Volvo Rolls Out Sportier XC60 R-Design

With the R-series sports cars eliminated from Volvo's line-up, the Swedish firm's R badge lives on as a high-end trim and equipment level that may also include some degree of chassis upgrades as is the case with the new XC60 R-Design. According to Volvo, the R-Design chassis of the XC60 is stiffer than that of the standard model, featuring stronger damping and more distinct driving properties without compromising too much on ride comfort.

Furthermore, the Swedes claim that the steering has been improved on the XC60 R-Design and is now more responsive thanks to the new, "more direct steering gear".

On the outside, the sport package adds door mirror housings, trim mouldings and decor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes plus a set of newly designed 18-inch or optionally, 20-inch alloy wheels. Another unique feature is the color-keyed lower section of the car (instead of the matte black theme of the standard model).

The XC60 R-Design's interior is also upgraded with aluminum trim inserts in the sports steering wheel, door mouldings and the centre stack which also features a different decor with a circular pattern. Other highlights include the sports pedals made of brushed aluminium, the two-tone sport seats and the specific watch dial instruments with blue gauges.

The new R-Design option pack for the XC60 will be officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales expected to start around that time.

Workaholism: Our Spy Photographer's Personal Car...

Out of pure courtesy we didn't ask if this is the result of one of our spy photographer's obsession with work or simply a tool that makes Gawid's job easier on the field when he is chasing around camouflaged prototypes of all sorts. But either way, the checkered spy theme on the Volvo 460 sure helps to inject some needed personality into the boxy Swedish sedan.

Volvo Recalling Thousands of S80, V70 and XC70 Models

More than 17,600 MY2008-2009 Volvo S80 sedans, V70 station-wagons and XC70 crossovers are being recalled in the States because of a potential problem with the engine cooling fan. The Swedish automaker said that due to a software programming error in the fan control module, the engine cooling fan may stop working. Depending on conditions, the driver could face reduced air conditioning performance, and/or a rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.

The recall is expected to begin in July with Volvo dealers replacing the fan control module on the affected vehicles free of charge. Concerned owners may contact Volvo for more information directly at 1-800-458-1552.

China's Beijing Auto also Interested in Buying Volvo

A second Chinese firm has been added to the list of potential bidders for FoMoCo's Volvo division. Aside from Geely Automobiles Holdings, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday in its online edition that the Chinese government-owned Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp (BAIC) is also interested in the Swedish automaker. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the newspaper said a delegation from Beijing Auto is expected to visit Volvo's headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden as early as Thursday to meet with the firm's executives and tour its factory.

The report goes on to say that Ford has narrowed the potential buyers for Volvo to three or four interested parties. The American automaker paid 50 billion Swedish Kronas or $6.45 billion US to acquire Volvo's car operations in 1999, but now most analysts expect that Ford will sell the Swedish company for far less than $3 billion US.

Via: WSJ

Lexmaul Tweaks the Volvo V70 2.0D

The diesel-powered V70 2.0D ain't exactly the first Volvo model that leaps to mind when it comes to tuning, but this hasn't stopped Lexmaul from introducing a rather subtle performance kit for the Swedish estate. The German tuning firm's package is limited to an upgraded ECU that kicks output from 136HP and 320Nm up to 166HP and 390Nm of torque, and a set of sport springs that lowers the V70's suspension by 30mm.

2011 Volvo C70 Facelift Scooped Unmasked During Photo Shoot!

These days its seems like we're getting more scoop photos from blog readers and forum members than from professional spy photographers. A pair of completely undisguised 2011MY (or 2010MY) Volvo C70 facelift models were captured on film during a photo shoot somewhere in Barcelona, Spain, by an eagle-eyed member of the Swedespeed Volvo4Life forums. Looking at the camera phone photos it is clear that the redesign of the C70 coupe-convertible was stylistically influenced by the S60 Concept sports sedan that was revealed at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

Up front, the revamped C70 features a completely new fascia with more organic details and softer shapes. Changes include the new swoopy headlamps, the wider and more pronounced grille as well as the newly styled bumper. The new tail lamps, the larger Volvo name on the boot lid and the revised bumper at the back, round up the exterior styling changes - or at least that's what we gather by looking at the shots.

It's also possible that Volvo may have refreshed the hardtop convertible's interior and upgraded the chassis and/or the engine range, but we won't know for sure until the Swedish automaker reveals something official. We imagine that we'll see the 2011 C70 making its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Until then, tell us you're initial thoughts on the C70's redesign in the comment section below.

Via: Volvo4Life & Forum Swedespeed (member 'al_bcn')

Cobra Tuning for the new Volvo XC60 SUV

Off-road tuning specialist 'Cobra Technology & Lifestyle' has presented its latest line of aftermarket bling for the new Volvo XC60 SUV. The range includes the 'oh so useful for your typical, city-dwelling XC60 owner' stainless-steel front guards and rocker panels with integrated steps. Ironically, all that shiny protective armor can be complemented with a set of 18, 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels that are available in four different designs. The largest version features Action Sport or Katana wheels shod in 255/45 R20 tires (front and rear).

VIDEO: Volvo V70 Diesel-Electric Plug-in Hybrid

On Monday, Volvo announced that it has teamed up with Swedish energy giant Vattenfall to introduce plug-in hybrid models to the market in 2012. But before we see the final production cars arriving in showrooms, Volvo will present a trio of V70 diesel plug-in hybrid demonstrator cars this summer to test the new technology. Click through to watch the video that includes interviews with several Volvo officials as well as footage of the demo V70 plug-in hybrid in action.

Volvo Introduces V70 Plug-in Electric-Diesel Hybrid, Production Models Set for 2012

Swedish automaker Volvo has revealed plans to have a production plug-in diesel-electric hybrid model on the market as early as 2012. To help achieve its goal, Volvo has formed a joint partnership with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall. The two companies have been cooperating in the field of plug-in hybrid technology since early 2007. Volvo also announced that it has readied three prototype V70 Diesel-Electric plug-in hybrid models that will be used to gather information on the new technology, to determine driver habits and to establish how they want to charge their cars.

On its behalf Vattenfall will, among other things, test various concepts for high-speed home charging and also for charging stations in public places, where owners pay to fuel with electricity instead of petrol or diesel.

The prototype V70 Plug-in Hybrids combine a front-mounted diesel engine that is designed to run on renewable synthetic fuels and will meet forthcoming extremely stringent exhaust regulations, with a rear-mounted electric motor powered by a 11.3 kWh Li-ion battery pack. The battery takes about five hours to charge from a standard wall socket, and the battery is also charged every time the car's brakes are applied.

Volvo said that the cars that are planned to go into series production in 2012 will feature somewhat different technology, but claimed that the launch of the prototype vehicles is a step towards series-producing plug-in hybrid cars specifically tailored to market needs.

The automaker claims that while the purchase price of the plug-in hybrids will be higher than that of conventional cars, its fuel costs will be cut to roughly one-third compared with diesel power.

"We are investing in an industrial joint venture to series-produce plug-in hybrid cars in Sweden in 2012, cars that can be powered by both electricity and diesel." says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. "This is an important business development for us and our partnership with Vattenfall allows us to take a giant step toward offering our customers cars with an even smaller environmental footprint."