For immediate release
GÖTEBORG (January 31, 2006) – Volvo Car Corporation has unveiled photos of the new Volvo S80 luxury sedan, the second generation of the company’s ground-breaking flagship sedan characterized by its dynamic design language, firm focus on premium comfort, smooth driving properties and world-class safety.
The new Volvo S80 will be unveiled at the international motor show in Geneva on February 28, 2006, followed by a North American debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 12, 2006. The new S80 is expected to go on-sale in Canada in the second half of 2006 as a 2007 model.
The new S80 will feature a V8 engine, a new in-line 6-cylinder engine and a highly evolved all-wheel-drive system as part of its appeal to buyers in a demanding market segment.
“The new S80 is entering an immensely tough segment where the competition is razor-sharp and the customers have very high expectations,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “We are now challenging the best in the segment with a very special car. It radiates what we call ‘Scandinavian Luxury,’ clean and elegant lines and intelligent functionality where every single detail has been designed with the user’s well-being in mind.”
Inviting and intelligent
“Scandinavian Luxury,” radiates with a slightly different, more human prestige by combining aesthetics and technology in an inviting and intelligent way, the company says.
In the case of the new Volvo S80, luxury will be expressed through a simple yet elegant design, technology that gives the user practical benefit or sheer enjoyment in every single detail, and a sense of responsibility in the form of world-class safety and environmental care.
“The new S80 is about evolutionary design,” explains Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars’ Design Director. “All the shapes and materials represent a continuous development of our design language. On the outside we have given the S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance. Inside, we have created an even more inviting atmosphere with refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology.”
Engine range includes a V8 and a new in-line six
The second-generation S80 will be the first sedan model available with the company’s compact, transversely-mounted V8 engine. With four catalytic converters and advanced electronics, this engine, which was first introduced in the 2006 Volvo XC90, is one of the cleanest eight cylinder engines on the market. The engine produces 311-horsepower and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque.
The new S80 will also offer a new, naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine, a unit so compact that it is about the same size as Volvo Cars’ existing 5-cylinder engines. It can be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission since the camshaft drive mechanism and the ancillaries have been relocated and partially integrated into the engine block itself.
The new in-line six has a displacement of 3.2 litres, producing 232 horsepower and 221 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Standard all-wheel drive
The second generation of the largest Volvo sedan model will feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment in Canada, regardless of engine choice.
The new S80 can be equipped with an optional Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (Four-C) active chassis. Four-C, which was introduced in 2003 with the S60 R and V70 R, automatically adjusts chassis settings to better suit the current driving conditions.
For further control, performance and safety, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) is fitted as standard equipment.
New safety systems
The new S80 is a true Volvo with world-class safety features. The structure has been highly engineered and newly patented and the design is supplemented with new active safety systems.
The new S80 will be the first Volvo model to feature Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support.
This available system encompasses two functions:
The adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a selected distance to the vehicle in front.
If the adaptive cruise control is not being used and the gap to the vehicle in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, the system alerts the driver by activating a buzzer and warning lights. At the same time, the braking system is prepared for the situation to make braking more effective.
The new S80 will be available with active Bi-Xenon headlights that react to steering wheel input adjusting the beam of light to the direction of the road and provide better visibility.
The advanced PCC (Personal Car Communicator) remote control unit is a world's first, featuring a number of new functions. Even before the driver gets to the car, he or she can check its security status to determine if, for example, the car is still locked or whether the alarm has been activated. A heartbeat sensor warns if someone is hiding inside the car.
World-class audio system
The new Volvo S80 can also be equipped with the Volvo Premium Sound audio system. A Digital ICE power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound processing and loudspeakers from DynAudio of Denmark all work in concert to produce a superb audio experience.
“We are convinced that the new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender that will appeal to many new customers,” says Arp. “We expect 70 percent of the 50,000 cars a year to be purchased by customers who do not drive a Volvo today. The main markets will be the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden and China.”
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 43 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company’s product range includes the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon, the S60 sports sedan, the compact and sporty S40 and V50, and an XC-line of vehicles that includes the rugged XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle. For 2006, the company is proud to introduce the second-generation C70 convertible with a new retractable three piece hardtop.
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Contact:
Doug Mepham
613-966-4969 office
613-922-6097 mobile
doug.mepham@bellnet.ca
Chad Heard
416-540-4229
chadheard@rogers.com
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