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At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Volvo announced that the 2012 S60 R-Design sedan and XC60 R-Design crossover will receive significant horsepower and torque increases when they go on sale in the U.S. late this summer.

Both the S60 and XC60 R-Design models are powered by Volvo's most potent six-cylinder unit, the turbocharged T6 engine. Thanks to a series of upgrades, the T6 in the 2012MYs produces 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, an increase of 21 horses and 29 lb-ft (39 Nm) of torque compared to 2011 R-Design models. Maximum torque is now achieved from 3,000 rpm and remains available throughout the rev range.

Making its world premiere today at the Shanghai Auto Show is the new Volvo Concept Universe, a study for a luxury sedan model that also provides a peek at the Swedish automaker’s future design language.

While Volvo did not release any technical details on the Concept Universe, the fact that it measures less than 5 meters in length points at a design study for a replacement for the firm’s S80 sedan and not a larger, Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival that the Swedish company’s Chinese owner Geely has been recently talking about.

Volvo released a teaser video of its upcoming Concept Universe, without giving out any additional information other than that it's a new design study that will be launched shortly. This means it could debut at one of this month's international auto shows, either in New York (April 22 – May 1) or Shanghai (April 21 – 28). Taking into account the fact that Volvo is owned by China’s Geely, the Shanghai show could be the more probable venue of the two for the new Volvo. Read more »

Volvo announced that it will offer a number of upgrades for its new model year V70, XC70 and S80, including the introduction of the latest iteration of its infotainment system as well as refined D5 and D3 diesel engines with increased performance and lower fuel consumption.

Seeing that Volvo will be holding on to the XC90, which has been in production since 2002, for a few more years, tuning firm Heico Sportiv decided to update its styling offerings for the crossover model.

The newly developed bodykit is made from PUR-R-RIM plastic and consists of six parts. These include new front apron that replaces the series-produced central and side panels and has a stainless steel stay located in front of the cooling air outlet, side skirts that are mounted on top of the original parts and a new rear apron that accommodates the four-pipe sports exhaust system with oval chrome end tips.

One of the major fears consumers have regarding electric vehicles, besides range anxiety, is how these cars are going to function in rough weather conditions. We all know batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can affect their capacity of storing electricity.

This is why Volvo is trying out its C30 Electric model in the north of Sweden, inside the Arctic Circle. Temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius are something normal in this part of the world, so Volvo engineers want to ensure the battery-powered car runs smoothly even in harsh environments.

In what could be one of the smallest recalls of the year, Volvo has issued a recall for seven S40 sedans from the 2011 model year in the U.S. over a production error. In a recent filling, Volvo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] that a crack may have formed on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment during the component production. Volvo said that the crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.

Volvo Art Session is the name of an experiment done by Volvo Cars Switzerland, in which ten street artists were provided with an S60 sedan that they could use as a canvas to create different designs.

The Polestar Racing prepared Volvo C30 DRIVe will make its premiere at the FIA World Touring Car Championship [WTCC] in the opening round of the 2011 season at Curitiba in Brazil this weekend. Polestar’s factory-backed C30 has already competed in the Swedish and Scandinavian Touring Car Championships, but being that the WTCC is a different beast altogether, the company said that it will not race to win this year, but to further develop the car for the 2012 season.

There’s less to pay for UK buyers looking to get into a Volvo C30 sport hatch as the Swedish automaker announced a significant £1,300 price cut to the entry-level model which now starts from £14,995 on the road. The C30 ES features a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 145HP and comes equipped with electronic climate control, 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and gearlever, a stability system (DSTC), power windows, information centre, and a CD player with auxiliary input.

In the UK, the C30 is available with a variety of petrol and diesel engines ranging from the 145HP 2.0-liter petrol to the 230HP T5 and 115HP D2 to the 177HP D4, as well as a choice of trim levels including the sporty R-Design.

The S60 is handsome, expressive, and organic all at once from the outside, with smooth contours and swooping lines matched up with a low, wedgy front and pert tail, and framed with large flashy alloy wheels. Inside the S60 has has an ultra-cool floating center stack of controls that pushes the Swedish design ethos into a hipper direction. Textures and design themes inside are far from the ordinary for luxury sedans.

All 2011 Volvo S60 models come in top-of-the-line T6 form—with a 300-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission. On the safety front, Volvo's Pedestrian Detection safety system can automatically stop the car if it detects a pedestrian and the driver fails to react.

Feline headlamps take the place of square ones. The car’s shoulders are defined by a curvy, flowing line that carries over from the concept; it replaces the simple arc of the previous car and brings modernity to the overall look. Expect the design cue to migrate across the entire lineup. Other features of the S60 concept that are candidates to make it to the real car are a second-gen radar cruise-control system, lightweight composite body panels, and a grille shutter than can close to reduce aero drag.

Volvo is promising “dynamic driving properties,” and we hope it delivers. The 2011 S60 will debut at the Geneva auto show next March and begin production at Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium, in early summer.

Naturally, Volvo continues to capitalize on that reputation with the all-new 2011 S60, which integrates more active and passive safety systems than ever before, including a groundbreaking new pedestrian-protection system.

Peter Horbury, Volvo’s former design director who returned to Volvo last year after a stint at parent Ford, led Volvo design in a new direction back in the 1990s with the S80 sedan. Safety comes naturally, even for pedestrians. Volvo’s all-new pedestrian-detection system is part of the $2100 Technology Package, which also includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning with full automatic braking, and warnings for maintaining distance and staying in your lane. But pedestrian detection is the unique offering here. Volvo’s radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if anyone walks out into its path – and then automatically activate the S60’s full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 22 mph if the driver does not react in time. In a test that Volvo set up for us during our first drive of the S60 in Portugal, we drove at about 15-20 mph toward a stationary dummy, to mimic low-speed driving in a crowded urban area. “Just keep driving steadily toward the dummy,” advised Tomas Andersson, senior manager for active safety electronics at Volvo. Volvo also offers its blind-spot detection system as a $700 stand-alone option. At launch, standard six-cylinder and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard.

2011 Volvo s40 Reviews

While safety-minded family shoppers often consider Volvo's larger sedans and crossover wagons, the S40 compact sedan isn't nearly as popular. The 2011 Volvo S40 is unremarkable from a styling standpoint, though it's even by today's fashion sense a well-sculpted small sport sedan. With the former base S40 2.4i models discontinued, as well as available all-wheel drive, only front-wheel-drive S40 T5 and T5 R-Design remain, both offering the higher-power 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine.

The 2011 Volvo S40 is a classy-looking car with a strong reputation for safety. It starts at $27,750, about $2,000 less than the BMW 1-Series.
Volvo redesigned the S40 in 2008. For 2011, Volvo simplified its trim, engine and transmission options; everything else remains the same.

The BMW 1-Series is one of the best drivers in the class. Starting at $29,150, the BMW 1-Series has two engine and transmission options that shoppers can select to fit their driving needs. The Volkswagen GTI is one of the least expensive cars in the class that offers a complete package: high performance, affordability, great fuel economy and a comfy interior. A diesel engine that enhances fuel economy is also available--The "2011 Volvo S40 "is available in two trims: T5 and R-Design.

For the 2011 Volvo S40, the base 2.4i model has been discontinued, as has the all-wheel-drive T5 R-Design. On the positive side, the Volvo S40 certainly looks the part of a European sport sedan. Similarly, the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G Sedan justify their higher costs through added performance and prestige.

The 2011 Volvo S40 Sedan is available in two trim levels: T5 and T5 R-Design--Adding the optional Preferred package will also get you a sunroof, leather upholstery and a power passenger seat.

Both trims are available with the Climate package, which adds heated front seats, headlight washers, automatic wipers and automatic climate control. Stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, satellite radio, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors and a blind-spot detection system paired with power-folding mirrors.

A standard five-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels -- all-wheel drive is no longer available. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg in combined driving.

Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are standard on all 2011 Volvo S40s. Also included are front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags, along with whiplash-reducing front head restraints. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the S40 was awarded the best rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset test and the second-best "Acceptable" rating in the side-impact test.

At a press conference held earlier today in Beijing, Chinese-owned Volvo Cars announced plans to build a new plant in the city of Chengdu and continuing investigations for a second factory in Daqing, in north-eastern China. Volvo said that the deal is still pending approval from the Chinese government.

"We regard the Chinese market as the second home market for Volvo Car Corporation and a very important part of the plan to build a successful future for the company," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The Chengdu assembly plant will only build Volvo cars and have an initial output of around 100,000 cars annually, with production estimated to start during 2013. Volvo said that the decision to expand in China will not affect operations and employment in Europe.

Even if you are not a specialist in classic cars, you know you have seen this one before. And you're right, its fame came from being Roger Moore's ride in the TV series “The Saint”. In fact, the man who played Simon Templar liked the car so much that he bought one for himself.

Revealed at the 1960 Brussels Motor Show, the unmistakably-shaped Swedish coupe was not the first choice for the part in “The Saint”. The producers first asked Jaguar for the E-Type, but the British refused, arguing that the car didn't need more publicity. Volvo said yes and so the P1800 became known worldwide.

Production started in 1961 and almost 46,000 units of the model were made in various versions until production ended in 1973.

Volvo is expanding its S60 and V60 lineup in Europe with the introduction of more fuel efficient DRIVe variants. Both versions use the upgraded 1.6-liter diesel engine that complies with the Euro 5 standard and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The S60 and V60 DRIVe models also benefit from the use of a start/stop system, with the end result being low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

Last month, we told you about Volvo's plans to reveal an almost production-ready diesel-electric hybrid version of the V60 at the Geneva Salon in March. Today, the Swedish automaker released a full set of photos and additional information on its Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in the market in 2012.

Pegged as the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, the eco-friendly V60 is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, and it promises to offer low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.

If you're searching for a...really naughty version of the 2011 Volvo S60, then look no further than to this race-spec model that's being readied for track by K-PAX Racing to defend the team's 2010 World Challenge GT Manufacturers′ and Drivers′ champion titles. The K-PAX team is preparing two all-wheel drive S60s, which will make their debut at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, in late April, for the fourth round of the World Challenge schedule.

2011 Volvo C30 Review

The 2011 Volvo C30 isn't your typical "hot hatch." Power comes from Volvo's familiar turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which cranks out a healthy 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

The "2011 Volvo C30 "is a four-seat, two-door hatchback offered in two trim levels. The base T5 includes 17-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable seats, a trip computer, cruise control, a 50/50-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The T5 R-Design trim level adds 18-inch wheels, foglights, a sport-tuned suspension, a quicker steering ratio, sporty exterior trim, partial leather upholstery, blue-face gauges and metallic interior trim.

The Climate package includes heated front seats, headlamp washers, automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers.
The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo C30 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 that produces 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The 2011 Volvo C30 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front seats with whiplash protection. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is optional.

The C30 is a fun car to drive. Our test model came with a five-speed automatic transmission, but I've driven a C30 with the available six-speed manual, and that's the model I strongly recommend if you want a sporty driving experience. The transmission has a manual-shift mode, though, so you can shift using the console-mounted gearshift. It has a stiff suspension, so there's basically no body roll, and the car feels planted to the road. As you'd expect from a small car with a stiff suspension, you feel the bumps in the road. Our test model was a T5 with a standard chassis and optional 18-inch wheels. You can also get an R-Design model with standard 18-inch wheels and a stiffer sport suspension, but I'd take that version for a long test drive before buying it; the R-Design might be too stiff to live with in a place with rough roads. Sure, it's more practical than a two-seat roadster, but this isn't a family car — unless everyone in your family is smaller than 5-foot-2, packs light and enjoys snug accommodations. Child Seats

Speaking of families, we installed some child-safety seats to see how they fit. A booster seat fits easily, and the seat belt is well-placed. There's not enough room lengthwise for an infant seat unless the front passenger seat is moved forward, but a rear-facing convertible seat fits without moving the front seat.
The rest of the car looks pretty much the same, and I have to admit, I've always been a fan of the car's design. There are two trim levels of the Volvo C30: T5 and R-Design. Our test model had this appearance package.

I like how the R-Design model looks, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want the stiffer R-Design chassis if I intended to drive the C30 every day around Chicago. See all the standard safety features here. (Our test model topped out at nearly $33,000.)

It's sporty, but not a high-performance sports car. Sometimes you just want a car that's comfortable, performs reasonably well and looks good.

Shoppers seeking a sportier driving experience or value may want to look elsewhere. What might be the C30’s biggest drawback is its price. Style-conscious shoppers will be hard-pressed to find a better-looking alternative to the "Volvo C30". However, a slew of competitors provide more value and driving excitement.

Should more space be needed, MINI offers the Cooper S Clubman.

Although not a luxury hatch, the Mazdaspeed3 offers many luxury options and shares its platform with the C30. It costs nearly $5,000 less than the Volvo and offers more space and doors.
The 2011 Volvo C30 is available in two trims: T5 and R-Design. The R-Design C30 features an R-Design exterior styling kit and unique suspension settings that most reviewers have criticized for ruining the ride quality.

2011 Volvo S80 Review

New for 2011 the engines receive horsepower increases, the 3.2 liter engine to 240-hp, and the turbocharged 3.0 liter to 300-hp. The front-wheel drive S80 is available with a 240-hp 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine or a 230-hp 3.2-liter PZEV engine. Safety features include ABS, traction control, stability control, and six airbags.

Unlike most luxury large cars, the Volvo S80 seems to be engineered to fly under the radar. Safety and price. The 2011 Volvo S80 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick,” which means it boasts excellent crash test scores and standard safety features. If you value your budget and your safety above plush interiors and back-road performance, most car reviewers say that the S80 should work for you.

The 2011 Infiniti M is also an IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” which should reassure buyers looking for a safe large luxury car--For 2011, Volvo has updated the S80’s engine lineup.

The exterior design is traditional Volvo. Fuel Economy is fine. This car is 90% Mercedes at 80% of the price. I recommend this car to anyone looking for understated luxury and high quality.

Introducing the all-new S60 R-Design — designed with true sports-car feel and featuring a specially developed chassis to ensure that the driving experience matches the car’s appearance.
With R-Design it becomes even sharper. They’re the natural choice for true connoisseurs,” said Paul Welander, Senior Vice President Product Development at Volvo Cars.

Sporty, sportier, sportiest — in order to keep the superlatives in check Volvo Cars has taken an holistic view of the all-new S60 R-Design, with the design and chassis being developed in parallel into a single cohesive offer.

Distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes and unique five-spoke 18-inch Diamond cut wheels emphasize the sporty overall appeal.
The Volvo S60 saloon has been winning Volvo praise thanks to its good looks, comfort and enjoyable handling. Now Volvo has added its R-Design package to the range, and we’ve tested it.
The chassis has been comprehensively honed to improve the precision of each wheel’s movements--Inside there’s a three-spoke steering wheel, blue instrument dials, sports gear knob and bucket seats with increased side support to further hold occupants in place.

It’s not as involving as the lively rear-wheel drive BMW 3 Series coupe, but on a par with the front or four-wheel drive Audi A5.
Actually it's a more advanced form of an existing Volvo active safety system called City Safety, which automatically stops a Volvo if another vehicle gets in its way.
It's a radar-and camera-based system that can detect pedestrians in front of the car.

In a nutshell, it gives a warning signal if someone walks into its detection field and automatically activates the car's full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time.

Half of all pedestrian accidents occur at speeds below 25 km/h. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 35 km/h, even if the driver is distracted and does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on warning and reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact.

The all-wheel-drive technology now includes a torque-vectoring feature, which can increase torque to the outside wheel and help steer the car around a turn with more stability.

SAFETY
In addition to the Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system, the S60 offers a selection of other advanced active safety features. n Lane Departure Warning is a system that alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting into another lane. THE DRIVE
We drove like normal and it was almost completely uneventful other than some minor warning light episodes -- people walking in front while stopped (in drive).

Even with its battery of safety systems, the S60 is probably the sportiest Volvo sedan we've driven. Overall it's a nicely balanced car with a first-class engine.