For Immediate Release
New Volvo S60 AWD - with electronically controlled all-wheel drive for safer, sportier driving on just about any surface
ROCKLEIGH, NJ -- At its world premiere in the summer of 2000, the Volvo S60 was described as the Volvo Car Corporation's sportiest and most dynamic sedan ever.
The next stage in the company's commitment to enhanced driving pleasure is now being taken with the introduction of the Volvo S60 AWD - the first Volvo car with electronically controlled all-wheel drive.
The new Volvo S60 AWD (All Wheel Drive) will be given its first public showing at the international Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001.
Like previous AWD models from Volvo, the all-wheel drive system is completely independent of the driver. In other words, the power is distributed automatically between the front and rear wheels to guarantee the best possible grip on varying road surfaces.
Electronically-controlled all-wheel drive
The main news is that the Volvo S60 AWD is equipped with electronically controlled AWD. The system has been developed in collaboration with one of the pioneers in this field - the Swedish company Haldex.
In this new system, the power is distributed between the front and rear wheels via a wet multi-plate clutch. The AWD system is connected to the Multiplex system in the car. As a result, it communicates with the other systems in the car in order to optimise all-wheel drive at all times to match the driving situation.
This digital communication platform includes the STC (Stability and Traction Control) stability system. At the end of 2001, it will also be possible to equip the Volvo S60 AWD with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).
Lightning-fast engagement and disengagement
The electronically controlled AWD system is characterised first and foremost by its extremely fast engagement and disengagement times, a further illustration of Volvo Cars' commitment to driving safety.
"The speed of the system gives what was already a well-balanced car exceptionally good road performance. After all, the owner of a sporty sedan does not use all-wheel drive primarily for accessibility but for optimal roadholding and stability," states Hans Gustavsson, Senior Vice President Research, Development & Purchase at Volvo Cars.
Five-cylinder turbo developing 197 horsepower
The Volvo S60 AWD is equipped with a five-cylinder, 2.4T-litre engine with a light-pressure turbocharger. Output is 197hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque is 210 lb.ft. at engine speeds as low as 1,800 rpm.
This engine is also used in the standard version of the Volvo S60 2.4T. It is a member of the new generation of RN engines which have undergone extensive modifications to make them cleaner, more fuel efficient and more effective.
Turbocharging gives the engine lightning response and impressive power at low engine speeds - two very important features when it comes to the Volvo S60 AWD's sporty and dynamic characteristics.
Sales of the new Volvo S60 AWD will begin at the end of August 2001 and the sales target for the first year is 9,000 cars.
V2001-19
Contact:
Daniel Johnston
800-970-0888
