo S60 sedan bears close resemblance to the stunning S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show nearly a year ago. Gone are the suicide rear doors and the flashy panoramic roof, and the shape of the headlights have been toned down just a touch, but the coupe-like roofline and the aggressive overall styling stay.

On the safety front, the new S60 features a new Pedestrian Detection system that - you guessed it - detects pedestrians and brakes the car to a full stop from up to 30 mph if the driver fails to react.

The new sedan will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with production slated to begin at Volvo's plant in Belgium early next summer. Once out on the road, the new S60 will be gunning for the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Acura TL and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which comprise of the most competitive segments in the industry. In the meantime, Trollhattan has released a pair of images you can view in the gallery below and a short press release which we've posted after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!


Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volvo s602010VolvoS60c segmentC-SegmentCSegmententry-level luxuryEntry-levelLuxuryGeneva 2010Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowNAIASS 60s60trollhattenvolvovolvo s60VolvoS60Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-volvo-gives-sneak-preview-of-new-s60-sedan-to-a-blind/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-volvo-gives-sneak-preview-of-new-s60-sedan-to-a-blind/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-volvo-gives-sneak-preview-of-new-s60-sedan-to-a-blind/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

With debuts for new vehicles scheduled months in advance, automakers like to keep us on our proverbial toes with sneak previews. Sometimes they give them to us, and we in turn pass them on to you. Sometimes they give previews to its top customers, who are sworn to secrecy. But whoever they want to show the car to in advance, those people need to, you know...actually see the car.

Volvo, on the other hand, has decided to do things a little differently. The Swedish automaker invited an artist by the name of Eşref Armağan to see the upcoming new S60 sedan, scheduled for its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. The catch? Armağan is blind, and has been since birth.

In order to captivate our imaginations, Volvo's released a series of blurry videos chronicling Armağan's encounter with the S60, the first of which you can view after the jump with more available on Volvo's Facebook page. As far as social media campaigns go, they're worth a watch. And if you squint, you can almost make out what the sedan might look like.

[Source: Volvo via YouTube and Facebook]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist

VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindEşref ArmağanEşrefArmağanesref armaganEsrefArmaganfacebookvideovolvovolvo s60volvo s60 conceptVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptyoutubeMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo S60 caught completely uncovered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/spy-shots-next-gen-volvo-s60-caught-completely-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/spy-shots-next-gen-volvo-s60-caught-completely-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/spy-shots-next-gen-volvo-s60-caught-completely-uncovered/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The gestation period for a new Volvo model has always been rather languid. Back in the 1950s, when tailfins were making annual progress toward low earth orbit, Volvo was cranking out PV444 and 544s. Those cars spent a good part of a decade looking like 1940s Fords, and so it's gone with Volvo's models. The iconic 200 series was in production for nearly 20 years, so while the current S60 was first teased nearly ten years ago, the fact that it's still on sale isn't that surprising given the brand's history of model longevity.

All the way back to Volvo's original stylist Jan Wilsgaard, the Swedish automaker has had good looking cars that stand up over time. Of course, a glance at the latest S60 sales figures might indicate that the public is using the car as an illustration of "long in tooth." Most of Volvo's range has been recently refreshed, but its important bread and butter sedan has been soldiering on largely unchanged from its 2005 mid-cycle freshening. Until now, that is.

The next S60's production styling has been captured by spy photographers, and the new duds follow the styling themes laid out by the recent XC60. The front end is smoother and more chiseled at the same time, and the bodysides pick up a character line where the current car wears a smooth radius. We think it looks good, it's a nice evolution of the original S60's handsome and well-proven styling, and should make Volvo a more attractive purchase when Ford eventually relents and admits it's for sale. Follow the source to see the new S60 in full. Thanks for the tip, Casey!

[Source: Straightline, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]


Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo S60 caught completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 s602011 volvo s602011S602011VolvoS60falses60spy photospy photographyspy photosspy picspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotoSpyPhotographySpyPhotosSpyPicSpyPicsSpyShotsvolvovolvo s60volvo s60 conceptvolvo s60 spyvolvo spyvolvo spy photovolvo spy photosvolvo spy shotsVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptVolvoS60SpyVolvoSpyVolvoSpyPhotoVolvoSpyPhotosVolvoSpyShotsWed, 09 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Volvo reportedly suspends plan to launch production S60 at Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/report-volvo-suspends-plan-to-launch-production-s60-at-frankfur/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/report-volvo-suspends-plan-to-launch-production-s60-at-frankfur/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/report-volvo-suspends-plan-to-launch-production-s60-at-frankfur/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volvo S60 Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Volvo's plan to debut the production version of its all new S60 sedan next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show have apparently been canceled. According to a report out of the Netherlands from Autotelegraaf, the new mid-size sedan now won't launch until sometime in 2010. The S60 was shown in concept form at this year's Detroit Auto Show and was one of several concepts shown with Ford's upcoming 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. The reason for the delay isn't entirely clear, but there is apparently still work to be done and Volvo will be taking the S60 to the Nürburgring next month for test sessions.

Part of the delay may also have to do with Ford's attempts to sell the Swedish brand. The leading bidder is rumored to be Chinese automaker Geely, but there is opposition in Sweden to Chinese ownership. Separately owned truckmaker Volvo is concerned about damaging the brand name if it falls into Chinese hands and there are also issues with intellectual property rights with technology shared by Volvo and Ford. This last issue is also a concern for GM and Magna's bid to buy Opel with Russian backing. All of which serves to highlight the difficulty of trying to break up a large multi-brand automaker with shared technology.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept


Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

Rumormill: Volvo reportedly suspends plan to launch production S60 at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowvolvovolvo s60VolvoS60Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Volvo The Game now available for free download]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/video-volvo-the-game-now-available-for-free-download/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/video-volvo-the-game-now-available-for-free-download/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/video-volvo-the-game-now-available-for-free-download/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Volvo - The Game - Click above for gameplay videos

Starting grids, chicanes, kerbs and locking up the brakes diving into hairpins make you think of what car brand? Of course, Volvo. As promised, Volvo - The Game has been released today for free download for PC only - sorry Mac lovers (a group that probably includes a lot of Volvo owners...). Developed by SimBin, the game offers six Volvo models for turns on two tracks: the Eco Drive Arena in Gothenburg, Sweden and the Chayka track in Kiev, Ukraine.

When you're good enough to p0wn both those tracks and you tire of beating yourself, you can enter the Global Competition and go against Mad Swedish Maxes from around the world. But you better hurry - the first global competition begins today and runs until June 9 on the Eco Arena. The next one goes from June 10 to June 24. First prize for winning the global comp is a set of Pirelli tires up to 18 inches.

You can check out two gameplay videos and a development video after the jump, and download it yourself at the link below.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo The Game now available for free download

VIDEO: Volvo The Game now available for free download originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carsConceptCarslifestylemotorsportstoysvideovolvovolvo gamevolvo s60volvo s60 conceptvolvo s60 gamevolvo s60 rvolvo the gameVolvoGameVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptVolvoS60GameVolvoTheGameTue, 26 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/we-kid-you-not-get-ready-for-volvo-the-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/we-kid-you-not-get-ready-for-volvo-the-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/we-kid-you-not-get-ready-for-volvo-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Volvo - The Game - Click above for high-res image gallery of screen shots

Volvo and racetrack: While the words aren't mutually exclusive, we're sure that the Swedish marque with the safety chops isn't on the tip of your tongue when talk turns to motorsport. Volvo has made its name known through various racing efforts through the years, and in an effort to bring the S60 Concept to a wider audience has commissioned fellow Swedes SimBin Studios to whip up a video game that will help introduce the car.

"Volvo - The Game" will be officially released May 26th, presumably for the PC though the press release after the jump is silent on this subject. The price for digitally test driving future Volvos will be the entirely reasonable sum of $0, i.e. free, and gamers will have three levels of challenge to choose from, as well as being able to select between the sharp new S60 Concept and other well known Volvo racers. The action will take place on two tracks, and the game will offer exhilarating sound and visuals while also being appropriately challenging to hold the interest of gamers. There will also be leaderboards that Volvo will publish on its website to encourage specific competition for real prizes.


Gallery: Volvo - The Game


Thanks for the tip, Carlos!

Continue reading We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game

We kid you not, get ready for Volvo - The Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>simbinsimbin gameSimbinGamevolvo gamevolvo s60volvo s60 conceptvolvo s60 gamevolvo the gameVolvoGameVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptVolvoS60GameVolvoTheGameTue, 05 May 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo S60 ceases production in Ghent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/volvo-s60-ceases-production-in-ghent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/volvo-s60-ceases-production-in-ghent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/volvo-s60-ceases-production-in-ghent/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the final first-generation Volvo S60

The best days for Volvo's S60 are behind it. The once-strong sales have fallen from 100,000 units in the early years to a scant 6,200 in 2008. As nice as the S60 is, even Volvo knows its played out, and they're experts at keeping models on life support. To make room for the new S60, the last of the originals greeted the early morning of March 31st at the Volvo factory in Ghent, Belgium. The Sapphire Black S60 is headed to Taiwan, and caps a run of nearly 580,000 copies of a successful and much-lauded model for Volvo.

The S60 is a bread-and-butter model for Volvo, and the outgoing version has played a crucial role in the automaker's lineup. Once competitive in its segment, the S60 has been surpassed by just about everyone else, and the Ghent factory is now busy focusing on launching the 2010 S60 without a hitch. Official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Final Volvo S60

Continue reading Volvo S60 ceases production in Ghent

Volvo S60 ceases production in Ghent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 S602010 Volvo S602010S602010VolvoS60final Volvo S60FinalVolvoS60last S60LastS60s60s60 ghentS60Ghentvolvo s60VolvoS60Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept debuts sexy Scandinavian design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-volvo-s60-debuts-sexy-scandinavian-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-volvo-s60-debuts-sexy-scandinavian-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-volvo-s60-debuts-sexy-scandinavian-design/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo's big deal for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show is the S60 Concept, which debuts a new design direction for the Scandinavian brand once known for elevating the art of boxes on wheels. Volvo has continually evolved its signature design language, adding curves and bulges to make its vehicles look more organic than cubic. The culmination of that movement is the S60 Concept, which previews the next-gen S60 production sedan.

The concept features a coupe-like roofline and elegant front end brandishing the largest version of Volvo's iron mask badge that we've ever seen. A new character line running along the sides of the concept nicely updates the broad shoulder that's common on the brand's current cars and SUVs. There are lots of other cool exterior details, which you can read about in the press release after the jump, but the interior is the concept's crown jewel. The floating center stack, inspired by current Volvo production interiors, was made by hand out of Orrefors crystal.

The S60 concept is also full of safety tech, including a Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection system that will debut in the production S60. It works to avoid collisions with pedestrians under 20 km/h altogether and minimize injury for ones occurring at faster speeds. Powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel with direct injection, the S60 Concept is also frugal with fuel, burning through just 5.0 liters of petrol every 100 km (about 47 mpg U.S.)

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept


Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept debuts sexy Scandinavian design

Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept debuts sexy Scandinavian design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowvolvovolvo s60volvo s60 conceptVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptSun, 11 Jan 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/volvo-to-webcast-detroit-auto-show-press-conference-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/volvo-to-webcast-detroit-auto-show-press-conference-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/volvo-to-webcast-detroit-auto-show-press-conference-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Volvo S60 Concept

It may not be the same as attending the event in-person, but a live, interactive webcast of Volvo's press conference at the Detroit Auto Show, where the S60 concept and production XC60 for North America will be shown, could be the next best thing. The broadcast is intended for media types and members of the press, but the fact that it's being aired on DirecTV (channel 101, January 11 at 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET) means that anybody with a television and the satellite service can watch it live. Alternatively, users can register for a password to the online site, the location of which is not yet determined.

The coolest bit of tech that's making an appearance for this event is the capability to send questions to a live host who will then relay selected inquiries to key Volvo executives. These days, the global economic downturn is affecting everyone, including those who would normally cover these events for the media. This being the case and assuming the event is a success, we'd expect to more manufacturers to adopt a similar system at upcoming auto shows. Of course, we'll be there live and you can always direct your browsers to our pages for the best coverage available.

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live

Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowvolvovolvo detroit auto showvolvo s60volvo s60 conceptvolvo xc60VolvoDetroitAutoShowVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptVolvoXc60Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo S60 Concept teased again ahead of Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/volvo-s60-concept-teased-again-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/volvo-s60-concept-teased-again-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/volvo-s60-concept-teased-again-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to enlarge the Volvo S60 teaser image

You would have to set your way-back machine to the year 2000 in order to witness the last time Volvo released a brand-new mid-size sedan. That is an eternity in the auto industry, and competitors from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and even Saab have all since received significant updates. What we're getting at is that it's high-time for Volvo to introduce a brand-new S60 sedan. With the last of the P2-based S60 sedans set to roll down the Swedish assembly line next month, Volvo has just released its first official exterior image of the totally new mid-sizer that's scheduled to be shown for the first time in January at the Detroit Auto Show.

The first S60 was a radical departure from previous Swedish bricks, and Volvo is looking to make another statement with its newest model along those same lines. Volvo's shoulder-like design trademark will get a slight overhaul with a "double wave" accent over each wheel instead of just a straight shot from front to rear. We also see definite Audi and Jaguar XF hints in this car's profile. On the inside, the expected "waterfall" cluster and console will get an update with real crystal, which we definitely don't expect to survive through to productoin. Volvo has got a lot riding on this new P24 platform, and the once-popular and trend-setting S60 needs to be a big hit for the Swedish brand's continued survival.

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo S60 Concept teased again ahead of Detroit Auto Show

Volvo S60 Concept teased again ahead of Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2009detroit auto showdetroit auto show 2009Detroit2009DetroitAutoShowDetroitAutoShow2009volvovolvo p2volvo p24volvo s60VolvoP2VolvoP24VolvoS60Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo teases S60 Concept ahead of Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volvo-teases-s60-concept-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volvo-teases-s60-concept-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volvo-teases-s60-concept-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo sales have been flat-out tanking in the U.S., as Swedish metal moved in September 2008 at a 51% lower rate than it did in the same month of 2007. New product should help Ford's (for now) Swedish unit reverse that precipitous slide, the first sample of which will be seen as an S60 concept to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We're a couple months away from seeing Volvo's midsize concept, but the Swedes are showing us a sneak peak at the interior to pique our interest.

Orrefors Crystal is the designer of choice to give Volvo a new take on its trademark waterfall center stack. Designers decided on a real crystal surface that stretches from the navigation screen all the way to the back seats. The look is very high-end and definitely draws the eye, but Volvo states the obvious in saying the heavy and expensive crystal is concept-only. One interesting feature of the S60 concept interior is that its uniquely shaped shifter and center stack buttons detach to become a remote control.

We'd guess that the center stack won't stretch all the way to the back seats in production from, as any back seat in the midsize class needs seating for three in order to survive. Speaking of survival, Volvo really needs a terrific S60 to continue in this brutal automotive market, so the concept reveal in Detroit will be highly anticipated.

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo teases S60 Concept ahead of Detroit Auto Show

Volvo teases S60 Concept ahead of Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2008detroit auto showDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowoffetorsvolvo conceptvolvo s60volvo s60 conceptVolvoConceptVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptMon, 27 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[2006 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sport: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/2006-saab-9-5-2-3t-sport-in-the-autoblog-garage-day-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/2006-saab-9-5-2-3t-sport-in-the-autoblog-garage-day-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/2006-saab-9-5-2-3t-sport-in-the-autoblog-garage-day-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Depress the clutch (right foot on the brake, please), reach down between the seats, and twist the key, putting Saab's 2.3-liter on turbocharged notice. [Long] throw the gearshift into the lowest of the transmission's five available forward ratios, and point the 9-5's Darth Vader proboscis down the road like you mean it.

But hang on a sec. In true anorak fashion, before engaging in a bout of Swedish shenanigans, turn off the engine, get out and pop your gourd underneath the hood to see what sort of vehicular fury Saab's engineers have rendered. The 9-5's inline-four marshals a respectable 260 horsepower (ten more than last year), and indeed, offers damned-near class-leading torque incredibly low down in the powerband-- particularly impressive for such a small engine (try 258 lb.-ft. @ 1,900 rpm). 

But here's the thing: Saab has loosed those steeds from the corral via the wrong gate-- the one out front. Overly analytical-types are invited to carp about foul-weather practicality all they want, but in a proper sport sedan, the front roundies are best left to deal with turning and braking duties (or at least sharing power-distribution chores with the rears). Expecting the lead wheels to cope with Saab's turbocharged brand of gumption is a program for corrupted helm feel and understeer, and the 9-5 reads the recipe chapter and verse.

(Click here for a complete dynamic assessment and tons more wallpaper-grade high-res photos!)

Continue reading 2006 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sport: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5

2006 Saab 9-5 2.3T Sport: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-Series9-5Acura TLAcuraTlAudi A4AudiA4BMWGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSaabturboVolvo S60VolvoS60Fri, 17 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST