Autoblog

Volvo sketches out XC90 successor

Zach Bowman — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Volvo, Design/Style, Luxury

Volvo has given the world an idea of what its next-generation XC90 might look like. Make that four ideas. The Swedish automaker has released a volley of design sketches that portray the variety of directions that the company could take with the popular crossover once it goes under the knife. The model has soldiered on with precious few changes since 2002, which means that it's high time for a makeover. Reports suggest that the next interpretation of the Swedish softroader will bow in 2014, and when it does, it will likely come riding on Volvo's so-called Scalable Platform Architecture.

Odds are we can say goodbye to torque-happy inline five-cylinder engine options, too. Volvo has already made it clear that the company will only offer forced-induction four-cylinder engines (or smaller) moving forward, and Car and Driver has indicated that a hybrid version may bow in the near future as well. What else do we know about the XC90 successor? Not much beyond the four sketches in our gallery, but they do look like something interesting is in store.

Volvo sketches out XC90 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC90 gets modest tweaks for 2012

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Volvo

The Volvo XC90 has always been a strong seller, and apparently the Swedish automaker sees no reason to rock the boat with a full-scale retooling of the luxury crossover. Still, that doesn't mean an update wouldn't breathe a bit of fresh air into the XC90 - and by our clock, it's (over)due for a freshening, as the segment stalwart is entering its ninth year of production. Volvo has done just that for the 2012 model, and both the exterior and interior get a few tweaks to bring the styling up to par with the rest of the market.

Like the rest of the automotive world, Volvo has decided to add LED daytime running lamps to the front of the XC90. The lower silver trim on the bumper helps add a touch of masculinity, and it blends nicely with the silver-clad roof rails. The LED upgrades make their way to the rear of the car in the form of bright taillamps, and the exterior upgrades are literally rounded out by the new 18-inch wheels that wear a silver-matte finish. Inside, the 2012 XC90 features new gauge faces inspired by watch dials, a new three-spoke wheel, aluminum trim and Bluetooth streaming audio.

In addition to standard trims, Volvo will continue to offer the racier-looking R-Design model. Customers jumping into the XC90 R-Design will get more aggressive styling that's set off from the outside by Ixion 19-inch wheels.

You can check out the 2012 Volvo XC90 by clicking through the gallery. Be sure to click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volvo XC90 gets modest tweaks for 2012

Volvo XC90 gets modest tweaks for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Caresto T6 Roadster, 2004 Hot Rod of the Year [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Etc., Europe

We have something of a hard time applying the term "hot rod" to the Caresto T6 R. The unusual Volvo-based retro one-off has simply transcended the art. Whereas most builders start with chassis manufactured by one of the illustrious Big Three, the T6 R is a clean-sheet design with a mid-engine turbocharged I6 swiped from the XC90 that puts power to the rear wheels via a five-speed Geartronic transmission. With a handcrafted aluminum body and a removable polycarbonate roof, the machine is better executed than most auto show concepts. We aren't alone in that assessment, either. Conceived by Leif Tufvesson, a former Volvo and Koeniggsegg development man, Hot Rod Magazine famously called this Caresto one of the "most spectacularly-crafted hot rods to ever grace the pages of this or any other magazine."

Big praise.

Now the Caresto T6 R is up for sale via the miracle of eBay Motors. The Swedish machine has racked up bids of over $23,000 as of the time of writing with just over three days left on the clock, though the reserve has yet to be met (and is probably far higher). If you're skittish about purchasing a vehicle based in Sweden, the seller assures would-be buyers that he'll be happy to help arrange shipping. You can check out the auction by cruising over to eBay Motors, and learn more about the Caresto and how it came to be by watching the Fifth Gear Europe video after the jump.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Caresto T6 Roadster, 2004 Hot Rod of the Year [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: Caresto T6 Roadster, 2004 Hot Rod of the Year [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legoland California staff pranks their Volvo-driving general manager

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Volvo, Humor

Full-size Lego Volvo XC90 prank - Click above to watch video after the jump

Peter Ronchetti is the general manager of Legoland in California. He drives a Volvo XC60, but the Legoland staff decided he should jump up to the XC90. Seeing as the Legoland staff is rather skilled at turning interlocking plastic bricks into art, they decided to give Ronchetti a full-size Volvo. Sort of...

The result is one amazing, and lighthearted, prank. See the team's hard work by watching the clip posted after the jump.

Continue reading Legoland California staff pranks their Volvo-driving general manager

Legoland California staff pranks their Volvo-driving general manager originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo confirms all-new XC90 for U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Volvo

Volvo has confirmed that the U.S. market is primed to receive a redesigned XC90. Automotive News had the chance to sit down with Doug Speck, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, and suss out the automaker's plans for the future. While pushing for increased sales of the new S60 is part of Volvo's short-term strategy, bringing in a replacement for its aging XC90 is certainly a key component to the marque's long-term success.

There is no talk yet of a timetable or just what's in store for the next generation XC90. Now that the S60 sedan has been given a well-conceived makeover, we have to assume that Volvo's dealers are chomping at the bit for the strong-selling XC60 to get a new-and-improved big brother.

Volvo confirms all-new XC90 for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo to cut models, V50 first confirmed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Volvo

Volvo wants to increase the number of units it sells each year in the U.S. So, it's going to... um... cut the number of models it offers? It may seem a little bass-ackwards to those of us without a business degree, but that's apparently the plan.

Says Doug Speck, head of Volvo's operations in the U.S., "Five or six [models] is probably a good number... We have to focus on the key segments with significant volume potential." At present, Volvo offers nine distinct nameplates, which means at least three have an appointment with a strange-looking man who wears a hooded black cape and carries a sickle.

According to Speck, the first model that will lose its lease on life is the V50 wagon. Others will follow, but not until Volvo's dealer network is informed of their funeral proceedings. If we were betting men, we'd wager the C30, C70 and XC70 would be the first to get the axe, but we'll know for sure soon enough.

The idea is to focus consumers' limited attention spans and what little marketing budget the automaker has available on its core models: the S60 sedan along with the XC60 and XC90 crossovers. Volvo is counting on its revised strategy to post double-digit sales increases in 2011 after six straight years of declining figures.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Report: Volvo to cut models, V50 first confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC90 reportedly under NHTSA investigation for intermittent lighting failures

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Volvo, Luxury

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating older Volvo XC90 models for potential faulty electronics that could cause the headlights and turn signals to fail. So far, the government isn't aware of any crashes resulting from the fault, but 21 owners have filed a complaint. The defect manifests itself on 2004-2005 XC90 SUVs, and NHTSA says that 93,487 vehicles are potentially impacted by the problem.

Fortunately, should the NHTSA issue a recall, the problem is a relatively easy fix. Regulators say that simply replacing a bad control module is enough to set everything working again. So far, there are no reports of similar problems occurring in any other Volvo models of similar vintage, but you can bet your eyes that the NHTSA will be taking a closer look at the company's line up from four years ago just to make sure.

[Source: Bloomberg via San Francisco Chronicle]

Volvo XC90 reportedly under NHTSA investigation for intermittent lighting failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Volvo

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 unveils touchscreen rear entertainment with 500GB and WiFi

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Technology, Volvo

In-car entertainment turned it up another wireless notch at last week's Chicago Auto Show when Volvo showed off "the industry's first Internet connected Rear Seat Entertainment System with Windows XP, WiFi and a 500G hard drive."

Officially, it remains a test-bed study for the moment, but the idea is that you can do everything on a rear headrest touchscreen that you can do on your home computer. You can also plug your computer into the car and load the XC70's system with your own music and video to keep things quiet in the back row. While it's officially only in the 'conceptual phase,' we have it on very good authority that the system will be available in 2011 Volvo XC60 and XC70 models beginning this summer.

Follow the jump for Volvo's take on the RSEi-500 setup, and be sure to get ready for Geneva, where Volvo will reveal an XC90 with a crappy rolling chair, a cubicle and a water cooler.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo unveils touchscreen rear entertainment with 500GB and WiFi

Volvo unveils touchscreen rear entertainment with 500GB and WiFi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:01:00 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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More Bulk Store Buying: Costco and Volvo team up to sell cars

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Volvo

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

It's the holiday season and that means shopping and deal-finding is at a premium. A trip to warehouse stores Costco or Sam's Club will likely net you some tidy deals on anything from eggs and Hot Pockets to a Jacuzzi or even a casket. Even carmakers are getting in on the dealmaking, as a recent promotion with Mitsubishi and Sam's can attest. Not to be outdone, Costco is also getting in on the act.

The warehouse store and Sweden's Volvo are collaborating on a promotion for the XC60, XC70 and XC90 that includes discounts and a $500 Costco card which comes six-to-eight weeks after purchase. Customers who purchase an XC60 from Costco also get Volvo employee pricing. Buyers of the XC70 and XC90 will receive an additional $500 off. The deals being offered through Costco are in addition to any dealer incentive programs that are currently available.

We find it rather amusing that the promotion is only for Volvo crossovers - and yet it makes complete sense at the same time. Shopping at Costco practically necessitates driving a large vehicle while a quick glance at any warehouse store parking lot reveals a sea of trucks, SUVs and minivans. At least Volvo appears to be properly targeting Costco's customer base.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Volvo XC60

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Costco]

More Bulk Store Buying: Costco and Volvo team up to sell cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bats and Boats - Special edition Volvos for Bo' Sox fans and sailors alike

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Lifestyle

New England is Volvo Country. It's also home territory for the loved and loathed Red Sox. There's plenty of cars plastered with "B" stickers, license plates and trinkum. Long a sponsor of Red Sox baseball, Volvo's rolled out a special edition of its stubby C30. The Kammback hatch comes with a factory-fitted Team logo stuck to the glass of the rear hatch, fender badges and a distinctive shade of red. This regionally pimped Volvo is a limited edition, with only 107 examples being produced.

If baseball (or just the Red Sox) isn't your thing, Volvo's got an Ocean Race Edition that spans the V70, XC70 and XC90 models. Ocean Race cars have been available a couple of times before, sporting Ocean Blue paint and nautical detailing, and the new Ocean Race themed cars continue to tie in with the actual sailing event. New this time around is the availability of Ocean Race models in Electric Silver as well as Ocean Blue. Interior details are more evocative of sailing, and new wheels draw inspiration from the undulation of the ocean. Volvo expects to shift 9,000 of these maritime units, which should make it easy enough to find a limited production Volvo, even if you miss out on the baseball themed C30. Ocean Race press release after the jump

Gallery: Special Edition Volvos

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Bats and Boats - Special edition Volvos for Bo' Sox fans and sailors alike

Bats and Boats - Special edition Volvos for Bo' Sox fans and sailors alike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC90 Sport gets sportier with the R-treatment

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:33:00 EST

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

Volvo's limited presence in Detroit will be punctuated by the expansion of its in-house customization line with the release of the XC90 Sport R-Design. Volvo connoisseurs can R-ified their 'ute with either 19- or 20-inch matte wheels, dual exhaust pipes, brushed sill moldings and the removal of the CUV's roof rails. Inside, a blue-lit instrument cluster joins some additional badging, a leather wrapped steering wheel and an aluminum center stack to boost the premium feel of the XC90. They're all nice touches, but we still maintain that anything sporting the letter "R" should involve upgrades to both the visual appearance of the vehicle and its performance.

Volvo's press release is available after the jump.

Continue reading Volvo XC90 Sport gets sportier with the R-treatment

Volvo XC90 Sport gets sportier with the R-treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo responds: Next-gen XC90 not dead

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Volvo

Yesterday, the word from Auto Motor and Sport Sweden was that the next Volvo XC90 was stillborn due to a lack of hybrid drive trains and other fuel-saving technologies. Not so, according to Volvo, who responded to the pub's article by saying that a facelifted XC90 is in the works and that the XC90 replacement has not been cancelled.

How Volvo plans to get around new fuel economy regs and what Ford platform will be used to underpin the automaker's burly next-gen 'ute is still up in the air, but a clean-sheet rethink might be in order to address many of these environmental issues that will be plaguing Volvo in the upcoming years.

[Source: Auto Motor and Sport Sweden via World Car Fans]

Volvo responds: Next-gen XC90 not dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volvo XC90 replacement cancelled

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Volvo

If you're on the list of OEM component suppliers for the planned replacement of the Volvo XC90 sport-ute, don't read this article, because you haven't been informed yet. For everyone else, however, reports are emerging that Ford PAG has pulled the plug on the Swedish subsidiary's flagship SUV.

The reports come from the Swedish edition of Auto Motor & Sport , which cites the lack of environmentally-friendly powertrain alternatives as the main factor that influenced Ford to trash plans for the second-generation XC90, despite an anticipated launch in two years' time. Volvo has no hybrid powertain to put in the large SUV, slated to share a Ford platform, and no start/stop engine function. Rather than developing such systems, and with an eye on dropping sales of the rival BMW X5, PAG has reportedly opted to cancel the program altogether.

While the XC60, XC50 and possibly upcoming XC30 are expected to continue on without their bigger brother, the current XC90 model will receive a facelift in 2009 and stay on the market until 2012.

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via World Car Fans]

REPORT: Volvo XC90 replacement cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo planning major lineup changes

Dan Roth — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Volvo

Automotive News is dishing on Volvo's product lineup plans between now and 2010. The newly released second-generation S80 won't see any major changes, nor will the new 70-series wagons, the C70, or the C30. The S40's going to bid us adieu, as there's price overlap with the S60, and the S60's not much larger than the S40. The C30's going to serve as the entry-level Volvo, while also angling at MINI's territory of cutieified premium small cars. The S60, while handsomely drawn, is becoming long in the tooth. A redesigned S60 will bow in 2010, and it will be smaller than the current model in an effort to differentiate it from the S80, as well as still serve those customers who would have gone for the S40.

While Gothenburg's losing a sedan offering, it'll be adding a CUV in early 2009 when the XC60 hits the streets. With the CUV market currently on fire, a smaller Volvo 'ute to go after X3 shoppers is a shrewd move. The basic hardware's already been piled together as the Land Rover LR2, which we suspect offers a decent preview of the XC60 experience. Basically, what we see happening is the phasing out of the P2 platform that Volvo developed in the '90s for the original S80, and a migration of all vehicles to some flavor of the EUCD platform.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req'd]

Volvo planning major lineup changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo's Hunt is too hard for finalists

Chris Shunk — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Contests, Crossover, Volvo

Back in the day, we imagine that a failed quest to find lost treasure would result in scrubbing the deck or walking the plank, but in the 21st century, you merely get a do-over. Those clever Swedes were too much for the 21 finalists for Volvo's hunt for the lost $50,000 and the key to a new XC90, as the treasure was left undiscovered after the 24-hour deadline. The contest, which lasted a month and included 32,000 online entrants, was narrowed to a final list of 21 "pirates" from all over the world. As a result of the lack of sleuth-power, Volvo's giving the finalists another run at the buried treasure, and this time the first person to solve the next puzzle gets the prize.

We knew this contest was going to be tough, but even Volvo was surprised that nobody came out on top the first time around. Maybe in the next round they'll put all 21 contestants in the back of an Ikea store to see who figures out how to leave without buying anything. Check out Volvo's press release after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Gallery: Volvo's The Hunt contest

Continue reading Volvo's Hunt is too hard for finalists

Volvo's Hunt is too hard for finalists originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo embarking on new treasure hunt adventure

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volvo

map from last year's treasure hunt

Just like it did last year, Volvo appears to be launching another treasure hunt wherein one lucky buccaneer will escape with the ultimate automotive treasure - a new car! The online clue board is located here, and with a new installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise set to debut May 25th, the Disney website is a part of the hunt, as well. At World's End isn't just the name of the new Pirates movie, it just might also be the location of this year's dig as well.

This bit from the current contest entry leads us to wonder what will be at the end of your shovel when you finally strike gold: "The treasure this year will shock even the toughest swashbucklers out there." Could it be one of the SEMA C30s? All of them? We can only hope and pray, though last year's XC90 was hardly a bad prize in its own right. As we said in our post on last year's contest (one of the most commented on Autoblog posts of all time with 1,271 comments), tying into a hit movie franchise, giving away a vehicle or two and doing it in such a fun and different way is a refreshing change for Volvo. Now, all for one and... that's it, go get your car.

[Source: Volvo via GTChannel.com]

Volvo embarking on new treasure hunt adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fast? Ja. Stylish? Ja. - Heico Sportiv to unveil 5 Volvo models at Essen

Dan Roth — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volvo

Heico Sportiv has unveiled their latest Volvo upgrades just prior to the Essen Motorshow with nary a chrome rim in sight. Heico covers the entire Volvo range, from C30 to a butching-up of the XC90 ute and finishing at the top of the range with a beautifully executed toning of the C70s lines. They've deftly modified the C30, creating the Heico HS3 D5 with a juiced diesel powertrain and upgrades to the chassis, interior and styling. The THOR_2 is a two wheel drive version of the Heico HS3 THOR that attended SEMA. When not attending auto shows, they've been out winning races in their HS4 ODIN, based on the S40 sedan, so they've got the underhood chops to back up the great job they did making these already stylish cars stand out.

(Gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: Heico Sportiv via Swedespeed]

Continue reading Fast? Ja. Stylish? Ja. - Heico Sportiv to unveil 5 Volvo models at Essen

Fast? Ja. Stylish? Ja. - Heico Sportiv to unveil 5 Volvo models at Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heico hops up the new 2007 Volvo XC90

Randall Halcomb — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Volvo

Ah, the trials of being a tuner, especially one that creates its own line of body enhancements. When Volvo gave the XC90 a face-lift for 2007, Heico Sportiv had to respond to the updated Swedish SUV with a new kit in which to wrap it. The biggest improvement is the use of a material called PU-RIM plastic. This material is touted as 'brakeproof', which should be translated breakproof to us. Regardless, the front and rear enhancements are three-piece designs and give the XC90 a more butch appearance. The front skirt includes cut outs for fog lights, which can be upgraded to cornering lamps. There is even an optional dual exit exhaust that can be added to complement the rear apron.

Heico can also outfit your XC90 (or any other late model Volvo) with performance parts to go with that body kit, including ECU upgrades, suspension packages, and brakes kits. If you want, you can also get the aluminum door pins or other interior goodies so that your investment in Heico parts doesn't go unappreciated inside the cabin.

[Source: SwedeSpeed]

Heico hops up the new 2007 Volvo XC90 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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