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The new Volvo V70 T6 R-Design gains 18-inch Cratus alloy wheels and lowered, sports-tuned suspension comprising higher-rated anti-roll bars and bushings.

A colour-match rear spoiler, matte satin finish grille and exterior mirrors and 90 mm chrome exhaust pipes complete the look on the outside.

“The possibility of tailoring one’s car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-Design has been developed for buyers who want a sporty look for their cars,” said Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service for Volvo Cars Gerry Keaney.

Inside, the R-Design package adds extra side bolstering to the two-tone sports leather seats, leather-rimmed R-Design steering wheel, new instruments with blue inserts, a sports shift lever and aluminium trim highlight.

The expansion of the R-Design package to the XC90 range will also see it replace the XC90 V8 Sport in showrooms.

The XC90 V8 R-Design is fitted with Volvo’s Dynaudio Premium Sound system, comprising 12 speakers and a six-stack CD player, Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, Auto Dim rear view mirror, Rain Sensor wipers and the Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).

A new quad-exhaust system produces a more aggressive engine note, with higher-rated anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, sports-tuned speed-dependent steering and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

The R-Design option is $3,700 for the C30, S40 and V50 models, $4,175 on the V70 and $6,000 on the XC90 range.

C30, S40, V50 R-Design

• Bodykit with spoiler
• Exclusive 17″ R-Design alloys on the C30, S40 and V50 (18″ available on C30 for $1600)
• Twin chrome exhaust
• Satin matt finish to side mirrors and grill
• R-Design Ultrasonic trim
• Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals
• R-Design embossed off-black Vulcaflex upholstery and cream leather seats
• R-Design instrumentation
• R-Design floor mats with contrasting piping

V70 R-Design

• Lowered chassis (20mm front; 15mm rear)
• Colour-coded rear spoiler
• Full leather sports seats with embossed R-Design logo
• Exclusive 18″ R-Design alloys
• Twin 90 mm chrome exhaust
• Satin matt finish to side mirrors and grill
• Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals
• R-Design instrumentation
• R-Design floor mats with contrasting piping

XC90 R-Design
In addition to the R-Design enahncements for the C30, S40, V50:

• Higher-rated anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, sports-tuned speed dependent steering
• Dynaudio Premium Sound
• Bi-xenon lights with washer system
• Auto dim rear view mirror
• Rain sensor wipers
• Interior Air Quality System
• Quad exhaust system
• Exclusive 19″ R-Design alloys (20″ alloys are available for $1600)
• Leather sports seats
• Satin matt finish to side mirrors and grill
• Sports steering wheel, gear shift knob and pedals
• R-Design instrumentation
• R-Design floor mats with contrasting piping

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Featuring a 60-degree, 4.4-litre all-alloy V8 - and producing a powerful 232 kW and 440 Nm - the range topping S80 V8 AWD uses a Haldex all-wheel drive system, which employs an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch that constantly balances the power bias between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimal road holding in all situations.

In its latest iteration, the S80’s all-wheel-drive system features Instant Traction, which sets a bias (approximately 1500 Nm) favouring the rear wheels when starting on slippery or loose surfaces. This is also standard on the T6 model.

The T6 engine, which replaces the previous 3.2-litre powerplant, offers 210kW of power with 400Nm of torque (available from just 1,500rpm).With multi-valve cylinder heads, twin overhead camshafts and a twin-scroll turbcharger, the response and acceleration on offer is said to be exhilarating with 0-100 times under 7 seconds.

For the more frugal among us, the S80 is also available with a 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel engine developing 136kW of power and 400Nm of torque to provide sports sedan performance and outstanding fuel economy.

To achieve a more compact layout, ancillaries such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor have been repositioned behind - rather than in front of - the engine. A direct-drive alternator is fitted to the engine block while the vibration dampener is now integrated inside the engine, saving on valuable longitudinal space.

Volvo’s ultra-thin Floating Centre Console contributes to a sense of space in the front compartment, while continuing right through to the rear seat.

Large, ergonomic seats provide sumptuous comfort for both front and rear passengers and, at the front, can be specified with an optional ventilation system to provide extra cooling in hot Australian summers. Front seat heaters and electric power adjustment are standard on all S80s.

The S80 has also had refinements made to the sunroof and power window control switches, the audio system, and also includes sun curtains to prevent glare through the rear side windows and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The optional Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) now gets larger 8-inch screens on the back of the head restraints that have been designed to further improve viewing in daylight conditions, while the High Performance and Premium Sound systems now have a USB port enabling easy connection with an iPod, MP3 player, or even a digital camera. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models.

The S80’s Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) remains standard and can also be optioned to include Volvo’s Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) - an advanced system approved by the Swedish Association against Asthma and Allergy - that provides healthier air quality inside the passenger compartment. When the car is unlocked via the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.

S80 is underpinned by an all-independent suspension system using MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink axle at the rear, as well as Volvo’s FOUR-C Active Chassis, which is standard on T6 and V8 models.

This advanced, electronically controlled system adapts instantly and constantly according to driving conditions, combining precise, accurate handling with a smooth, comfortable ride expected by luxury segment customers. The system offers the choice of three settings, Comfort, Sport and Advanced. The S80 is also fitted with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC).

Along with a raft of airbags, all S80 models feature Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which advises the driver if another vehicle is travelling behind the B-pillar (or in the ‘blind spot’) along with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which is equipped with the driver fatigue monitoring system Driver Alert Control (DAC), as part of the new Teknik pack.

All S80s are fitted with active bi-Xenon headlights with washer function as well as Home Safe and Approach lighting systems and 17-inch alloy wheels.

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The Volvo Ocean Race XC70 applies to both the 3.2 and 3.2 LE models as well as D5 and D5 LE, while the XC90 Volvo Ocean Race includes 3.2, D5 and V8 models.

Each model is available in a choice of two exclusive Volvo Ocean Race colours: Ocean Blue or Electric Silver.

Volvo Ocean Race XC90 models boast six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels colour-matched to compliment the exterior finish, bright chrome outer air intake, side window trims and tailgate mouldings, aluminium roof rails and alloy-look front and rear skid plates.

Inside, the special edition XC90 features leather seats in Soft Beige or Off Black with special cross-stitching inspired by sail making, this is complimented by unique door panels, along with brushed aluminium inlays in the glove compartment, rear tunnel and centre console.

The XC70 Ocean Race features unique 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels colour-matched like the XC90 Ocean Race with Ocean Blue or Electric Silver external finish, bright chrome side window trims, silver painted aluminium roof rails and front and rear skid plates.

The interior of the XC70 Ocean Race similarly features cross-stitched leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Off Black, unique Ocean Race door panels and tread plate and a cross-stitched luggage area cover with a brushed aluminium cassette bearing the VOR emblem.

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The 2009 Volvo range also sees the adoption of larger, bolder Volvo identification on the rear of all models to present a universally consistent theme inline with that introduced on the new XC70 and V70.

Model-by-model improvements include the XC90 Executive’s standard massaging front seats (aimed at discreetly helping ward off fatigue and discomfort during long trips for both the driver and front-seat passenger), perforated leather trim and power adjustment with memory settings (driver’s side only).

On the V8 XC90 Executive, the front seats also offer year-round comfort with standard heating and ventilation and music lovers will delight with the inclusion of Volvo’s awesome Dynaudio Premium Sound system, complete with 12 speakers and six-stack CD player. Also standard are bi-xenon headlights with washing system, rain sensor wipers and, on 3.2 and V8 models, Volvo’s Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).

For the first time in Australia, Volvo’s new Lane Departure Warning system will be offered with the added benefit of Driver Alert Control, which helps the driver to ward off fatigue via audible and visual alerts. Lane Departure Warning with Driver Alert Control is available on the S80, V70 and XC70 for $2,075 optimising road safety, particularly on long road trips.

Lane Departure Warning with Driver Alert Control begins to operate at speeds exceeding 65km/h. A digital camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror monitors the movement of the vehicle between the lane markings to detect any signs of inconsistent driver behaviour.

“Real life safety is the key to our safety philosophy,” says Jan Ivarsson, Senior Manager Safety Strategy and Requirements for Volvo Cars. “When it comes to preventive safety, we have the same approach as when we develop protective systems. In other words our research and technical development focus is on areas where new technology can create significant results in real-life traffic.”

The Driver Alert Control function is activated if the system detects signs of reduced driver alertness, it conveys an audible warning, as well as a message displayed on the instrument panel, to advise it’s time to ‘Take A Break’. The Lane Departure warning function activates an audible alert if the vehicle moves out of its lane without the driver activating the indicator.

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Volvo’s stunning XC60 aims at taking owners into new worlds of automotive adventure.

“The boldest crossover so far. This car is charged with more emotive form and far more energy than any previous Volvo model.” Volvo Cars Design Director, Steve Mattin.

One of the features that sets the XC60 apart is the new City Safety system, which will automatically brake in case of an imminent accident (traffic conditions).

Volvo has announced that by 2020, as part of the company’s 2020 Mobility vision, no deaths or injuries should occur in any Volvo cars.

The XC60 will be available in Australia with the choice of a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine producing 210kW with 400Nm of torque, or with its 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder turbodiesel producing 136kW and 400Nm of torque.

Both engines will come standard with Volvo’s Geartronic six-speed automatic.

Using Volvo’s All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction system, the XC60 also comes with Hill Descent Control (HDC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC), which now incorporates Roll Stability Control (RSC) to detect and correct instability in the early stages.

The XC60 will be built at Volvo Car Corporation’s factory in Ghent, Belgium and is expected to go on sale in Australia in March 2009 at an indicative price of around $60,000.

Further details on Australian specification will be available closer to the local introduction date.

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Operating solely on battery power at lower speeds, the rear wheels are driven by an electric motor, while at higher speeds, a five-cylinder turbo diesel drives the front wheels (much the same as any FWD car), which can also be employed to take care of harder work as required (such as hill starts and towing).

A plug-in variant is also in the pipeline and Volvo’s Magnus Jonsson says this technology will arrive “very quickly” after the initial hybrid and will use household current to recharge the battery eliminating the need for petroleum based fuel.

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The smallest Volvo, the C30 D5 we had on test has had the engine from the S80 D5 and the V50 D5 shoehorned into it. It seems like a reasonable proposition on paper. Plenty of torque locked into a capable chassis, and being a smaller hatch, it should have plenty of get-up-and-go.

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The system is expected to eliminate low speed front-end collisions. If the XC60 is is being driven at speeds of equal or less to 30km/h and the speed differential between the car infront is no more than 15km/h, then accidents will be avoided thanks to the car’s ability to automatically brake.

The system uses a set of lasers to monitor cars up to six metres in front and brake in case of the XC60 is approaching another vehicle too quickly. Volvo says that accidents might still happen (depending on distance to the car in front and weather conditions) although the severity of the accident will be reduced.

“Surveys indicate that three-quarters of all reported front-end collisions occur at speeds below 30km/h, and in 50 per cent of those cases the driver doesn’t brake at all, front-end collisions often occur at roundabouts, intersections and car parks. They can result in vehicle occupant injury, as well as seemingly minor but expensive-to-repair front-end damage.” Volvo managing director Alan Desselss said

The introduction of the system will mean Volvo is once again the leader in modern safety technology, becoming the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of safety feature as standard across the globe.

The company anticipates that the benefits are more than just accidence avoidance, the insurance industry is expected to offer reduced premiums for owners of cars equipped with the system.

The planned live demonstration at the Sydney motorshow involves the XC60 driving towards an inflated car-sized obstacle, simulating a real-life situation.

“Volvo’s City Safety demonstration will add an additional dynamic element to the event and is part of plans to make the show much more than simply a display of new cars,” said Australian International Motor Show event manager, Robby Clark.

The Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from 9 to 19 October. More information on the show will be available closer to the date.

CarAdvice will also be attending so expect full and live coverage from the show.

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Scoring seventh fastest in testing at Brands Hatch last weekend, the brand new Volvo C30 Green racer was looking to match it with the world’s best touring car entries before being hit from behind by the outqualified veteran, Rydell.

It was a huge effort by Volvo driver Robert Dahlgren, who was fighting for tenth position with James Thompson, before he was forced off the road.

All the more impressive when you consider the car was using a totally new tyre compound, and had a 42-45 kilo weight disadvantage due to the ethanol in the tank.

Clearly, the C30 is a threat given that a top ranked factory driver had to crash into it, to get past.

Let’s hope the head honchos at Volvo give the team a second car for any further WTCC rounds. Maybe they’ll even win a couple if they can steer clear of the traffic.

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Not only that, it will do so, running on the green fuel E85.

If you think I’m kidding, think again. In the Swedish Touring Car Championship where it’s also the only E85 powered car, the C30 “GREEN RACING” entry has already scored three pole positions in just seven races. And just for the record, it’s also led almost half of all laps driven!

The C30 is still in the early stage of development and the Brands Hatch event should see it up against the best cars in the business. That’s strong teams from Honda (Accord Euro R)

BMW (320si)

Seat (SEAT Leon TFSI)

and Chevrolet (Chevrolet Lacetti)

The WTCC is an International Touring Car Championship sanctioned and organised by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’automobile) and kicked off in 1987 but only lasted a year due to the FIA’s concern that it’s popularity would steal some thunder from Formula I racing.

But by 1993 the Supertouring category had gained a large following so the FIA put together the World Touring Car Cup which was an annual event attracting drivers from around the world. Our own Paul Radisich, driving a Ford Mondeo, won that inaugural race. He won it again in 1994 again, in a Mondeo.

The current WTCC series is limited to cars of 2000 cc without the modern driver aids such as; traction control, ESP, ABS, VVTi etc.

Good luck to the C30. We’ll be sure to let you know how it goes in the race.

VOLVO C30 E85 SUPER 2000 – TECH SPECS
Body:
A standard C30 body reinforced by a safety cage and side impact protection on the driver’s side, developed in collaboration with Caran.
Aerodynamics:
Front splitter and a rear spoiler wing developed by Polestar in Volvo’s wind tunnel.
Engine:
All aluminium, transversely mounted, 5-cylinder, inline, four-valve, 1999 cc. Minor modifications on the cylinder block, and cylinder heads, while valves, cam shafts, pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft have been replaced by racing components.
Oil: Castrol 5W-30
Output/torque: 280+ hp at 8,750 rpm. 230 Nm at 7,300 rpm
Fuel: E85
Exhaust System:
Stainless steel with catalytic emission controls, manufactured by Ferrita.
Driveline:
6-speed sequential gearbox with straight-cut gears, manufactured by Hewland. Front-wheel drive. Mechanical differential with a torque controlled ramper and friction discs. SACHS 184mm two-disc carbon fibre clutch.
Weight: Min weight 1,134kg including the driver (58-60kg)
Front wheel suspension:
Ohlin’s McPherson struts developed with Polestar. Race-specific support arms and adjustable anti-roll bar
Rear wheel suspension:
Multilink system with coil springs and Ohlin’s dampers and adjustable anti-roll bar.
Front brakes:
Performance Friction, 4-piston callipers with radically and axially ventilated discs 332×32 mm.
Rear brakes:
Alcon 2-piston callipers with axially ventilated discs 290×10 mm.
Steering:
Servo-assisted rack and pinion.
Wheels:
17×10 BBS
Tyres:
Michelin 17” slicks or rain tyres

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Both Chery and Ford have declined to comment on the issue. Ford states the companyis more focused on building Volvo rather than selling it. Meanwhile analysts indicate that Volvo could cost Chery more than 30 billion yuan ($4.6 billion), it said.

Chery cars will soon be well known in Australia, following Ateco’s announcement that Chinese cars are only months away from our shores. Chery is a state-owned firm set up by the government of Wuhu city in Anhui province in the 1990s.

Recently it was reported that Renault is also in talks to acquire Volvo.

How will Chinese ownership affect the Swedish brand?

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