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Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Volvo

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.

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Report: Volvo mulling sub-S40 sedan, BMW X1 rival

Chris Shunk — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Volvo

Now that Volvo is no longer a part of Ford Motor Company, change is inevitable. The Swedish automaker can no longer rely on Ford to supply low-cost global platforms or new powertrains in the future, so that future may include fewer platforms and better model distinction. AutoWeek reports that Volvo will soon go from three platforms to two by adding some new models and taking away some others. On the chopping block are the S40 sedan and V50 wagon. Both have sold reasonably well, but they are reportedly too close in size to the new S60 to be retained. The V70 station wagon will cease to exist after the 2011 model year.

Doug Speck, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, tells AW that a new vehicle is being considered that will be smaller than the S40. It would do battle against heavy hitters like the BMW 1 Series. The small sedan's all-new platform could also spawn a compact crossover to take on the likes of the BMW X1. Speck cites the feverish growth of the small luxury crossover segment as the main motivating factor to adding a smaller stablemate to the XC60 and XC90. In the short term, the larger S80 and XC90 will also be redone, better positioning Volvo to win sales in China, where large luxury rides are in high demand.

Speck also set expectations for S60 sales in the U.S. Volvo hopes to sell 15,000 to 25,000 copies of the attractive new sedan annually. Volvo sold only 5,895 copies of the outgoing S60 in 2009, though the last-gen model, which first sold way back in 2001, was very long in the tooth.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Volvo mulling sub-S40 sedan, BMW X1 rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:45:00 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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Volvo recalling 82,000 S40 and V50 models

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Volvo

Volvo has announced a recall of 82,000 vehicles due to a rust problem that can lead to engine stall. The recall affects My 2004 through 2006 5-cylinder gasoline-powered S40 and V50 models. The majority of the problem cars are roaming the streets of the United States, Sweden and Germany as they are countries considered to be "corrosion markets". The issue stems from fuel pump electronics being exposed to rain, snow and road salt leading to their degradation. If excessive rust occurs it can lead to fuel starvation of the engine and thus, stalling. While markets with volatile climates get the fix, vehicles in more arid countries will receive an extended guarantee.

[Source: CNNMoney.com]

Volvo recalling 82,000 S40 and V50 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BusinessWeek identifies fuel sipping luxury cars

Erin Mays — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Wagon, Green, Technology, Hatchback

In the event that high gas prices begin hitting even the wealthy, displacement-loving, power-toting blokes among us, BusinessWeek has compiled a list of the top ten most fuel efficient luxury cars. The list, especially when you include the runners-up, is a diverse showing of both automakers and fuel types, with hybrids and diesels finding a place alongside with their gasoline-powered siblings.

Mid-size: Mercedes E320 CDI, runner up: Lexus GS300
SUV: Lexus RX 400h, runner up: Volvo XC/70
Sub-compact: Acura RSX, runner up: Lexus IS250
Compact: Audi A4, runner up: Volvo S40
Small wagon: Audi A3, runner up: Volvo V50
Mid-sized wagon: Volvo V70, runner up: Saab 9-5 SportCombi
Two-seater: BMW Z4 3.0, runner up: Porsche Boxster
Mini-compact: Audi TT, runner up: BMW 330Ci
Full-size: Jaguar XJ8, runner up: Mercedes-Benz S430
Truck: Lincoln Mark LT, runner up: Cadillac Escalade EXT

The cheapest among them to drive is the Acura RSX, with the A3 and A4 coming in second if you actually want to stow some junk in the trunk.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

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BusinessWeek identifies fuel sipping luxury cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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