Click above for new high-res gallery of the 2009 Volvo XC60
After a series of leaks that has already revealed the look of Volvo's new XC60 CUV, the Swedish automaker has released the real deal, including some official specs for its smallest soft-roader. Volvo believes the design of the XC60 is the best interpretation yet of the brand's essence, saying that its clean lines and clear identity "radiate a clear Volvo presence" from at least twice the distance of any current model. In the U.S., power will be ample thanks to the company's turbocharged T6 motor producing 281 horsepower and all-wheel-drive is also standard. Like all cars from Volvo, safety is a top priority, so in addition to the normal smattering of active and passive safety systems, the XC60 is fitted with City Safety, a new system that will automatically apply the brakes if a low-speed impact is imminent.
Volvo also wants the XC60 to be an aspirational vehicle for those who've already bought into the brand with an S40 or C30. It plans to sell 50,000 units globally per year, with 15,000 to 20,000 earmarked for the U.S. Though the car will make its public debut in early March at the Geneva Motor Show, Europeans won't be able to pick one up until the end of the year, while those in the States will have to wait until the first quarter of 2009.
We have to agree with Volvo's PR machine that the XC60 is the best-looking vehicle in the brand's lineup, taking the look that the automaker has been evolving for some 15 years now and shaving off all the rough edges. Pricing was not released, however, which will be the ultimate determining factor in how much we really like the new XC60.
After a series of leaks that has already revealed the look of Volvo's new XC60 CUV, the Swedish automaker has released the real deal, including some official specs for its smallest soft-roader. Volvo believes the design of the XC60 is the best interpretation yet of the brand's essence, saying that its clean lines and clear identity "radiate a clear Volvo presence" from at least twice the distance of any current model. In the U.S., power will be ample thanks to the company's turbocharged T6 motor producing 281 horsepower and all-wheel-drive is also standard. Like all cars from Volvo, safety is a top priority, so in addition to the normal smattering of active and passive safety systems, the XC60 is fitted with City Safety, a new system that will automatically apply the brakes if a low-speed impact is imminent.
Volvo also wants the XC60 to be an aspirational vehicle for those who've already bought into the brand with an S40 or C30. It plans to sell 50,000 units globally per year, with 15,000 to 20,000 earmarked for the U.S. Though the car will make its public debut in early March at the Geneva Motor Show, Europeans won't be able to pick one up until the end of the year, while those in the States will have to wait until the first quarter of 2009.
We have to agree with Volvo's PR machine that the XC60 is the best-looking vehicle in the brand's lineup, taking the look that the automaker has been evolving for some 15 years now and shaving off all the rough edges. Pricing was not released, however, which will be the ultimate determining factor in how much we really like the new XC60.
[Source: Volvo]
PRESS RELEASE
Volvo reveals first photos of the new XC60
- the safest and most sensual Volvo ever
February 20, 2008 (Irvine, CA) - Volvo has released the first photos of one of this year's most anticipated new car launches - the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever - it's also the most stunning," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 makes its world premier at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The first cars will reach dealers in Europe in fall 2008 with the U.S. launch following shortly thereafter; the first quarter of 2009.
Volvos' new XC60 crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment - the "Small Premium Utility." It blends a dynamic mix of two styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, immensely capable XC pumps its muscles. Up top, the daring lines create the elegant, sporty charisma of a coupe.
"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. "We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from 300 feet away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance."
A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.
"Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard," says Arp. "City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision."
The XC60 targets a group of customers who impose high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. "One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car," says Arp. "It's as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle."
The new XC60 will be launched in the US with a single engine: the powerful turbocharged T6, which produces 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard.
Europe and North America sales targets
The global sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units per year. The five largest markets during the peak year 2010 are expected to be the USA (15,000 - 20,000 units annually), Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during the fall of 2008, while sales in North America are targeted to begin in early 2009.
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