Following on from the S60 saloon, Volvo is introducing the all-new V60, its estate car sibling.
The pronounced wedge shape and the slim coupe-like roof line of the new Volvo V60 are accompanied by the high shoulder profile along the car's sides, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear. A styling pack gives the V60 buyer the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude, and includes includes front and rear skid plates, a front decor trim, side scuff plates, special exhaust tailpipes and 18-inch wheels.
During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new V60 in parallel with the S60 saloon. The result is a solution that features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that effects the car's load carrying capabilities. Volvo's new sports wagon is available with a choice of two chassis. In the European market, the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while other markets will have the touring chassis as standard with the dynamic variant available as an option. The difference between the two chassis alternatives is to be found in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Here the touring variant has softer settings to give a smooth ride on poorer road surfaces.
During its first year of production, the V60 will be available with a variety of diesel and petrol engines spanning an economical 115 horsepower DRIVe version to an eager high-performance turbocharged T6 model producing 304 horsepower. The focused drive to cut CO2 emissions has lowered fuel consumption throughout the engine range. The T6 petrol engine has a displacement of 3.0 litres and now pumps out 304 bhp and 440 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 6.6 seconds and top speed is limited to 155 mph.
At the same time, Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 per cent to 27.7 mpg (EU Combined). The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gearchanges than before. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.
In addition there is a new 1.6-litre GTDi engine which is available in two versions: 1.6 GTDi (T3) with 150 horsepower and T4 with 180 horsepower. The T4 is available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, while the T3 comes with a manual gearbox only.
The engine range also includes two five-cylinder turbodiesels. The D5 high-performance engine with twin turbos produces 205 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. In addition there is the newly developed two-litre D3 producing 163 bhp and 400 Nm of torque.
Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake can detect if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver does not respond in time, the car can automatically activate the brakes. The new Volvo V60 also features City Safety as standard.
The initial annual sales target for the Volvo V60 is 50,000 cars, 90 percent of which will go to European buyers. It will be built at the Volvo Cars production plant in Torslanda, Sweden with first deliveries in autumn 2010. |
