2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model
First seen in the U.S. at the South Florida International Auto Show, the 2011 Volvo C70 receives a bold new look and a number of interior enhancements. With its new front appearance, the 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. The 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model now relates more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range.
2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 is a convertible model, manufactured since 1997. This model is in its second generation. First generation model was offered with soft top convertibles and second generation models are installed with retractable hardtop. Second generation model was launched in 2006 and this model is based on Volvo P1 platform. New generation Volvo C70 is installed with advanced accessories like LED tail lamp, sleeker headlamps and many other accessories. 2011 Volvo C70 is a luxurious convertible model which offers smooth and comfortable drive experience. This new model is likely to face some tough competition from other convertible models like Infinity G37, Volkswagen Eos, Lexus IS 250 C and BMW 3 series.
2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model
Volvo C70 2011 will be sold at a price of 39,950 USD – 50 USD cheaper than the price of old, but with the additional standard equipment for 4000 USD, which was once optional. Like 5 speed automatic transmission, SIRIUS satellite radio, a layer of luxurious leather upholstery, LED taillights high-tech, complete airbags only from the front but also on the side of the vehicle.
2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model’s cabin is very slim and houses little gaps between console and dash. Stereo, navigation and Bluetooth are offered with straight forward access with button interface. This model’s interior can also be decorated with wood trim on center stack and standard aluminum material. Optional stereo system presents good sound quality to its occupants. 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model’s seats are designed to offer comfortable seating position to its occupants. Rear cabin is very expansive and relatively comfortable for an average individual. Cargo compartment of this vehicle is also bit spacious and can easily accommodate small luggage.
The 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is a four-passenger luxury convertible with a retractable hardtop, and it's available in only one trim level, the T5. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-retractable hardtop, front and rear foglights and heated outside mirrors. Standard interior features include leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver memory), automatic dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite and HD radio.
2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model
The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with manual-shift control is mandatory. This powertrain is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model
The C70 comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front passengers, roll bars that deploy in the case of a roll-over accident and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. In crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the C70 its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side impact protection.
But the 2011 Volvo Sport Sedan C70 Luxurious Convertible Model is about more than safety and an innovative roof. In the U.S., the 2011 C70 is offered with a powerful 227 horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine that's mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission with driver selectable Geartronic shifting. Power is seamlessly distributed to the front wheels with Volvo's standard Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system.
Given the popularity of oil burners in Europe and their superior fuel economy, it’s surprising that manufacturers have taken so long to develop diesel hybrids.
It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.
Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.
Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.
The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.
Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.
However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.
Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.
A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.
There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.
Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.
With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:
2011 World Car of the Year
Audi A1
Audi A8
BMW 5 Series
BMW X3
Jaguar XJ
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Nissan Leaf
Porsche Cayenne
Volvo S60 / V60
Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.
What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.
The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.
It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.
Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.
2011 World Performance Car
Aston Martin Rapide
Audi RS 5 Coupe
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Ferrari 458 Italia
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Porsche 911 Turbo
Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250
This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.
2011 World Car Design of the Year
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Aston Martin Rapide
Audi A7
Citroën DS3
Ferrari 458
Honda CR-Z
Kia Sportage
Nissan Juke
There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.
On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.
The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.
2011 World Green Car
BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
Chevrolet Volt
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell
Nissan Leaf
Smart electric drive
Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.
Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.
But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.
The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.
Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.
Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.
UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners.
During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.
Supermini
Shortlist
Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort
Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr
In a rare piece of good news for motorists, the beginning of 2011 saw a change to the London Congestion Charge that could see some drivers now (legally) avoiding the fee altogether.
The new Greener Vehicle Discount, which replaces the Alternative Fuel Discount, means that more cars will potentially qualify for 100% off the daily charge.
Naturally, there are a couple of caveats that come attached with this generous gesture from Transport for London.
The first is that the vehicle needs to be ‘green’. More precisely, it should be Euro 5 emissions compliant and produce 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre or less.
Secondly, if you already own such an eco-friendly machine, don’t presume that you can just swan about in central London and not worry about the Congestion Charge. To receive the Greener Vehicle Discount, a car must first be registered with Transport for London, and that involves a £10 annual payment.
So, what cars will qualify for the Greener Vehicle Discount? According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, the models that currently meet the criteria are:
Manufacturer
Model
Specification
Transmission
Fuel
CO2 g/km
Audi
A3
1.6 TDI 105PS Stop Start
M5
Diesel
99
Citroën
DS3
1.6HDi 90hp w/ energy saving tyres
M5
Diesel
99
Citroën
New C3
1.6HDi 90hp Airdream+
M5
Diesel
99
Fiat
500 / 500C (2010 on)
TwinAir
M5
Petrol
95
Fiat
500 / 500C (2010 on)
TwinAir Dualogic
SAT5
Petrol
92
Fiat
Punto Evo (Jan 2010 on)
1.3 16v MultiJet 85 ECO
M5
Diesel
95
Ford
Fiesta (Post 2010¼)
1.6 Duratorq 95PS +DPF ECO
M5
Diesel
98
Hyundai
i10
1.0l SOHC
M5
Petrol
99
Mini
Hatchback
One D w/ DPF
M6
Diesel
99
Mini
Hatchback
Cooper D w/ DPF
M6
Diesel
99
Seat
Ibiza
ST 1.2 CR TDI 75PS Ecomotive
M5
Diesel
92
Seat
Leon
1.6 CR TDI 105PS Ecomotive
M5
Diesel
99
Skoda
New Fabia Hatch
1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II
M5
Diesel
89
Skoda
New Fabia Estate
1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II
M5
Diesel
89
Skoda
New Fabia Estate
1.2 TDI 3 cylinder 75PS GreenLine
M5
Diesel
89
Smart
fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)
54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Diesel
86
Smart
fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)
54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Diesel
87
Smart
fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)
71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Petrol
99
Smart
fortwo cabrio (MY 2011)
71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Petrol
100
Smart
fortwo coupé (MY 2011)
54 bhp cdi w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Diesel
86
Smart
fortwo coupé (MY 2011)
54 bhp cdi w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Diesel
87
Smart
fortwo coupé (MY 2011)
71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Petrol
97
Smart
fortwo coupé (MY 2011)
71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels
5 AMT
Petrol
98
Toyota
iQ (MY 2011)
1.0 VVT-i
M5
Petrol
99
Toyota
Auris Hybrid (MY 2010)
T4 89g 1.8 VVT-i
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
89
Toyota
Auris Hybrid (MY 2010)
T4 1.8 VVT-i
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
93
Toyota
Auris Hybrid (MY 2010)
T Spirit 1.8 VVT-i
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
93
Toyota
Prius (MY 2009)
T4 1.8 VVT-I
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
92
Toyota
Prius (MY 2009)
T3 1.8VVT-I
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
89
Toyota
Prius (MY 2009)
T Spirit 1.8 VVT-I
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
92
Toyota
Prius (MY 2009)
T Spirit w/ Solar Panel 1.8VVT-I
E-CVT
Petrol Hybrid
89
Volkswagen
New Polo
1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion
M5
Diesel
89
Volkswagen
New Golf
1.6 TDI 105PS BlueMotion
M5
Diesel
99
Volvo
C30 (MY 2011)
DRIVe
M6
Diesel
99
Volvo
C30 (MY 2011)
DRIVe
M6
Diesel
99
Volvo
S40 (MY 2010)
DRIVe
M6
Diesel
99
Volvo
S40 (MY 2011)
DRIVe
M6
Diesel
99
Volvo
V50 (MY 2011)
DRIVe
M6
Diesel
99
NB: Electric and plug-in hybrid cars aren’t eligible for the Greener Vehicle Discount - they have their own discount scheme.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Transport for London has committed to review the Greener Vehicle Discount in the future, so that eventually only vehicles emitting 80 g/km or less qualify. This tweak will be introduced ‘when the time is right’, but the first reassessment of the discount has been confirmed for 2012.
And finally, the area covered by the Congestion Charge is now much smaller, following the scrapping of the Western Extension zone on 4th January 2011:
The Nissan Leaf has been declared 2011 European Car of the Year. It’s the first electric car to win the title, but it wasn’t a unanimous decision.
Fifty-seven motoring journalists from across the continent formed a jury to decide the winner, and each was given twenty-five votes to distribute across the seven finalists. The contest rules stipulate that they had to allocate those votes to at least five cars, with no more than ten points allowed for any one model.
Only three jurors gave the Leaf a maximum score, but nine didn’t give it any votes at all.
Such a divergence of opinion reflected that while it’s technically interesting, the Nissan is still unproven in real world conditions. Some of the journalists also recognised that the Leaf is very much a first generation electric car; future models will undoubtedly have better range, shorter recharging times, and cost less.
Consequently, it was a close result, with second and third spots being occupied by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Vauxhall / Opel Meriva.
At the Los Angeles Design Challenge Competition, Volvo took the open-air experience at a whole new level with its ‘lighter than a Formula 1 racing car’ study project – the Volvo Air Motion. Besides its strong yet ultra-light body structure, the Air Motion concept cars vehicle further adds to its superlatives eco-friendliness, as it is not using a single drop of gasoline while driving wild.
Volvo Air Motion is a sports cars that runs on powerful, yet simple compressed air motors that, unlike an internal combustion engine, cools down under load rather than heat up. The air tank is centrally mounted and receives compressed air through wind-powered air replenishment sites that float 1000ft in the air. Its beautiful Scandinavian body is designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.
2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept
Tipping the scales at under 1,000 pounds (453 kg), the Volvo Air Motion Concept is lighter than a Formula One car and employs a similar open-wheel configuration.
2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept
The 2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept was developed around the idea that minimizing the weight and complexity means maximizing driving enjoyment. Volvo built the cars with fewer components and replaced the heavy internal combustion engine with powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors. To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. The motors cool down with increased load, instead of heating up, which eliminates the need for cooling systems. The chassis, interior and suspension employ an integrated design which brings a notable contribution to the lowered weight.
Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion Concept demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.
Notable is the Leaf, which is the first purely electric car to reach this stage of the competition.
All new models were eligible for the award, provided that they were already on sale (or soon would be) in five or more European markets, and are expected to achieve annual retails of 5,000 or more. This year, there were 41 that met the criteria.
A first stage of voting, which involved motoring journalists from across the continent, whittled those candidates down to the final nominees. The list of cars that failed to make it onto the shortlist makes interesting reading, too, and it includes some surprises:
The UK’s Office of Fair Trading has launched an investigation into suspected price fixing by truck manufacturers.
As part of its enquiries, which are taking place under the Enterprise Act 2002 and the Competition Act 1998, the OFT earlier this week invited itself to the offices of Mercedes-Benz UK in Tongwell, Milton Keynes. Following the raid, one person was arrested but later bailed.
The Enterprise Act is a serious piece of legislation - breaches can result in criminal charges, with the possibility that individuals can be jailed for up to five years, and the company fined up to 10% of its global turnover.
A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz has said that the company "… is fully co-operating with the investigation which may take many months or more to complete."
Meanwhile, rival firms Scania, MAN and Volvo Trucks / Renault Trucks have confirmed that they have already received letters from the OFT notifying them of the investigation and requesting information. Iveco and DAF, The other two major commercial vehicle makers operating in the UK, have indicated that they are prepared to fully cooperate with the OFT probe.
Things went a bit wrong when Volvo decided to show off its collision avoidance system on the new S60.
Unfortunately, as this YouTube video shows, the car just smacked straight into the back of a stationary truck, instead of automatically stopping in time like it was supposed to. The large crowd watching just made an already embarrassing situation worse.
Volvo claims the accident was caused by a fault with the car’s battery and, had a person been driving, they’d have realised something was wrong and done something about it. That might be the case, but then what’s the point of having the system in the first place?
But now the Fords might have serious competition in the form of the Volvo C30 Performance Concept Prototype, developed by Polestar Performance.
The Swedish tuner has a history with Volvo. Not only does it offer performance upgrades for Volvo road cars, but it has also run Volvo’s factory entries in the Swedish Touring Car Championship for many years, winning the 2009 title with a C30.
It’s not hard to directly compare the C30 PCP to the Focus RS500, especially as the Ford shares its platform and 2.5 litre engine with the Volvo.
Thanks to a larger intercooler and modified pistons, conrods and inlet camshaft, Polestar has managed to give the C30 PCP 405 bhp and 510 Nm of torque.
That’s considerably more than the RS500, but the C30 PCP is arguably better equipped to handle the extra power. Unlike the front-wheel drive Focus, it features a Haldex all-wheel drive system with Quaife front and rear differentials.
The C30 PCP is equipped with 19” BBS wheels and Brembo disc brakes front and rear, while its body kit has been inspired by the aerodynamic tweaks seen on the STCC racer.
It’s just a concept at the moment, although Volvo is expected to shortly confirm whether the C30 PCP will be put into production.
Chinese automobile holding Zhejiang Geely Holdings which more recently became the owner of Swedish company Volvo, plans to make by 2011 to 300,000 cars of the Swedish mark a year.
Arrogant Chinese plans
Such results it is planned to achieve within the limits of the plan of improvement of an unprofitable brand. We will notice, that on sale Volvo the branch department of Chinese holding Geely Automobile and concern Ford plan to finish definitive end of the transaction in May of current year.
About Zhejiang Geely Holdings
Under not confirmed information, 51% of actives Volvo it will be sold for 1,5-2 billion dollars. We will remind, that in 2009 corporation Geely has made 321,000 cars, that on 45% more than year before. Thus, purchase Volvo will allow Geely more than twice to increase the capacity. In plans Geely by 2015 to sell to 2 million cars a year.
Volvo C70 2011 modelling years will receive a new forward part in style XC60 and S60 and new back lanterns. More pleasant news will be that car complete sets have improved.
New Cabriolet Volvo C70
Among new standard options: the 5-step automatic machine, satellite radio Sirius and furnish of salon by a skin. Among other innovations wider tool panel which is feature C70 in comparison with other models Volvo. It will be completed new Volvo C70 with 2011 2,5-l engine power of 227HP.
Potential competitor BMW
New Volvo C70 2011 will cost from $39,950US. The American prices will be approximately on 30% above. Thus, at the price of Volvo C70 it will be equated, for example, to BMW Z4.
Company Volvo plans to begin testing of 50 copies of the electric version of hatchback C30 in two years, informs magazine Autocar.
Electrocar Volvo
Tests of these cars partially (at a rate of 150 million Swedish crones) are sponsored by a Department of Energy of Sweden and will proceed throughout two years. Cars will give to specially selected group of persons on the basis of which responses it is planned to make operational development of electromobiles and to create a corresponding infrastructure.
Earlier Swedish motor-car manufacturer already represented the concept car on the basis of this model, however to coming a motor show in Detroit, opening in the beginning of January, the prototype has been a little modernised.
Electrocar by Volvo C30
First of all, electrocar now it is constructed on the basis of updated Volvo C30, and also has received completely updated interior.
The electromobile is equipped by the 111-strong electromotor which eats from lithium-ionic of the accumulators, capable to provide to the car movement throughout 150 kilometres. The maximum speed of a novelty, according to representatives Volvo, makes 130 km/h, dispersal with 0 to 96 km/h for 10,5 seconds, and on full gymnastics of batteries from the usual house socket it is required about eight hours.
Company Volvo in 2012 prepares release of the first serial hybrid. As informs British magazine CAR, it will be the successor of model Volvo V70 which will receive a diesel engine-electric a power-plant with possibility of additional charge of batteries from the household electric system.
Ecological hybrid Volvo
According to the British journalists, hybrid power-plant Volvo will be in many respects similar to the scheme chosen by group PSA Peugeot Citroen — the diesel motor in front and the electric motor behind. The Swedish company plans to use a 2,4-litre diesel engine power of 205HP and 50-kw the electromotor: thanks to such scheme, hybrid Volvo will turn out all-wheel drive.
On preliminary data, without refuelling the serial model can pass 1100-1200 kilometres, and level of emissions СО2 in atmosphere at this car will not exceed 50 g/km.
Formation of demand for hybrid cars
It is supposed, that hybrid Volvo the Swedish government will give to buyers tax privileges approximately for 7,000 euros, therefore the serial car about a diesel engine-electric installation the similar car with the traditional motor will cost on 9-10,000 euro more expensively, than. However the exact prices for a novelty are not known yet — as representatives of the Swedish company speak, all will depend on the cost price lithium-ionic of batteries at the moment of a hybrid exit on the car market.
Engineers of company Volvo develop the version of compact car Volvo C30 with the electric motor, thus, the model is not planned yet in manufacture in immediate prospects.
As writes the edition referring to press-service Volvo, electromobile Volvo C30 will be presented at an exhibition «to the Innovation for a life» which will take place in Sweden after a motor show in Frankfurt. For a basis electric С30 was the conceptual working out Recharge, shown is taken one year earlier, — have informed in the press-service.
Family Pininfarina owning well-known design company Pininfarina SpA, has employed Italian Banca Leonardo for sale of a control package of the firm, has informed a source in the company. As informs Reuters, sale of a package of the developer of design for various models Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Jaguar, Volvo, Alfa Romeo and Lancia is a transaction part on settlement of debts Pininfarina before banks.
Company Pincar which supervises family actives, at the same time, a family completely does not leave completely with Pininfarina SpA, and reserves the right to itself the full participant of board of directors. As the future investors are called French financier Vincent Bollore and Indian Tata Motors Ltd. In a consortium with Fiat SpA.
The studio of autodesign Pininfarina is created in the thirtieth years of last century and is since then family business. In the company work about 3 thousand persons. The company has started to experience financial difficulties still couple of years back. So, in April, 2008 Pininfarina has officially informed on the intention to sell 25% of actives. The Italian company planned to direct a part of this money to firm Bollore for payment of creation of an electromobile.
Only ten years ago, in 1999, Swedish Volvo Group has sold to concern Ford the branch Volvo Cars, having conceded to Americans of the right of use of mark Volvo for cars, minivans, minibuses and sports cars.
Despite change of the owner, main priorities Volvo Car Corporation remained former — safety of all participants of movement and convenience of the car to the driver and passengers. So, the Scandinavian firm began to care and of ecology. However year before engineers from the Geteborg have changed the important approaches to a design of cars.
In May, 1998 the Swedish company Volvo has stopped manufacture of cars of classical configuration S90/V90 (a series 940-960 till 96th year) and has completely started the production cars with a cross-section arrangement of the power unit and forward (or full) a drive. So the decisive step has been dictated by the weighty economic and technical reasons. Front-wheel cars with a cross-section arrangement of the engine have lower cost of manufacture. To consumers their operation more cheaply manages. But besides it front-wheel cars possess also the best stability, than the cars having a drive on back wheels. More precisely so affairs were for that moment when managers Volvo Cars made it fatal the decision, at a characteristic level of development for this time of automobile electronics.
To go through a hard time and not to change to the constructive principles it was possible only to Germans — to Bavarians and firm Mercedes-Benz. Having spent a heap of money and a great lot of efforts to system engineering of management by a stream of power and stabilisation of movement of the car, they could level a difference in levels of course stability.
And here traditional advantages, characteristic for cars of classical configuration, remained at them. After all only similar configuration allows to counterbalance in regular intervals weight of the car on axes. And this circumstance, along with absence of traction effort on forward wheels, helps to achieve the best controllability of the car.
Thus, if extremely to simplify the description of a today's situation both to the manufacturer, and the consumer needs to choose between size of expenses and comfort and controllability level. With reference to the automobile company it, in particular, means the following: if you wish to make the high quality car use classical configuration. Japanese firms Lexus and Infiniti, followed Germans, have well acquired this true. And for compact and, especially, inexpensive cars the best configuration will be that at which the engine will take places across a motor coupe (that took less places), and the drive was carried out on forward wheels.
Volvo today
Designers Volvo use such configuration on all models without an exception already more than ten years. But just absence of exceptions also creates problems. For car Volvo C30, S40 and V50 the similar layout scheme is more than pertinent, and the platform from car Ford Focus corresponds almost ideally. Swedes only needed to choose parametres of adjustment of the chassis (it is a problem for experts in marketing) and to correct a suspension bracket according to them (a problem for engineers).
Models Volvo S60 and XC60 already are as though "boundary", both on a class, and on the sizes. In the sense that at their designing it would be possible to use any of the mentioned schemes and to achieve thus the relatives almost identical, results. And here above on a class the picture any more does not look so iridescent. Versatile person V70 is still, all right. But sedan Volvo S80 and crossover XC90 (the biggest car Volvo) from the point of view of designing and engineering are perceived by "wrong".
Certainly, these cars go, and it is rather quite good. But engineers from the Geteborg had to do the big work to compensate a consequence once the made choice — the layout scheme. It is necessary to notice, that a design of transmission Volvo with a drive of all of 4 wheels when back wheels are connected to some extent in case of proslipping of lobbies, here not in attention it undertakes intended, because it is a separate theme and also full of compromises.
Probably, one of consequences of excessive propensity of designers Volvo Cars to compromises is refusal of German manufacturers to enlist the Swedish company in the elite club. For the same reason sharp motorists on language have thought up for Volvo a personal class — "pseudo-premium". Thus nobody challenges the main priorities of the Scandinavian firm, as well as achievements in recognised areas.
Feeler
If to take into consideration the above-stated reasonings conceptual project Volvo SC90 which has appeared in this year will cease to seem so unexpected. And value, on the contrary, will increase and will be beyond the student's work made during training of the author in the Californian studio of design of company Volvo. Young designer Nufon Bansasin (Nouphone Bansasine) has drawn very beautiful car.
Certainly, the lattice of a radiator of the six-coal form forces to recollect conceptual car Volkswagen Iroc. But this unique loan which can be found in the project. And it is harmoniously entered in an obverse part of new car Volvo. Though there is also one more. But this similarity of absolute other sort.
In image and forms of a new coupe that power of the compressed spring which so is well familiar on cars BMW any more one generation is felt. Actually, Volvo for a long time to aspire to something similar. But only in work of designers Volvo this energy is felt so powerfully. And it is surprising. Because both the general form of the car, and separate elements of design have with cars of the Bavarian firm no anything the general. Though, is not present: a back part of the car, it is accurate in a profile, in that drawing on which there is east beauty, gives rise to very thin associations with BMW. But it only associations. It is necessary to look at the same element under any most insignificant corner, and similarity there and then "evaporates".
Sides of a body of coupe SC90, combining convex and concave surfaces are interestingly executed. These surfaces as if are imposed on a pure silhouette of the car, creating an additional visual image. As to an ex-terrier on level of stylistic study the given project can successfully argue with the most expensive supercar of a planet — Aston Martin One-77, something imperceptible reminding last.
Very important that, as in shape of the car, and in salon firm lines Volvo is guessed absolutely definitely.
Only it is absolutely new — young, dynamical, resolute, impudent and extreme Volvo!
The new classics
Thus the external beauty sports Volvo SC90 not only speaks for itself, but also informs other extremely useful and important information. After all a small forward plumb of a body and long, but a low cowl in the forward part eloquently I testify that on the car is planned to use the engine of great volume which not only is located along a longitudinal axis of the car, but also it is strongly shifted for a forward axis.
It is available — classical configuration of the car in a combination to a back drive and ideal distribution of weight on axes. The made assumption confirms also the computer videoclip applied on the project. In this video film the author of the project not only shows a class and character of the car, but also directly shows configuration.Most likely, developers used motor Yamaha with which crossovers XC90 are completed now by working out of the project. After all it is unique engine V8 which company Volvo Cars has for today. Besides the car is rather advanced on a design — very easy, compact and giving in to modernisation. It is enough to recollect, that on supercar Noble power of this motor at equipment by a turbo-supercharging reaches 600HP.
In too time concern Ford at the moment finishes working out of wide scale of motors V6 and V8 which are equipped with pressurisation already initially. And among them there are the engines possessing power sufficient even for such car.
The foggy future
Actually the destiny also depends on the further development of relations with "Ford" not only the given project, but also all company Volvo. Certainly, a stumbling-block is not the problem of motors, and huge debts Ford Motor. And not looking that within approximately year their "Ford's" managers successfully reduce, shareholders of the American concern demand to sell the Swedish firm, to accelerate this process.
Itself Volvo Car Corporation by and large in this situation it is not guilty. The car, of course, is today unprofitable but who has today profit? Though, in all honesty, it is necessary to admit that last ten years Volvo Cars was far not successful though and concerning the safe company. Who knows, perhaps, the project of new coupe Volvo SC90 is that counterbalance which will overcome bowls of scales in the necessary direction therefore the Scandinavian company remains as a part of concern Ford.
And though the common sense prompts, that hardly it is necessary to expect a great demand on expensive cars in the foreseeable future, and the logic of crisis especially demands to reduce costs and to make the cheap cars, above described example BMW and Mercedes-Benz says that sometimes it is not necessary to run together with all.
Sale Volvo Car Corporation to Chineses can become the nominal transaction of this century. By and large the transaction is not favourable any of three companies. Including to Chineses. Unless only Ford will receive the money. And that the reputation can suffer more.
Supercar Volvo SC90 is a project which is capable to approach Volvo to an ideal. But only in the event that money, and Volvo — time will suffice "Ford".
Turning firm Heico Sportive has decided to take on the new Volvo XC60 in order to give it a more sporting appearance and an increase in power.
The big news is under the hood as both the 163 hp 2.4D and the 185 hp D5 engines are retuned to produce 210 hp. Higher spec models with the turbocharged T6 engine will now crank out 315 hp instead of 285 hp.
The traditional black plastic body-cladding disappears as it is now painted in the same color as the exterior. Customers can select from either 19" or 20" alloy wheels while other changes include a new dual exhaust system and a 30mm reduction in the vehicle's ride height.
Volvo XC70 Surf Rescue On Patrol at the 2007 SEMA Show
Lifeguards on Southern California's famous beaches have been glamorized by Hollywood for decades. While they share the spirit of adventure and camaraderie, these dedicated men and women are highly trained professionals who take safety very seriously. Half a world away, a Volvo designer in Sweden who is captivated by lifeguard skill competitions accepted the challenge to design a show car for his heroes. The result, Volvo's XC70 Surf Rescue (SR) concept, pays homage to the brave individuals who protect and serve the ocean-going public.
At the Volvo Concept Center in Gothenburg, Sweden, Joel Alexandersson was charged with creating the conceptual design for a one-of-a-kind rescue vehicle that upholds Volvo's core value of safety in a bold and dynamic new way. The XC70 SR's interior concept was assigned to Volvo's styling center in Barcelona, Spain. Larry Abele, design manager at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) in Camarillo, California, coordinated the global teamwork and vehicle build.
As a testament to Volvo's advanced design capabilities, the XC70 SR concept was initially created in a virtual world. "The entire design process was performed digitally," says Abele. "This enabled us to review and modify the design in real time by projecting it onto large scale screens at each studio."
Volvo selected the Aria Group in Irvine, California, to build the concept. Starting with a production XC70, the Aria team completely stripped the vehicle of its paint, trim, bumpers and interior. Custom-designed parts were crafted for the concept without the traditional method of building clay models. Being able to go directly from digital designs to a process called rapid prototyping greatly reduces development time.
Guided by the surfing lifestyle and casual beach culture, the XC70 SR's paint scheme is developed specifically for the show car by DuPont. Colors are selected from DuPont's Global Advanced Design Show, which represents cutting edge trends in automotive color. The exterior yellow is a multi-layer effect coating incorporating a vibrant color with pearl like qualities. The secondary red uses a tinted clear to produce high chroma with warm undertones. These exotic finishes use DuPont's wet on wet coating technology for multi layer effects without the high cost of multiple baking steps.
Eye-catching Surf Rescue graphics are added for instant recognition on a crowded beach. The exterior also sports a custom-crafted front fascia that wears a one-off milled aluminum billet grille. Front and rear skid plates and wider wheel lip cladding provide extra body protection from flying sand. The new fascias also reduce front and rear overhang, thereby improving approach and departure angles.
The chassis is lifted an additional five inches from the stock ride height for improved ground clearance. It also makes way for a massive set of custom designed 20-inch wheels and Pirelli 275/45R20 tires made specifically for the XC70 SR. The tread is designed for increased grip on loose and sandy soil with the flexibility to provide excellent traction both on and off the road. The rear subframe is beefed-up for added ruggedness with milled aluminum billet components.
True to form, the XC70 SR is topped by a unique aerodynamically designed roof-mounted emergency light bar integrated with a rescue board rack. Not only does this treatment contribute to the stunning good looks of the vehicle, it also helps to reduce wind drag by attaching directly to the XC70's OEM supplied roof rails.
When it's time to respond to a call, the driver or front passenger can activate a barrage of flashing blue strobe emergency lights. In addition to the roof, they're neatly inset into the lower front valance panel, headlight and rear combination light clusters as well as the inside rearview mirror.
Lifeguards get wet and sandy on the job so the interior is modified for heavy-duty use - without sacrificing style. The XC70's standard front bucket and folding rear seats are recovered in wetsuit style neoprene fabric that's custom tailored in black and gray with bright yellow inserts. Decorative interior panels throughout the cabin are yellow tinted with clear to segue with the spirit of the exterior hue.
Bulky emergency rescue gear housed in the cargo compartment can easily be accessed via the XC70's power rear tailgate. Secured to the neoprene covered floor are two scuba tanks, an oxygen tank, a small first aid kit, a resuscitator box and a large waterproof box containing additional medical supplies and surf rescue equipment.
The XC70's 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder normally aspirated engine produces 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired. All-wheel-drive with Instant TractionTM is standard. Electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.
To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. The motors cool down with increased load, instead of heating up, which eliminates the need for cooling systems. The chassis, interior and suspension employ an integrated design which brings a notable contribution to the lowered weight.
