Autoblog

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.


[Source: 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.

[Source: AutoWeek]

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]

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]