Detroit Auto Show: Volvo R-Design XC90 Adds Sporty Style Without Burden of Sporty Performance [Detroit Auto Show]
Do you drive a Volvo C30, S40, V50 or XC90 and are worried your neighbors don't quite understand you purchased an S40 to show off your commitment to seat-of-your-pants performance? Volvo has the answer in the form of the R-Design line. Vehicles modified with the package get sportier wheels, satin matte-finish grilles, color coordinated side moldings and other custom touches. What they don't get is more power of any kind, revised suspensions or great aerodynamics. When Volvo released photos earlier they didn't show us the XC90, so our intrepid photographers hunted one down for your viewing pleasure.
(Via Jalopnik.)
Volvo XC70 is one of the best cars for a trip to the ski slopes. That’s because the Volvo XC70 is equipped with All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM, DSTC stability-enhancement system, Hill Descent Control, and an active chassis.
(Via WWW.YOSAX.COM.)
Marking Volvo's Most Ambitious Effort Yet at the Annual Tradeshow
Paydirt. That's what Volvo Car Corporation has hit with the highly anticipated new three-door C30. Just a few weeks after the car's global unveiling at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, Volvo Cars, in conjunction with three aftermarket tuning companies, unleashed the ultimate expressions of free will today at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The three cars, all highly modified iterations of the production Volvo C30, are the separate visions of Evolve Cars, Heico Sportiv and Burton Snowboards, and ipd, and represent what could be the ultimate dream cars for the growing number of C30 enthusiasts in the U.S. and around the world.
"The C30 represents Volvo's most appealing offer to the young people who love to customize and personalize their rides," commented Hans Krondahl, Executive Vice President, Marketing, for Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA). "These three cars will definitely spark a lot of interest in the C30 and there is no better place to show them off than the SEMA show."
Built purely as design concepts and prototypes, each tuner took a decidedly different take on what the ultimate Volvo C30 could be. Volvo supplied each company a production C30 T5 with a six speed manual transmission and gave them only one rule to follow: all Volvo safety features must remain functional. Other than that, they were free to let their imaginations run wild. Here is just a glimpse of what each car is about:
Evolve C30
The Evolve C30 is the ultimate street performer and track star with motorsports technology throughout. Horsepower is the name of the game here, with 507 stampeding ponies thundering through all four massive tires. Sophisticated race-inspired suspension, gigantic brakes and a screaming yellow high gloss paint scheme over wild body lines highlight the Evolve C30. Sequential twin turbos, exotic exhaust plumbing and an advanced heat exchanger promise eye-popping performance from this dream C30. Inside are highly bolstered seats, a safety structure and custom leather touches. Additional photos and information are available at www.volvocars-pr.com.
Heico Sportiv/Burton Snowboard C30
A joint collaboration between German tuner Heico Sportiv and Burton Snowboards, this C30 promises those with an active lifestyle the ultimate lifestyle vehicle. Fully drivable with 300 horsepower and factory electronically controlled all-wheel drive, this dream C30 features a height adjustable suspension, custom cut Toyo tires and an incredibly complex six layer camouflage paint job that will let the car blend in to the mountain environment while still turning heads on the road. Inside, there's a portable GPS system and gleaming 2008 Burton snowboards and boots. Additional photos and information are available at www.volvocars-pr.com.
IPD
High tech and high style come through in the International Product Development (IPD) SEMA C30, all draped in the colors of the Swedish flag. Nothing like a little national pride to draw the crowds in Vegas. Producing 384 horsepower, the ipd C30 retains its factory front-drive layout and puts its best foot forward by offering up plenty of electronic fun and a thoroughly custom fabricated interior, highlighted by a touch screen in the floating center stack and a heads-up instrument display. But the icing on the cake is the fully functioning gull-wing style doors.
Jaguar and Land Rover still on chopping block
Alan Mulally, CEO at Ford, has stated today that Ford is not planning on selling the Volvo brand any time soon. He was quoted during a conference call: “Our plan now is not to sell Volvo but to improve its cost structure and brand positioning. I think we can do substantially better than where we are today.” Ford has completed a strategic review of Volvo, and even though Volvo suffered an undisclosed loss (rumoured to be 'more than 100 million' according to insiders) Ford is still convinced of the long term profitability of the brand.
Volvo of course owns a state-of-the-art Safety Center in Gothernburg, Sweden and shares its C1 and EUCD platforms with Ford vehicles which may have given Ford second thoughts about selling the Swedish manufacturer in the first place. Ford will now have Volvo focussing on the premium car segment, in a similar way that Audi is so successfully doing.
Jaguar and Land Rover are still on the chopping block and are rumoured to be sold early next year. Alan Mulally: “Discussions are progressing with selected parties who have expressed interest and we anticipate these discussions will culminate in an agreement no later than early next year.”
Later this month the new Jaguar XF will go into production in the UK, and will 'make or brake' the English specialty manufacturer. In 2005 Jaguar closed its Coventry plant but if demand for the new XF exceeds expectations than Jaguar can call in the help of PAG stable mate Land Rover. Jaguar and Land Rover have a labour agreement which allowes them to move workers from one company to the other if need be, but no decision has been made just yet on this topic.
High Performance Concept
Initial information of the Volvo S80 T6 HPC was released at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, but its debut had to wait until today, when the SEMA show in Las Vegas takes that honour. Last year Heico developed a C30 for the SEMA show and this year they haved outdone themselves with this E85 capable S80. Holger Hedtke, President of Heico, "It is our most advanced concept to date and it's one that Heico is extremely proud of."
Besides looking stunning with its metal-like paint job, the S80 T6 HPC (High Performance Concept) performs amazingly too. The T6 engine has been reprogrammed, a new intercooler and a stainless steel racing exhaust system were added to increase hp output to 350 hp (instead of factory 261 hp) with 405 Nm of torque and should be able to propel the S80 from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,8 seconds. But besides the power increase, the engine runs on E85 ethanol, the next big thing in regards to environmentally friendlier cars.
A six-piston brake system with 13.9 inch discs will put the S80, which sits on 20 inch alloy Volution X wheels, to a stop again. Heico also lowered the car by 1,5 inches with a sport-tuned suspension system with stiffer springs and struts in all four corners.
Inside you will find four bucket seats and plenty of silver aluminium carbon fibre, andwhere there is no aluminium you will find Mystic Blue leather. The center console is extended to the rear with full controls for the entertainment system. On the outside, almost every panel has been redesigned, the front fascia has become more aggressive but also more functional with wide ait intakes and deeper front air dam. The new rear end incorporates rectangular exhaust ports and carbon fibre inserts.
"We aimed to tune all the components to achieve a dynamic yet harmonious ride. In other words, a true sports car experience without losing the luxurious and comfortable touch that is the hallmark of the Volvo S80," noted Hedtke.
Detailed content
Heico Sportiv Unleashes Beastly S80 T6 HPC at 2007 SEMA Show
The lights of Las Vegas reflect flawlessly in the gleaming aluminum paint of the Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept (HPC). Being shown for the first time in North America at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV, the S80 T6 HPC is a literal reflection of power, sophistication and athleticism as can be seen in its unique 7-layer "aluminum effect" body paint. But the S80 T6 HPC is more than just a pretty face. It's a true example that a powerful luxury sedan can also be sensitive to the environment.
"Heico Sportiv is honored to once again be working with Volvo Cars to build the exciting S80 T6 HPC for this year's SEMA show," said Holger Hedtke, President of Heico. The 2007 show marks the second year Heico Sportiv has partnered with Volvo Cars to create a SEMA concept. This year, Heico shows its mettle with the S80 T6 HPC and the C30 Surf Pattern. "The S80 T6 HPC is really where we put all our efforts this year," continued Hedtke, "It is our most advance concept to date and it's one that Heico is extremely proud of."
But getting to Las Vegas wasn't easy. The project began as the curtain fell on last year's SEMA show. Behind closed doors Heico executives sat down to put to paper the 2007 concept. The result is a Volvo S80 T6 that has been tuned to an amazing 350-horsepower while running on bioethanol fuel.
When the S80 arrived at Heico's shop in Weiterstadt, Germany in early 2007, Holger and his team knew they had their work cut out for them. The S80 began life with a 3.2-liter inline-six engine and front-wheel drive because production had yet to begin on the Volvo S80 T6, which has standard all-wheel drive. A new T6 engine was delivered from Sweden and work began in earnest.
Performance
The first order of business was to make a significant increase in horsepower. The standard Volvo T6 engine produces 281 horsepower, which is enough to move the S80 with spirited ease. But this is a SEMA concept and a significant bump in horsepower and torque were a necessity. Once the engine was modified to run on E85 ethenol, Heico turned its attention to maximizing power with high-performance engine software, a new intercooler and a stainless steel racing exhaust system. The end results were impressive: 350 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 405 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The Heico S80 T6 HPC is estimated to reach 62 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
But getting that power to the ground required extensive work. As the standard S80 3.2 is a front-wheel-drive car it was determined that to truly explore the vehicle's potential all-wheel drive was needed. Enter Volvo's renowned Haldex All-Wheel-Drive system with Instant Traction. The system continuously routes power to whichever wheel has the most traction and Heico modified it with heartier gears to handle the enormous amount of torque.
Stopping power is provided via a 6-piston braking system with custom blue-painted calipers and high performance brake pads. Volvo's ABS and electronic brake distribution systems are fully functioning. Large 13.9-inch disc brakes reside in custom forged alloy wheels measuring 9-inches wide and 20 inches in diameter. The specially developed Volution X wheels are wrapped in aggressive 255/30R-20 Continental tires.
The Heico S80 T6 HPC rides on a chassis that is 1.5 inches lower than Volvo's set ride height and the sport-tuned suspension features firmer springs and struts at all four corners. "We aimed to tune all the components to achieve a dynamic yet harmonious ride. In other words, a true sports car experience without losing the luxurious and comfortable touch that is the hallmark of the Volvo S80," noted Hedtke.
Interior
Hedtke's comments about the S80 T6 HPC's ride and handling translate directly to the interior of the car. "It was important to communicate the intention of this car as a true sports car, but one that is also luxurious and comfortable," said Hedtke. Starting from the standard S80's innovative center console, Heico's interior designers decided to sweep the arc throughout the length of the interior, creating four sport bucket seats. The heavily bolstered thrones are separated by the console that is wrapped in stunning silver aluminum carbon fiber.
Paying homage to Volvo's use of blue in its logo, nearly every surface that isn't aluminum is swathed in soft Mystic Blue leather, including the headliner, instrument panel and door panels. The rear seats have been completely redesigned to accommodate the center console and the front seats have thicker side and thigh bolsters. Fully integrated controls for the rear seat entertainment system, cup holders and storage bins are all found beneath the gleaming aluminum "floating" center console. Interior trim panels and accents are bathed in silver carbon.
The S80 T6 HPC driver will find a thick, comfortable sport steering wheel with which to unleash the vehicle's power. The sport pedals foot rest and door pins are all formed from billet aluminum. The crowing touch is the Mystic Blue glowing door-sill panels.
Exterior
Refined, elegant and stylish are all words that have been used to describe the Volvo S80. With Heico's attention to the car's exterior, words such as powerful, imposing and dominance may also be uttered when the car makes its North American debut at SEMA.
"Our goal was to take Volvo's elegant design for the S80 and make it really stand out at this year's show, said Hedtke, "That's not an easy thing to do in Las Vegas, but everyone who sees the car agrees that it's truly striking."
What first leaps to the viewer's attention is the striking "metal effect" paint scheme. Seven coats were applied over a two-week period and the process allows for no re-shoots or touch-ups making the Heico S80 T6 HPC truly inspiring. "We're hoping that those in attendance at the SEMA show will drop by the Volvo booth to take a look at this car," commented Hedtke. "Since there are so many custom paint jobs done by truly talented artists from around the world represented in Las Vegas, we feel the S80 T6 HPC will be truly appreciated."
Nearly every panel of the Heico S80 T6 HPC was re-fabricated. The S80's front clip was replaced with a more aggressive nose that incorporates ultra-slim LED turn-signal indicators, a deeper front air dam and wide intake tunnels for improved airflow into the intercooler and brakes.
The new soft nose seamlessly blends into the aggressive wheel arches that hug tightly around the custom 20-inch wheels and tires. Deep side sills beneath the doors lend to the aggressive stance of the vehicle and assist in aerodynamics. A completely new rear bumper cap features slender rectangular exhaust ports and carbon fiber inserts.
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.
