Press Releases

ENGINE, SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS ACROSS THE VOLVO RANGE

 

Volvo Car UK has announced a raft of new engines, safety and infotainment enhancements to a large number of models in the range, on top of the upcoming R-Design and DRIVe model line-up for 2011.

 

New T3 and T4 petrol engines - 1.6-litre GTDi.

New four-cylinder GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) petrol engines have been rolled out across a wide range of Volvo models, available to order now.  Both the T3 and T4 are available in the all-new S60 and all-new V60 while the T4 is available in the S80 and V70.

 

Two new versions of the 1.6-litre GTDi petrol unit are being introduced - a 150hp T3 and 180hp T4 variant, both delivering 240Nm torque for impressive in-gear acceleration yet frugal consumption.

 

T3 and T4 variants engines on Volvo S60 and V60 models feature a manual gearbox as standard and incorporate a new start/stop function - the first time start/stop has been fitted to a non-DRIVe car.

 

Powershift automatic transmission is available on the T4 fitted to the S60, V60, S80 and V70 models and includes a new function that disengages drive when the driver releases the accelerator and lets the car 'coast'. This reduces rolling resistance and helps cut fuel consumption.

 

T5 engines - 2.0-litre GTDi.

The 2.0-litre GTDi T5 petrol engine features 240hp and a healthy 320 Nm torque and is now available in six-speed manual guise on the all-new S60 and V60, V70 and S80.  Six-speed Powershift automatic transmission versions are available on those models as well as the XC60.

 

Paul Welander, acting Senior Vice President Product Development at Volvo Cars says, "We have succeeded in making a four-cylinder engine that is as powerful as a 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit - but much more energy-efficient. This is a welcome development both for the environment and for those customers who want high performance and good driveability. One of the most important explanations behind the result is our patented new turbo system which has been tailor-made for smaller, more energy-efficient engines."

 

The T5 uses sheet steel rather than cast iron for the turbocharger. Using sheet steel for both the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger reduces weight and boosts efficiency, mostly because it allows for greater heat generation. This also improves the after treatment of the burnt gases, reducing pollutants. The turbo is unusually small which helps boosts engine response and cuts consumption.

 

New D5 engine for Volvo XC90.

The XC90 gains a new Euro V compliant five-cylinder diesel engine, featuring both improved performance and fuel consumption. The four-wheel drive Volvo XC90 D5 now produces 200hp (from 185hp) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (from 400 Nm), while fuel economy has been enhanced from 33.2mpg (EU Combined) to 34mpg. Now in its ninth year, the XC90 continues to go from strength to strength and, in the UK, is often the number one best selling large SUV in the market.


Volvo XC60 upgrades - Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake now available.

From November 2010, the Volvo XC60 can be specified with the new Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake safety system, seen thus far only on the all-new S60 and V60.  Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is a support function that helps the driver identify a pedestrian who is potentially putting themselves in danger ahead of the car and can, if the driver doesn't intervene, actively help avoid a collision.


It uses radar and camera technology to monitor for pedestrians in front of the car. The main purpose of the initial warning is to alert the driver so he or she can brake or steer out of the way. If the driver does not respond to the warning, the car automatically brakes with full force moments before the collision becomes unavoidable. With automatic braking, collisions can, in certain circumstances, be avoided at speeds of up to 21mph.

 

The collision warning system is also programmed to react if the vehicle in front is at a standstill, or moving in the same direction as one's own car to prevent rear end impacts. In certain situations, a collision may be avoided if the speed difference between the two vehicles is below 21mph. The technology is active at all speeds.


Volvo XC60 - new innovations and technology enhancements.

Volvo XC60 buyers specifying an automatic transmission can also now opt for the latest version of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically helps maintain a pre-set distance to the vehicle in front, even in slow-moving traffic and all the way down to standstill. The car accelerates automatically when the traffic moves away again.

 

The Volvo XC60 is now available with the new Volvo Sensus infotainment system, as seen recently on the new S60 and V60 models. All of the information from the audio system, navigation unit, mobile phone and other functions are presented in a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. It can be operated via buttons mounted directly below the screen or via steering-wheel mounted controls.


Finally, XC60 customers can also add a new 180-degree camera mounted in the front grille. The camera aids driver visibility at road junctions and when parking - with images relayed to a screen integrated into the centre console.


The all-new Volvo S60 and V60 R-DESIGN
First debuted at the Paris Motorshow in November, Volvo S60 and V60 can now be specified as R-DESIGN models, complete with more aggressive, sportier styling and a revised chassis that delivers an even more dynamic driving experience.

 

Exterior styling has been given a muscular makeover with the addition of bespoke R-DESIGN bodywork upgrades, including a redesigned nose and rear diffuser with twin tailpipes.

 

Meanwhile, under the skin, engineers have further refined the chassis dynamics and stiffened the body structure by fitting a strut brace under the bonnet. R-DESIGN models also feature 15mm lower, 15% stiffer springs front and rear that give the car a more aggressive, ground-hugging stance.  The changes have resulted in a car that strikes just the right balance between vehicle dynamics and passenger comfort.

 

DRIVe models with CO2 emissions of 99g/km

Continuing development of Volvo's DRIVe models has resulted in sub-100g/km CO2 versions of the C30 hatchback, S40 saloon and V50 sportswagon, making the V50 the most versatile of any sub-100g/km car on the market today. The changes mean all three are exempt from road tax and return up to 74.3mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle.

 

In addition, following Volvo Car UK's successful campaign to remove the Alternative Fuel Discount from the London Congestion Charge, all three models are exempt from the Congestion Charge1 saving the owner of all three cars up to £2500 in charges.

 

DRIVe models are available in ES, SE and SE Lux trim levels.

 

Facts, GTDi engines

 

Engine:

T5

T4

T3

Displacement:

2.0

1.6

1.6

Configuration:

4-cyl in-line

4-cyl in-line

4-cyl in-line

Performance:

240 hp

180 hp

150 hp

Torque:

320 Nm

240 Nm

240 Nm

 

 

 

 

Fuel cons.(mpg)/CO2 (g/km)

S80 Man

35.7/184

40.9/159

--

 

S80 PS

34.0/193

37.6/175

--

 

V70 Man

34.8/189

40.3/164

--

 

V70 PS

33.6/195

36.6/179

--

 

XC60 PS

33.2/198

--

--

 

S60 Man

35.7/184

42.8/152

42.8/152

 

S60 PS

34.0/193

38.1/173

--

 

V60 Man

34.8/189

42.1/155

42.1/155

 

V60 PS

34.0/194

37.1/176

--

 

Man:  Manual gearbox 
PS: Powershift 

 

-ENDS-

 

Notes to editors:

 

1 From the 4th January 2011, all vehicles that emit less than 100g CO2/km and meet Euro 5 emissions standards will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

Keywords:
Old S60, Old V60, Volvo XC60, 2011, 2012, V70 (2008-2016), S80 (2008-2016)
Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car UK's car range. Described features might be optional. All information is correct at time of going to press and may be altered without prior notification.