Volvo Recalling Thousands of S80, V70 and XC70 Vehicles

It's recall time for Volvo as the Swedish automaker has detected a faulty diagnostic software in the central electronic module (CEM) on the MY 2007-2008 S80, V70 and XC70 models. Volvo said that the software problem could cause the windshield wipers to not operate when activated or in certain cases they may be activated when not switched on. Overall, some 12,300 S80s, V70s and XC70s are affected from this recall. Beginning from May, Volvo dealers will inspect the CEM and if required, upgrade the software free of charge.

Volvo offers R-Design Sport Package on DRIVe Models

For those that would like to combine the environmental properties of the C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe models with a sporty flair, Volvo has just introduced a new R-Design sport package with various cosmetic upgrades. These include a bodykit that consists of front and rear spoilers, lower door trim, side-skirts, a roof spoiler on the C30 and V50 and lip spoiler on the boot of the S40 as well as grille and door mirror housings in silk metal finish and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Furthermore, the R-DESIGN models feature special DRIVe wind deflectors and an R-DESIGN badge at the front, while the chassis has been lowered by 10mm which not only improves handling but also helps reduce fuel consumption.

The interior carries the familiar R-DESIGN features such as a two-tone upholstery in cream leather and off black, an 'R-DESIGN' centre stack, blue instrument dials, sport aluminum pedals and a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather, with R-Design emblem.

All three DRIVe models are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine mated to a manual gearbox with higher gear ratios.

Last Volvo S60 Rolls Off Assembly Line

On Tuesday, March 31, the last S60 sedan rolled off Volvo's Ghent plant in Belgium as the automaker is getting ready to create space and capacity for the model's successor that is scheduled to be launched in 2010. Volvo's new executive sport sedan will be based on the S60 Concept shown in Detroit earlier this year. The first-generation S60 was introduced in 2000 and during its 9-year run, Volvo built 578,292 S60 units of the car, with the best year being 2001 with 108,906 units and the worst, 2008 when a mere 6,205 S60s were produced.

"The Volvo S60 was an important model for Volvo Cars Gent," said managing director of Volvo Cars Ghent Derek Jessiman. "Now we will focus on a flawless launch of the new S60."

Production of Volvo S60 at Volvo Cars Ghent:

Year - Volume / Units

2000 - 26 051

2001 - 108 906

2002 - 104 484

2003 - 84 908

2004 - 67 929

2005 - 61 838

2006 - 53 188

2007 - 39 347

2008 - 25 436

2008 - 6 205

Volvo XC60 SUV gets the Heico Sportiv Treatment

Volvo tuning specialist Heico Sportive has released new details and photos on its performance upgrades for the new XC60. Beginning with the cosmetic enhancements, there's a subtle bodykit made of polyurethane-plastic (PUR) that consists of side skirts, front bumper spoiler and rear skirt that houses the new four pipe exhaust system. Furthermore, customers can choose from a variety of alloy wheels that are available in sizes 18'', 19'' and 20''.

For the interior, Heico provides a full leather treatment. The complete set includes door panel inlays, front and rear seat covers, and gear shift knob and bag. Buyers can choose from nine different colors of leather while further leather types or other surfaces are available upon request.

Under the hood, thanks to a newly developed ECU for the XC60's diesel and petrol engines, the 2.4-liter inline 5-cylinder turbo diesels with 163HP and 185HP can both develop 210HP while the 285HP T6 turbocharged gasoline engine gains an extra 30HP for a total output of 315HP.

Finally, Heico Sportiv offers a new set sport springs that are fitted in combination with the series shock-absorbers and lower the vehicle's road height by approximately 30 mm.

2012 Volvo XC90 - Allegedly Official Screenshot of Next-Gen Crossover

Since we don't like jumping on any 'bandwagon' without sufficient additional information, we not too eager to adopt Swedish car magazine Teknikens Varld's claims that this rather simple rendering depicts an early illustration of the next-generation Volvo XC90 SUV/Crossover. The screenshot allegedly comes from an internal video presentation and it appears to show a larger model than the XC60 crossover model with an even more station-wagon profile.

Via: Teknikensvarld

Volvo V70 RWD V8 Pickup Truck Renderings

In the imaginary land of photoshop and its ilk, everything is possible - even a V8 powered, rear-wheel drive pickup truck version of Volvo's V70 estate in the likes of the Holden Commodore Ute / Pontiac G8 ST. These computer generated images (CGIs for short) were sent to Carscoop by an 'old' acquaintance of ours, Bo Zolland from Sweden who has created many CGIs in the past including the Corvette Stingray- and Audi R8-themed speed boats. Follow the jump to check out the rest of the gallery or click here to get a taste of a real-life Volvo XC70 pickup truck that was spotted right outside the Swedish-firm's museum in Gothenburg.

Images Credit: Bo Zolland of VizualTech

Volvo to Offer Sport and Comfort Chassis Options on Facelifted S80

When the subtly revised S80 hits Volvo showrooms this summer, buyers will be able to opt between two new chassis, the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis. In the UK, the sporty Lowered Dynamic Chassis will be offered as standard on the SE and SE Lux models with the opportunity to specify the Comfort Chassis as a no cost option while the Comfort Chassis will be the only chassis available on the Executive trim level.

"For some customers, the driving experience is most important, while others priorities ride comfort," says Stefan Sallqvist, section manager for vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars. "We analyzed the different requirements and designed two alternative chassis with entirely different natures."

For those that prefer sportier driving characteristics and more responsive handling Volvo has made the Lowered Dynamic Chassis far more taut and rigid. More specifically, the car has been lowered by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear while the shock absorbers have been given greater damping ability on both compression and extension strokes. Furthermore, all the mountings on the sub-frame have harder bushings and the anti-roll bars have also been strengthened to give increased side stability in corners.

As for the Comfort Chassis, the S80's standard chassis has been re-engineered and comes with softer springs and more subtle damping to deliver a more comfortable ride to the saloon's passengers.

Volvo Launches Long-Wheelbase S80L sedan in China

Following last year's announcement, on March 12th, Volvo launched the all-new, long-wheelbase S80L in China. Developed to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers, the wheelbase of this S80L model is prolonged by 140mm reaching 2,975mm with a full length of 4,991mm. This results in a rear seat leg space of 1,025mm. Volvo has also upgraded the S80's standard equipment with such luxurious specifications as a refrigerator in the rear seat, Premium Sound, rear seat entertainment system, and more deeply padded leather seats

The S80L, which is built in China, is available exclusively with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine, with a maximum power rating of 285HP and a maximum output of 400 Nm torque at 1,500rpm. According to Volvo, it needs 7.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph).