Sharper performance and active chassis
The new features for the 2005 Volvo S60, V70 and XC70 models are not limited to design. “Now we can offer our customers more driving pleasure as well as improved ride comfort,” says Hans Folkesson, Senior Vice President, Research and Development for Volvo Car Corporation. “For instance, the sporty T5 models get a more efficient turbo engine, and we now offer an active chassis on the standard versions of the S60, V70 and XC70. Previously, this was only available on the Volvo S80 and the advanced R models."
More efficient T5 engine
The turbocharged engine for the sporty T5 models (Volvo S60 T5 and V70 T5) has undergone further development to meet tougher new emissions requirements (Euro4 and LEV2/EVAP2). At the same time, these improvements have made it possible to get more power out of the engine. The expertise gained from the development of the advanced R-models has played a highly significant role.
Power output has been increased by ten horsepower from 250 to 260 bhp. Torque, previously 243 lb.-ft., has now risen to 258 lb.-ft. The main benefit of the performance boost comes in the form of immensely enhanced torque at low engine revs. Even from as little as 1800 rpm, there is no less than 224 lb.-ft. on tap, versus the previous 177 lb.-ft. This translates into faster throttle response, safer overtaking and sportier road manners.
The improvements have been achieved through several factors. For instance, the engine now has variable inlet valve timing, instead of only variable exhaust valve timing as before. Additionally, cylinder displacement has increased from 2.3 to 2.4 liters. Finally, the engine now has a new turbocharger – taken straight from the R-models.
The result is a highly competitive and potent combination of high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions.
Rapid acceleration with six-speed transmission
The more-powerful T5 engine is now mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic.
The manual comes from the Volvo S60 R/V70 R, but it has been reworked for front-wheel drive in the T5 model. This gearbox has been developed and built to handle up to 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Volvo S60 T5, when equipped with the manual gearbox is a very sporty combination with the ability to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds.
In automatic-equipped T5 cars, the electronic control systems have been modified to provide faster communication between the engine and transmission – and a more immediate reduction in engine torque prior to gearchanges. This promotes faster gearchanges and a sportier driving experience.
For detailed driveline information, see the enclosed technical specifications for each Volvo model.
Active chassis now available on 2005 S60, V70 and XC70
The active chassis was first launched in the advanced all-wheel-drive Volvo S60 R and V70 R. It was then modified to suit the front-wheel-drive Volvo S80, with an emphasis on ride comfort. For 2005, the system becomes available as an option on the rest of the S60, V70 and XC70 models.
“With the active chassis, we can get more out of the car,” says Hans Folkesson. “The technology provides better driving properties in all situations – both safer and more entertaining.”
The chassis setting adapts automatically to suit the current driving situation, which considerably improves both handling and ride comfort. If the driver is more active when steering, accelerating or braking, the system responds at lightning speed to increase damping force and thus control the car's body movements.
In more relaxed driving, damping action is much less frequent in order to better isolate the car’s occupants from irregularities in the road surface. This approach combines the best of two worlds – maximum control and thus safety, and at the same time the best possible comfort.
Second-generation FOUR-C
The active chassis is based on Volvo’s FOUR-C technology in combination with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). This is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behavior. In mere fractions of a second, the shock absorbers are reset to suit the current situation.
“What we are now unveiling is the second-generation FOUR-C,” says Hans Folkesson. “During the process of tailoring the technology to suit the S60, V70 and XC70 models, we improved both the hardware and the software. The result is smoother damping control. This makes for a more harmonious experience for driver and passengers alike.”
FOUR-C adjusts chassis settings to suit the car’s speed. The faster the car is traveling, the greater the damping. This makes the car easy to control even at high speeds. This technology also reduces the car body’s tendency to kneel at the front, squat at the rear or roll sideways during hard braking, sudden acceleration or fast avoidance maneuvers.
For 2005, the Volvo S80 and the R-versions of the S60 and V70 also benefit from the second-generation FOUR-C.
Two choices
All models fitted with an active chassis feature two alternative chassis settings (three in the R-models). At the touch of a button, the driver can alter the car’s driving behavior to suit personal preferences.
SPORT gives more controlled body movements, faster steering response and more road contact.
COMFORT gives a suppler, more comfortable ride with calm, harmonious body movement.
In an emergency situation, however, the setting selected makes no difference – FOUR-C is programmed to always help the driver out of the situation by automatically stabilising the car.
Modified chassis properties
The active chassis gives the car better driving properties in all situations. The car is more stable and consistent in its behavior and response.
“Everyone in the family benefits from the active chassis,” says Hans Folkesson. “The car is both safer and more comfortable to ride in.” The advanced FOUR-C technology has also made it possible to modify chassis properties to suit each respective car model."
Front Park Assist now available
As before, Volvo cars can be equipped with a Park Assist system. Sensors in the rear bumper alert the driver when the car is too close to an object at the rear. This makes the driver’s job easier when parking in congested areas. The function is now fully integrated in the car’s electronic system, making it possible to install parking assistance in the front bumpers as well. This is an entirely new feature in the Volvo range.
PARK ASSISTANCE REAR is available as:
PARK ASSISTANCE FRONT is only available as an accessory (provided the car is also equipped with Park Assistance Rear).
