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Volvo V70 axed in favor of front-drive XC70, S80 V8 going away?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST

2010 Volvo V70 - Click above to view internal Product Update Bulletin

It's a refrain that two-box enthusiasts have to be tired of hearing, but proper station wagons apparently remain a really hard sell in America. The latest casualty appears to be segment-stalwart Volvo, which, according to a leaked dealer document from an AB tipster (click here to view), is apparently giving up on its V70 estate in the U.S. As noted in a March 25, 2010 internal Product Update Bulletin, the move comes at least in part because of the success of the XC90 and XC60 "chipping away" at the V70's volume. In its stead, the Swedish automaker plans to add a front-drive version of its XC70, which is itself basically just a lifted version of the V70 anyhow. As it stands, production of Yankee-spec V70s is slated to end on May 14.

In another consolidation move, Volvo's S80 will no longer be available with a V8 engine for 2011. Changes to the six-cylinder T6 model will boost power to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque - the outgoing eight-cylinder offers identical torque and a bit more horsepower (311), but with inferior fuel economy and added weight. Volvo expects the revamped six-cylinder will offer up to a nine-percent improvement in fuel consumption over its predecessor.

Finally, for 2011, Volvo is moving its smaller S40 and V50 models to a single-engine lineup, dumping the entry-level 2.4i (168 hp/170 lb. ft.) in favor of the turbocharged T5, which offers nearly identical fuel economy with significantly more power (227 hp/236 lb. ft.). While that's likely no big loss for would-be buyers (assuming pricing doesn't get out of hand), the range is also going front-drive and automatic-only, with T5 all-wheel drive and 2.4i models also going out of production on May 14. Top tip, Ian!

Volvo V70 axed in favor of front-drive XC70, S80 V8 going away? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Vehicles manufactured by Volvo are the subject of two different recalls newly announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). The recalls, both involving problems with fuel systems, cover more than 140,000 vehicles manufactured within the past decade.

The first recall is directed at 136,100 2001-2005 model year S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90 vehicles sold and operated in warmer climates. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump can develop cracks in its flange when exposed to hot temperatures (and thermal cycling) combined with varying fuel quality. A compromised flange may leak fuel and/or result in a fire. Owners are instructed to bring their vehicles into the dealer for inspection. If the part is defective, Volvo will replaced it with modified flange at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

The second recall is directed at 5,253 2010 model year XC60 vehicles. According to NHTSA, a fuel line rail cover designed to protect the fuel lines on the XC60 may be improperly attached, thus exposing the lines to damage. The damaged pieces may leak, possibly resulting in a fire. Owners of the affected models are asked to bring their vehicles to the dealer for inspection and/or a repair at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

Owners are asked to contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information. The full text from both recall notices is after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: Volvo debuts the oh-so-Swedish XC60

Eric Bryant — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Volvo

Click the image above for a full sized galllery.

Volvo introduced the XC60 concept last night here at the Detroit Auto Show as a way to appeal to the thirtysomething loft-dwelling crowd (drawing on the momentum of the C30, no doubt), and the Swedes also want to make a design statement in the process. "If today you can see that it's a Volvo from 50 meters, I want to make that figure twice as big" says Volvo chief designer Steve Mattin, the XC60 accomplishes this via a strongly-stated grille and slanted headlamps that will make their way onto other future Volvos. Other notable exterior features include a rear tailgate that can be lifted independently of the rear hatch (allowing the loading of small cargo with minimum hassle) and a transparent roof panel.

More impressions and a press release can be found after the jump.

For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Volvo debuts the oh-so-Swedish XC60

Detroit Auto Show: Volvo debuts the oh-so-Swedish XC60 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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