With the new Volvo XC60, Volvo Cars takes yet another step in offering cars that are fun to drive yet comfortable to ride in. The compact format and the precise road attributes mean the new Volvo XC60 can make its way equally elegantly both on city tarmac and along country lanes.
"The new Volvo XC60 is designed for customers who impose high demands on the driving experience. Irrespective of whether the car is used in the city, on the motorway or to negotiate tight curves in country lanes. That is why we have focused on finding exactly the right balance between sportiness and comfort, for the chassis and for the car as a whole," says Lars Blenwall, project director for the new Volvo XC60.
The new Volvo XC60 is sturdily built to handle all operating conditions. The body has extra torsional rigidity (20 kNm/deg) and the sporty chassis setup means the car is precisely controlled and minimises roll tendencies even in demanding driving situations. Weight is optimally distributed between the front and rear axles, which contributes to good balance and traction. The transversely installed engine and Volvo's All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM from BorgWarner reinforce the control and smoothness.
Large 17- or 18-inch wheels as standard (19 inches optional) and 230 mm of ground clearance mean the Volvo XC60 is capable of making its way in terrain that is impossible for a conventional passenger car. The rear suspension ensures good comfort and road contact even when the going gets rough. The McPherson front suspension and broad track also contribute to excellent directional stability.
"The car handles sharply and behaves exactly as you would expect whatever the situation. It promotes a feeling of safety and control. But also of relaxed comfort," comments Lars Blenwall.
The Volvo XC60 offers a very high level of active safety. Apart from Volvo's All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM there is a further developed stability-enhancement function, DSTC, which is fitted as standard. In addition there is a wide range of optional functions, including the all-new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) which offers unbeatable control when towing a trailer.
The braking system in the Volvo XC60 is based on the system used in the Volvo XC90. The powerful brakes in combination with the lower weight of the smaller car means that braking performance is very good indeed.
Engine performance too is of the highest level. At introduction, the Volvo XC60 will be available with a turbocharged 3-litre high-efficiency in-line six producing 285 hp/400 Nm, as well as two powerful and economical 5-cylinder diesel engines.
During 2009, a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km, will follow.
Four-wheel drive for perfect grip
The Volvo XC60 is equipped as standard with Volvo's All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM to guarantee the best possible road grip whatever the situation. With the help of an electronically controlled clutch, the AWD system automatically distributes drive between the front and rear wheels. The Instant Traction function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels at lightning speed, for instance when starting from standstill on slippery or loose surfaces.
Further developed DSTC function
Volvo's DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) function has been further developed in the new Volvo XC60 in order to help providing even more stable driving. DSTC registers deviations between the driver's intended direction and the car's actual direction. As a complement, the further developed DSTC function registers the car's roll rate as well, giving the opportunity to detect slowly built-up skids. This may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal while steering, for instance when leaving a highway slightly too late. By measuring the roll rate, the DSTC function is able to start the regulation at an earlier stage - and with greater precision. This is highly noticeable in dynamic driving where the car is exposed to high lateral forces.
New Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) offers improved control when towing a trailer
The purpose of the new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) function is to dampen the oscillation tendencies that can arise when towing a trailer or caravan. In certain conditions, the rig runs the risk of swaying from side to side or "snaking" and it can be difficult for the driver to control this movement. TSA steps in and together with the further developed DSTC function helps stabilise the car and trailer by braking one or more wheels as necessary while at the same time reducing the engine's torque. TSA operates on all road surfaces and can be specified as a separate active-safety option when purchasing a tow-bar.
RSC helps prevent roll-overs
The XC60 is also equipped with Roll Stability Control (RSC) as standard. RSC is an active stability-enhancement system. If the system assesses that there is a considerable risk of a roll-over, the engine's torque is reduced and some braking power is directed to one or more wheels to help counter any tendency to roll over.
HDC gives added control downhill
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is Volvo's sophisticated technology for assisting slow progress in first gear when driving on steep gradients, and it is available as an option on the new Volvo XC60. Using the car's braking system and engine torque, HDC controls the car's speed and maintains a steady crawling speed. This leaves the driver free to focus solely on steering safely. HDC is activated via a button on the instrument panel. The driver can at any time take over by pressing either the accelerator or brake pedal. Once another gear is selected, HDC is automatically disengaged. All changes take place smoothly and gently.
Active chassis with Four-C and three distinct characteristics
The Four-C option makes the Volvo XC60 extra comfortable. Especially on somewhat poorer roads. Volvo's Four-C is an advanced, self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. The dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving conditions in mere fractions of a second. The three chassis settings, Comfort, Advanced and Sport, allow the driver to adapt the chassis to suit road conditions at the touch of a button.
Three-level speed-sensitive power steering
Speed-dependent power steering is an option on the new Volvo XC60. The system allocates more servo assistance at lower speeds, for instance to make steering easier when parking. Servo assistance is reduced as speed rises in order to give the driver the most optimal road feel. The level of servo assistance can be adjusted via a menu in the car's information system to comply with the individual wishes of the customer. There are three levels to choose between.
Turbocharged petrol engine with top performance
The T6 petrol engine that is available in all Volvo's large cars as of model year 2008 is based on Volvo's compact 3.2-litre in-line six, an all-aluminium engine that was introduced in the new Volvo S80 in 2006.
The turbo version, with a displacement of 3.0 litres, delivers 210 kW (285 hp) with torque of no less than 400 Nm. Maximum torque is available from just 1500 rpm and remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift acceleration and smooth driving properties.
The turbo version has a somewhat smaller displacement owing to its slightly smaller bore and shorter stroke. However, this is compensated by the turbocharger which in this engine takes in exhaust gases in two phases. The inlet side has been divided into two sections of three cylinders each using what is known as twin-scroll technology. The twin-scroll approach makes for a simpler, more compact turbocharger that provides very fast response, fully on a par with the power delivered by twin turbochargers.
The T6 engine is perfect for sporty driving. At the same time it has been programmed to provide the highest possible power with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. With four-wheel drive - AWD - the engine is used most optimally since maximum power is transmitted onto the road surface.
Like all other Volvo models, the new Volvo XC60 has a transverse driveline. Transverse installation gives the engine more space under the bonnet and helps reduce the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision.
Energy-efficient turbodiesel from the second D5 generation
At introduction, the new Volvo XC60 will also be available with a choice of two five-cylinder turbodiesels: the D5 producing 185 hp and the 2.4D with 163 hp. The D5 is a very powerful and easy to drive turbodiesel that offers a massive 400 Nm of torque all the way across a particularly wide rev range. The D5 engine features an electronically controlled turbocharger, advanced multipoint injection technology and a very powerful engine management system.
Both diesel engines feature four-valve technology with twin overhead camshafts, which contributes to swift response and good high-speed properties.
A maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of soot particles is fitted as standard in both engines, making them very environmentally suitable.
Engine range - petrol
Engine Configuration Power kW/hp Torque Nm
3.0 T6 AWD I6 210/285 400
Engine range - diesel
D5 AWD I5 136/185 400
2.4D AWD I5 120/163 340
Six-speed Geartronic
The engines in the new Volvo XC60 are mated to a six-speed gearbox, either manual or automatic with Geartronic. The transmission has been dimensioned to handle the immense output of the T6 and Volvo's powerful diesel engines. Sixth gear is a pure overdrive ratio and offers relaxed, economical cruising. The T6 version also has a sport mode. Geartronic makes it possible to change gears manually should the driver prefer a sportier driving style or if he or she wants to hold on to a specific gear.
For more information, please contact Maria Bohlin, mbohlin1@volvocars.com,
phone +46 (0)31-59 65 25.
