NY Auto Show – Handbag Challenge
Volvo S60 interior
Last week SheBuysCars.com began a Pinterest promotion called “NY Auto Show Handbag Challenge” designed to get women excited about the NY Auto Show and encourage women to take a photo of their handbag with a car and tweet the image with the hashtag #NYAutoShowBags or go online to SheBuysCars.com to enter to win.
All photos will be pined to the Pinterest board “Handbag Challenge,” and contestants can qualify to win a $200 American Express Gift Card.
While at the show, be sure to check out the new Volvo V60, along with our interiors. Volvo’s are known for our mesmerizing interiors that are simplistic and functional. We embrace our Scandinavian heritage and design everything with a purpose. The interiors are not only gorgeous, but logically designed around the customer and perfect for storing your belongings (including your handbag!)
Volvo S60 interior
You can play along even if you aren’t at the New York International Auto Show. Tweet your photos (or email them to: Scott(at)shebuyscars(dot)com. New pictures will be added to the board throughout the campaign so check back daily for new Pin-opps. Various prizes, including tickets to the New York International Auto Show, will be given away throughout the 10-day campaign to randomly drawn winners from the Rafflecopter widget, with a Grand Prize awarded on April 7, 2013.
More details are here: http://www.shebuyscars.com/news/5533-the-new-york-auto-show-handbag-challenge-purses-cars-and-prizes.html
Posted in Auto Shows, New York International Auto Show | 1 Comment »Is a Volvo with a Paddle Shifter in your Future?
Many years ago, an executive from one of the Big Three was being cornered about something within his company. Apparently he uttered: “I can neither confirm nor deny that I can confirm nor deny.” What a great way to get out of being pinned down. What I can say about the following is that there are no typos in the following VCNA press release.
Auto Show update: Geneva is just around the corner and following closely after will be New York. It will be two great shows for Volvo. Please note: All three models will be shown in Geneva, and the V60 is not currently scheduled to come to the U.S.
dan
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The new Volvo S60, XC60 and V60: Major renewal boosts the dynamic appearance and appeal of the Volvo 60 cluster
- New design focusing on quality and attention to detail
- New, more comfortable sport seats
- Sensus Connected Touch system with unique on-line possibilities
- Permanent high beam with groundbreaking technology
Rockleigh, NJ (Feb. 19, 2013) – Volvo will debut a major renewal of its S60, XC60 and V60 models at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show next month, amounting to the most extensive development of existing models in the Scandinavian automaker’s history. The V60 is not currently available in the United States.
“We have focused on quality and attention to detail in order to give these dynamic models a major boost and sharpen their competitiveness,” says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group. He continues: “The S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets. We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make improvements that ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive.”
Emphasized attention to detail
Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces with any unnecessary clutter removed. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of the new 60 cars. Inside, the attention to detail, the authentic materials – such as wood and leather – and the easy-to-use controls contribute to the in-command driving experience.
Supportive yet comfortable seats that ensure a fresh and relaxed arrival after the longest of journeys have been a Volvo strength for decades. The buyer of a new S60 or XC60 can now specify a new sport seat that retains this traditional comfort and makes a perfect addition to the in-command feel of a true driver’s car.
“The new sport seat has great hugging side support all the way from the thighs to the shoulders, so the seat keeps the driver firmly in position when cornering fast. We’ve also made adjustments to the seat back, so it provides more legroom for passengers in the rear,” says Project Director Patrik Widerstrand.
There are several other examples of the attention to detail in the new 60 cluster cars. The previously visible washer nozzles have been relocated out of sight under the bonnet. The radar cover has been painted gloss black, which practically makes it disappear in the grill. The chrome frame around the grill has been removed and the new, bigger ironmark badge enhances the new cars’ self-confident look.
The new integrated tailpipes-standard on all engines for the S60 and XC60-the physical and visual link to the technically advanced engines. But it’s not just about beautiful design: the designers have had to cope with the fact that at operating temperature, the tailpipes have to remain perfectly in place despite the exhaust system expanding in length by up to 25mm. This is another example of true Scandinavian precision engineering.
The new S60 and XC60 offer an extended wheel choice with a variety of designs that increase the personalization possibilities for customers.
“To enhance the visual appeal of the car, customers can now specify their S60 with expressive 19-inch wheels and keep the same profile height as 18-inch ones, so they don’t lose any comfort,” says Patrik Widerstrand.
The XC60 is available with 20-inch wheels while keeping the same tire profile height and ride comfort as with 19-inch wheels.
The new Volvo S60
The new dynamic S60 design, with its purposeful, dynamic appearance, accentuates the car’s sporting nature.
“We’ve really increased the S60′s road presence with a new front design. The more focused and determined-looking headlamps help create this new, expressive ‘face.’ We were thinking of a wolf’s eyes when we designed them,” explains Fedde Talsma, Design Director, Exterior. He adds: “We’ve emphasized the S60′s horizontal lines at both the front and rear. Together with details such as a wider grill, daylight running lights and a new LED light guide on the tail lamps, they give the S60 a striking, powerful presence. The car has a beauty that is rooted in the natural world. The clean surfaces and contours give it a very Scandinavian feel.”
Inside, there are upgrades such as new upholstery colors, new wood inlays, a new headliner, and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.
“The overall effect is very warm and cozy, like being in a warm Swedish house on a cold night. The color themes correspond beautifully with the backlit white controls in the dash and elsewhere in the car,” adds Lena Jiseborn, Design Director, Color and Trim.
And under the skin, at the heart of the dynamic driving experience, is a wide choice of chassis settings, designed around the customer’s personal requirements. The S60 buyer has a choice of three chassis types – Touring, Dynamic and Lower Sport Chassis (in combination with the new 19-inch Bor wheel), previously only available on the R-Design version.
The new Volvo XC60 – in-command capability with around-town style
On the exterior, Volvo’s best-selling model, the XC60, gets a more urban twist. The redesigned front features a new hood shape that emphasizes the wide, confident look.
“We’ve taken away any black trim so the car is now all one body color. The new headlamps look very focused and determined, and the horizontal lines on the grill with its chrome bars emphasize the car’s width,” says Fedde Talsma.
The XC60 also benefits from an interior upgrade. The new features include new wood inlays, a new headliner, textile B-pillars and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.
The refined XC60 has a commanding driving position supported by generous ground clearance and the class-leading chassis. The XC60 is designed to feel every bit as nimble and agile as a standard sedan.
Corner Traction Control now comes as standard. This torque vectoring system helps the driver avoid understeer by applying just the right amount of brake force to the inner wheels while powering the outer wheels when accelerating out of a corner. With All Wheel Drive, the XC60 becomes an extremely capable vehicle on any road, in any kind of weather.
Enhancements across the new S60 and XC60 range
Sensus Connected Touch – connectivity on a new level
Sensus is the name Volvo uses for all its HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch is the latest addition.
It enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the 7-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves – a world first in cars and handy in winter!
Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver’s mobile phone.
The user has access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, Internet radio (TuneIn Radio) with thousands of channels from all over the world, on-line (Google) Map and Search, Embedded Connected 3D navigation with online traffic info and dangerous zone warnings, Free Parking locator, weather information, a number of native and web applications, App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo retailer locator.
It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car.
Adaptive Digital Display
The Adaptive Digital Display is now available in the new S60 and XC60. This active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display takes the interaction between car and driver to a new dimension, always displaying the most important information in any given situation.
The driver can choose between three graphic themes:
The Elegance theme offers a more traditional appearance.
The Eco themefeatures green background illumination, designed to create an environmentally inspired look. An Eco meter is displayed on the left. The current and accumulated fuel consumption figures are displayed – and the driver is rewarded with a green E light when eco-driving is optimal.
The Performance theme has red background illumination, creating a sporty atmosphere. In the center, a rev counter scale replaces the speedometer displayed in the Elegance and Eco versions. Vehicle speed is shown digitally in the center of the display. The right display includes a power meter – a gauge that informs the driver how much power is available and how much power is being used at any given moment in time.
Paddle shifters
The three-spoke steering wheels can now be accompanied with paddle shifters for all S60 models and XC60 T6. They turn the automatic box into a manual with the benefit of shifting gear with both hands on the wheel. The paddle shifters give the enthusiastic driver an additional edge, particularly when powering round twisty roads.
Permanent high beam with groundbreaking technology
The new Active High Beam Control makes journeys in the dark safer and more comfortable.
The technology eliminates the need to switch between low and high beam. Instead, Active High Beam Control makes it possible keep the headlights on full beam continuously.
When another car approaches from the opposite direction, the system helps to prevent dazzling of the oncoming driver by shading out only as much of the beam as necessary. This is done by an ingenious projector module mechanism integrated into the headlamp.
The same benefit applies to drivers in preceding cars.
Cornering Light for better visibility
Another innovative option for driving in the dark is the low-speed Cornering Light feature. As an extension of the current Active Bending Light system, it lights up the area the driver is steering towards for safer maneuvering – for instance, when turning into a small road or driving through a narrow gateway at night.
Heated windscreen and steering wheel
And for the added comfort of drivers in cold countries, the steering wheel can also be specified with heating for increased comfort on cold winter days.
Cars equipped with a rain sensor can now benefit from an electrically heated windscreen for rapid de-icing on cold winter days. The S60 and XC60 are also available with outer rear view mirrors with auto dim. Using chromatic glass, the mirrors automatically dim to avoid glare from other traffic, just like the inner rear view mirror.
IntelliSafe systems supporting the driver
IntelliSafe is Volvo’s blanket name for all active safety systems, and Volvo’s world-first City Safety technology plays an important part. Fitted as standard, this advanced safety system works at speeds of up to 31 mph. All models can also get Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, which watches out for people walking into the car’s path.
The S60 and XC60 can also be specified with the enhanced Blind Sport Information System (BLIS), which is now radar-based. The technology can also monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles behind the car, while still informing the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car.
Cross Traffic Alert is a new feature that uses the radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view may be restricted.
Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs on the instrument display.
“As the leader in automotive safety, we have reduced the risk of being involved in an accident or being injured in one of our latest car models by about 50 percent since the year 2000. By continuously introducing new preventive and protective systems, we keep moving toward our safety vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Car Group.
For more photos: Click here
Posted in Auto Shows, New York International Auto Show, S60, V60, XC60 | 2 Comments »Auto Shows
Diane DiCola, our Product and Merchandising Manager in Philly, sent this image of setting up for the Philadelphia Auto Show last month. For those that have never had the privilege of setting up an event, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Even for regional shows, like this one, the logistics are daunting. One year, I had to track down one of our Swedish auto show staffers, “He’s out where our packing crates are stored.” I went out back and the warehouse could have been a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. There was row upon row of stacked wooden packing crates, a good 15 feet high. I think the worst part of an auto show is all the new carpet being installed. It gives off some fumes, but the nylon that floats around is really nasty. We all end up with ‘auto show nose.’ Coupled with a lack of sleep, food and cold weather, we all end up sick after the week is over.
The next major auto show for us is New York. We love NY. More about this show in a couple of weeks. The only problem is getting a taxi when you need one. Often we stay near the Javits Center, but sometimes we do not. So tracking down a cab during the afternoon rush hour is, well painful.
dan
Posted in Auto Shows | 4 Comments »1988 Chicago Auto Show
I was not there but a young Tom Klockau was. Nice photos and cute story. Okay, I do have a soft spot for our Swedish Bricks of that era. And Irv Gordon’s car was on display, at a mere 1 million miles. She looks the same today.
dan
Posted in 1 Million Miles, Auto Shows, Irv Gordon | Comments OffI know where #174 is sitting
Los Angeles Auto Show. Laura took some pictures of our C30 Polestar Limited Edition. In my world auto show cars are made for you to drool over – they are spotless. They are dusted every 30 minutes and we have arranged our lighting to make each car look spectacular. I wonder after we are through with this C30, who will have the pleasure of parking it in their garage?
dan
Detroit Auto Show 2012
This year at the Detroit Auto Show, we showed our XC60 Plug-In Hybrid to North American Journalists, then took it to Washington, D.C. mainly for governmental people and to show during the public days. I think what was most impressive was how this technology is like a movable feast.
Since 1992 with introduction of 850, the idea has been to build a common engine mounting structure with capabilities to use different engine combinations with different model lines – thereby minimizing component requirements. It’s similar to when we put a 4 cylinder into C30 for European markets and then a 5 cylinder here in the U.S. “No sheet metal was harmed” engine swap.
The first time I saw the 850 engine cradle, well there went my days of pulling an engine up and out, now it was down and out, and no way was I attempting that. Besides, about the only reason to work on one of our aluminum (grey) engines was for more hp. Does anyone remember our green engines? 
So with PHEV technology, we can basically have one engine family that is transferable to other models. It’s a good way to create market flexibility and help keep costs in line. XC60 is very interesting. We should know in a couple of years what it will be for our market.
This video gives a brief idea of what our largest U.S. auto show is like. Arne Akerberg only tells half of what goes on. He mentions 20 shipping containers – that’s 20 of those monster sea containers and inside are more wooden crates. The containers are shipped to a remote storage place and the wooden crates are stacked out behind the Detroit Convention Center. It is like that last scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Every year we pretty much have the same VCC crew come over to set up everything. The computer guys are amazing. Their room is stuffed with power systems, TV support and lighting controls. When they are finished, most are finally taking a break. Good people and great support when needed. Our food service people have also been with us for a rather long time. Good to see familiar faces while in Detroit.
dan
Posted in Auto Shows, Detroit Auto Show | 2 Comments »Washington, D.C. Auto Show
Our XC60 Plug-In Hybrid in ‘Snow White’ really shines at the D.C. show. We’re downstairs with no windows, and it’s rather dark. So our Beauty almost has a halo glow to her.
If you’re coming to the D.C. Auto Show, go over and say hello to my old friend Tom Leaman. Tom is our man in D.C. this week. Ask to see our battery pack for XC60 Plug-In Hybrid on display. It’s only 12 kw but with its clear glass cover, it looks more like 12 megawatts. Don’t bother asking to see the 4-cylinder engine in it, it’s buried under one of the biggest plastic covers I’ve ever seen. In truth, there isn’t much to see right now.
When we did the first C30 all electric cars, the mass of cables, brackets, pumps, AC/Heating units were barely surpassing the wiring mess under my desk from two PCs, printer, router, modem keyboards and mouse controls. For first generation XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, this show car is rather clean but still, it’s a concept. But do ask Tom to show you how the instrument panel looks, and the really sweet seat patterns.
Olle Odsell came from VCC in Sweden to help with media questions and to meet with political leaders while in DC. I’ve known Olle for some time and knew that he worked with Hasse Nilsson on S60 projects and racing stuff, but really didn’t know what he was up to. So he sent over the following.
Hi Dan,
Nice to read the interview with Hasse and see the photos of the raceteam. I guess that you already know that Hans and I are the two remaining members that have been there from the beginning in 1992. I also enjoyed reading the part about the 855 T5R and Bob Austin. I was technical project leader for the 855 and also for the 850 Turbo, so I have a lot of good memories from then. And I know Bob A. from the 90′s when I was responsible for the PR department at Volvo Car International.
A little more about my background: You may remember that in the years 2000 – 2003 I was heading Volvo Motorsport, when we developed the S60 for the European Touring Car Championship, and we also built 35 Volvo S60 T5′s for the S60 Challenge class i Sweden. At Detroit Motor Show I met with the guys in K-PAX Racing, and I have sent them some photos and videos from that time, as they are making a video about the S60′s racing heritage.
Since 2003 I have mainly been working with the Volvo C70, as technical project leader and later responsible for quality and running changes. The XC60 PHEV Concept Car is my latest assignment.
-Olle
More about our S60 Challenge Series:
VOLVO S60 CHALLENGE – A RACING SERIES FOR THE FUTURE
When the flag drops for the Swedish racing season 2002, a whole new racing series will be seen on the grid. Volvo S60 Challenge is a one-type class, open for drivers 17 years old and up. The series has the likes of the very popular JTCC class, that has been run for five years with Volvo S40 2.0, although the new cars will be significantly faster. Volvo S60 Challenge will according to plans replace JTCC and will run together with the STCC events from 2002.
Together with STCC AB and the Swedish Motor Racing Association we have discussed how to develop the JTCC concept into a more spectacular and ”grown-up” racing series. Volvo S60 Challenge gives the opportunity for JTCC drivers to take a step forward, but also other new or established drivers will have the opportunity to race a potent touring car at a resonable cost, says Alexander Murdzevski, Head of Motorsport at Volvo Cars Sweden AB.
The class will have a similar set-up as JTCC, although there will be no upper age limit for the drivers. Junior drivers will still have special attention though, with a junior cup within the class.
A car built for racing
The S60 Challenge cars will be a lot faster than the JTCC cars. The engine will be based on Volvos 2.3 litre T5 engine, which with a 3″ exhaust system and a racing catalyst will develop approximately 265 horsepower. The engines will be sealed and they will have a maximum turbo boost restricted by a calibrated overpressure valve. The car´s racing abilities will also benefit from Öhlins shock absorbers, 18″ BBS wheels, 4-piston caliper brakes, a rear wing and a front splitter. The gearbox is standard, except for a limited slip differential and a shorter final ratio to fit the Swedish circuits. The class will be run on a specified tyre, although at the moment which brand is not selected.
In total, Volvo will sell 25 ready-to-race cars starting this fall. The price will be 320 000 SEK + VAT. The cars will be owned and run by different teams, but Volvo is also investigating in the possibility to rent out cars together with team personnel and service for a whole season or for single races. No matter which option chosen, all drivers will have the opportunity to have their own personal looks and sponsors on the cars.
Our aim is to have price money in the S60 Challenge and to have the class broadcasted on TV. We believe this will be a very attractive racing series for anyone who wants to race at a level just a step away from the STCC, says Alexander Murdzevski.
Volvo S60 Challenge will run a promotion event at the STCC race at Ring Knutstorp on September 2nd. Twelve famous drivers from other classes will then be invited to fight in a “Race of Champions”.
TECHNICAL specification Volvo S60 Challenge:
Base car: Standard S60 T5 with manual gearbox.
Engine: 2.3 litre T5 turbo engine with lightened flywheel and reduced exhaust counterpressure.
Power: 265 hk @ 6000 rpm, 350 Nm @ 2000-4500 rpm.
Maximum rpm 6500, maximum turbo boost 85 Kpa.
Adapted original engine electronics for 98 Octane unleaded fuel.
Transmission: Standard M56H 5-speed gearbox. Final ratio 4.78:1, equipped with limited slip differential, sintered clutch and a stronger clutchplate. Top speed approximately 230 km/h at 6500 rpm on 5th gear.
Chassis: Based on standard parts with Öhlins competition shock absorbers and racing springs. Individual adjustments of rebound and compression plus ride-height. Rubber bushings replaced with uniballs in wishbones and subframes front and rear to stiffen the chassis and to improve handling.
Ride-height 80 mm. Standard sway-bars; front diam 23.5 mm hollow, rear diam 21.0 mm solid.
Steering: Standard servo with detachable Sparco competition steering wheel.
Brakes: Standard ABS-system. AP-brakes, 4-piston calipers, 355 mm brake discs front. Standard brakes rear.
Wheels: 8×18” BBS rim ”Nebula” with 235/40-18” tyres
Bodyshell: Standard S60 shell equipped with a FIA homologated rollcage made of 25CrMo4 material. Built to strengthen the bodyshell and to absorb suspension forces. Reinforced suspension struts front and rear plus a stabilizing cross bar in front. A special front splitter and a rear wing will be provided to give the car a good balance.
Interior: Original instruments with tachometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature meter. The heat system is modified leaving only the defroster functions. A main power switch is installed and a special cable harness is developed for simple use and weight reduction. FIA approved Sparco racing seat and 3” 6-point safety belts.
Miscellanious: Weight is reduced to approximately 1250 kg including liquids and 10 litres of fuel, excluding driver. Headlight covers are replaced with plastic lenses.
News from the L.A. Auto Show
Showing off concept cars is all about getting closer and closer to something very real. It’s interesting how we conduct design studies and show them off just to get our hearts beating above 125 BPM. About this new concept, I say, “can I please see the production one. Please Please Please.” I guess we’ll just have to wait this out a tad bit longer. Darn that car concept looks great.
Here are some good comments about our future, from one of our biggest critics, Swedespeed.com:
The key points are – we are environmentally responsible with CO2 emissions, maintaining our unique Scandinavian design, and to no longer be stuck between Luxury and, for lack of better word, Standard cars. Hearing what Jacoby is thinking and seeing how he is creating an organization to turn thoughts into product, we truly are heading North. Going to be an interesting ride.
Currently, XC90 is our oldest model. Just one tough work horse that keeps selling. Seeing what was shown out at Volvo’s Monitoring and Concept Center in California, the old gray mare isn’t going to be like she used to be.
dan
Posted in Auto Shows, concept car, design, Designed Around You, LA Auto Show, luxury | Comments OffConcept You – reviews of Volvo’s large sedan
This second generation concept – Concept You – shows Volvo’s thoughts about future Scandinavian Luxury in a large car, and is stirring up international emotions. Reviews range from really good (“love it”) to other interesting comments, not suitable to be published. But what I think is really inspiring is the way we keep moving forward by exploring new ways to express where we come from – Scandinavia. While our roots are in Sweden, we look to export to other markets for our future growth, and we do this with a sense of environmental responsibility.
What is interesting is the wide range of comments, which is good. Better to have a strong reaction than “yeah it looks okay,” meaning we didn’t hit anyone’s hot button, good or bad. Check out some of the reviews below.
dan
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/frankfurt/2011/1109_volvo_concept_you_first_look/index.html
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=1199503
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/volvo-concept-you-frankfurt-2011-video/
http://www.caradvice.com.au/137766/volvo-concept-you-unveiled-at-2011-frankfurt-motor-show/
Posted in Auto Shows, Concept You, Volvo Concept | Comments OffSomething to be said for Volvoness
First time I went to the Carlisle Import Show was around 1984. Our kick around car was a ’71 VW Westfalia. My wife and I drove it up there, fixed a pancake breakfast for our Parts Department staff and friends at Volvo Club of America. Was a hoot. Of course it rained that day, as it always seems to do for their Import Show. This was sent over by John from Maryland, there’s a good group of Volvo owners over there, and wanted to share it with you.
dan
Posted in Auto Shows, Volvo Club of America (VCOA) | 1 Comment »
