Official Blog of Volvo Cars of North America » XC60

Bursting at the seams waiting to share this with you

danjohnston — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:13:22 +0000

Today we released the information below, prior to our press conference next week at this year’s Detroit International Auto Show. We’ve been holding on to this for some time and now we’re ready to tell everyone. I think the best part about this new technology is that Volvo is the only one to have this kind of concept. It combines three kinds of driving modes, showcases our decision to go with four-cylinder engine family, demonstrates an ability to dramatically reduce carbon output, reduce our dependence on natural resources (by making smaller engines we use less materials while still having excellent horse power and torque), and making something people can use as a daily driver.

So first off, let’s get this out of the way:

No, we have not decided on what vehicle this technology will be used on.
We are not announcing a date for introduction – that will be decided later this year.
No pricing at this time.
Yes, it is being developed for this market and for China.
No diesel engine for the U.S.
No on V60 diesel with this technology.
I think that’s about it. If you have questions, please feel free to send them over. No problem.

After next week, we’ll have photos and more details about this technology. Also, this concept car is next being shown at the Washington, DC Auto Show in a few weeks, and then off to the Chicago Auto Show, so be sure to check it out if you can.

dan

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Press Information

Date of issue

Jan 04, 2012

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept – a unique blend of gasoline and electric power

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo Car Corporation will unveil an innovative gasoline plug-in hybrid.

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one.

At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.

“The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. “You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap.”

“This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years. However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution,” Jacoby says.

Pure Hybrid Power – three cars in one

The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S certification driving cycle) with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic. The range according to the European certification driving cycle NEDC is 45 km.
Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO₂ emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) – which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).
In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor’s instant torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

Four cylinders with the same power as a six-cylinder unit

The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

“In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as today’s sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower than in current four-cylinder engines,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

The concept car carries a “T8″ badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.

“It’s time to stop counting cylinders,” Mertens says. “Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO₂emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance.”

Reduction of parts, weight and fuel consumption

VEA is a modular range of diesel and gasoline engines. The gasoline versions come with direct injection, minimized internal losses and balance shafts for maximized comfort.

Several levels of turbocharging open up for flexibility that encompasses the whole range from high power and torque variants to extremely fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via hybrid drive or other spearhead technology.

The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches) per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages

The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects.
The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines with similar performance.
Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines with similar performance.
Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.

Integrated Starter Generator

The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.

Charge the battery at home

The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.

Constantly online

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. A few examples of available information:

Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver prioritizes low energy consumption, the fastest route or the shortest distance.
Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.
Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.

Mobile application

The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone application. This offers convenient access to a wide range of data, such as the battery’s charge level, remaining range, and the location and capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to pre-program the car’s interior climate.

“Creating an intuitive driver’s environment that always gives you access to updated, useful information is an important part of our product development. This includes that you should be as updated when the car is parked as when you’re behind the wheel,” says Stefan Jacoby.

Muscular appearance

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood.

The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

Electric four-wheel drive

The electric four-wheel drive in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.

The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

Saves battery power for later

The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on electricity.


Volvo Cars of North America, LLC reserve the right to make changes at any time, without notice, to color, specifications, accessories, materials and models.

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Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept – superior to all existing hybrids

Volvo Car Corporation’s technology in the advanced Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept gives the car owner possibilities that no other existing hybrid car can offer.

“The gasoline plug-in hybrid is ideal for the American motorist who wants an electric car while at the same time retaining all the power and capacity that comes in his or her present vehicle,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO at Volvo Car Corporation.

A diesel-electric V60 Plug-in Hybrid is Volvo Car Corporation’s first production model with this new technology, and the car will go on sale in Europe later this year.

In order to make the solution viable for U.S. and Chinese buyers, it needs to feature a gasoline engine. In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept, the electrification technology is blended with a state-of-the-art 280-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine.

“The combination brings the ingenious plug-in hybrid solution into the global context we are aiming for with all our car models. The gasoline version has great potential in several markets that are vital for our ambitious growth plans, such as the United States, China and Russia,” Stefan Jacoby says.

Volvo Car Corporation’s North American dealers welcome the introduction of a plug-in hybrid.

“From a U.S. market perspective, a gasoline plug-in hybrid would be an excellent addition to our product offer,” says Patty Hooley, member of the Dealer Council of Volvo Cars North America.

Daily commute on electricity

An electric motor producing 70 horsepower – combined with a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine – gives the driver a muscular power plant packing a total of 350 horsepower. Yet this very same car can be driven up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S. certification driving cycle) on electricity alone or as a high-efficiency hybrid with operational fuel economy 50 mpg.

The U.S certification standards include emissions from the production of the electric energy. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO₂ emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) – which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg.

“A plug-in hybrid is the ideal eco-car for today’s conditions,” Stefan Jacoby says. “It gives a large proportion of motorists sufficient range on electricity for their daily commute. More than half of U.S. drivers cover less than 30 miles a day. With its three driving modes, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept also offers the owner a conventional model’s interior space, safety, performance and long range. It gives the driver uncompromising flexibility to cover every type of motoring need.”

Bridge to the future

In recent time, hybrids and all-electric cars have been establishing a presence in the minds of North American customers.

“Our goal is to be a leading brand within fuel efficiency,” Jacoby says. ” In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid we emphasize how a blend of state-of-the-art combustion technology and innovative electrification can be an unbeatably attractive bridge to a future where the all-electric cars become more established in the market.”


Volvo Cars of North America, LLC reserve the right to make changes at any time, without notice, to color, specifications, accessories, materials and models.

Catching up with the Twilight XC60 Winner

KristinS — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:55:17 +0000

In honor of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, which opens in theaters in 2 weeks, we checked in with some previous Volvo/Twilight contest winners. Below is the first update from Varun Jain, winner of the “Lost in Forks” contest in Canada – and the lucky winner of the actual XC60 Edward (Robert Pattinson) drove in Eclipse. Varun didn’t even know much about The Twilight Saga - his girlfriend forced him to enter the contest to win the car – and he did!

So even if you don’t know much about The Twilight Saga (maybe your daughter does), give it a try, and enter Volvo’s “Journey to the Wedding” contest. You could take home the same S60 R-Design that Edward drove in Breaking Dawn Part 1, and stay in the same hotel that Edward and Bella did on their honeymoon in Brazil. Register at www.journeytothewedding.com through November 18.

“Yes, we still have the XC60. We are planning on keeping it just about forever, actually. Our impressions of the XC60 are very favorable. Even though we have the base model, it still seems to be loaded with all sorts of high-tech features, as well as the safety systems that Volvo is famous for. It is very comfortable inside, with the seats and steering wheel being almost infinitely adjustable, and with very efficient heating and air-conditioning. The external styling is very eye-catching, more so than almost any other car on the road. We see people looking at it all the time, and I’ve even seen someone go up to it in a parking lot, to get a closer look.

The car drives very well, and even with the base 3.2L engine, I’ve never felt any lack of power in any situation. While passing on the highway, the car surges ahead when pushed, even when going uphill. That’s a big change from what we’re used to. It is quiet inside, with very little wind noise, and the sound system sounds really good. With the cargo capacity at the back, it seems to be the perfect family car for us. The only minor criticism I’d have is that with the tight suspension, one tends to feel the bumps a fair amount on uneven pavement. However, that could be because we’re just used to softly-sprung cars.

Overall, the XC60 gives an impression of real solidity, and we’re very happy with it. As a family vehicle, I think the XC60 should be high on anyone’s list.”

Varun Jain, winner of Volvo’s Lost in Forks contest
North York, ON, Canada

“I got into an accident”

danjohnston — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:33:51 +0000

How many times have you heard that? Rarely do you hear, “I avoided an accident.” Why? Well for me, I’d rather not admit I was about to hit someone, it kind of reflects on my inattentiveness or inability to control a driving situation, and we all know I’m a perfect driver (not really). The point is, what happens before an accident can make the situation just an embarrassing moment or a full-blown accident.

Thomas Broberg, our lead safety guy at Volvo in Sweden, has been talking about pre-accident situations for years. This research area is just emerging, much in the way energy absorbing structures started some years ago. For us, the first real energy absorbing technology was in our 140 series in 1967. There are two ways to look at accidents: 1 – Laboratory crash testing after a crash (government, private party testing), and 2 – Real world accidents. We pride ourselves in taking real world accident data research and building systems around our data. But what happens leading up to an accident and how does Volvo view that sequence? Thomas just sent the following graphic over and I wanted to share it with you. This puts into perspective how we have been moving from post-crash to pre-crash technology – to help me be a better driver. (click on image to enlarge)

dan

Real world accident research – Real world results

danjohnston — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:30:50 +0000

Many of you know this bit of Volvo history but please bear with me on this refresh. Since 1972, Volvo in Sweden has investigated real world accidents that happen within about an hour’s drive of our Torslanda HQ. A team of researchers head to a site, take measurements, interview people and sometimes take the car into our crash center for further analysis. Right now, we have over 40,000 accidents in our real world accidents database.

What we have done and continue to do, is look for ways to help improve occupant protection. These days, it’s more about avoidance than protection. But for our database going forward there is no way to interview someone who didn’t have an accident because City Safety did it’s job. If an XC60 driver doesn’t stop and City Safety takes over, how can we measure that occurrence? We can’t, but the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can and just did. Below is our press release about how City Safety is saving money and lives. You can read their release at: http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr071911.html

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2011-07-18-self-braking-cars_n.htm

Good video news report at http://www.autonews.com/article/20110719/VIDEO/307199926/1439

Good Morning America. Self-Braking Cars Get Green Light http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/braking-cars-green-light-14104791?tab=9482930§ion=1206852&playlist=14103762

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/volvo-crash-prevention-system-receives-high-marks-from-insurance-institute/

City Safety is another stepping stone to reaching Vision 2020 goal: No deaths or serious injuries in a Volvo by year 2020.

dan

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Insurance Claim Analysis: Volvo City Safety System Prevents Collisions

Highway Loss Data Institute Finds Volvo XC60 Gets Into Fewer Crashes

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (July 19, 2011) – A newly published analysis from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that Volvo XC60s get into fewer low-speed crashes than comparable vehicles thanks to Volvo’s City Safety technology, a standard feature on all XC60s.

HLDI examined claim frequency under property damage liability, bodily injury liability and collisions. Their data concluded frequency rates for the XC60 were lower than all other midsize luxury SUVs, specifically:

Claims under property damage liability coverage were filed 27 percent less often for the XC60 than other midsize luxury SUVs.
Claim frequencies for injuries for the XC60 were filed about half as often compared to other midsize luxury SUVs.
Collision claim frequencies for the XC60 were 22 percent lower than all other midsize luxury SUVs.

“This is our first real-world look at an advanced crash avoidance technology, and the findings are encouraging,” said Adrian Lund, president of HLDI and IIHS. “City Safety is helping XC60 drivers avoid the kinds of front-to-rear low speed crashes that frequently happen on congested roads.”

IIHS last year estimated that current crash avoidance features have the potential to prevent or mitigate as many as 1.9 million crashes each year, and current users have stated the systems help them to be safer drivers.

“It is great to see validation from HLDI and IIHS of the safety systems that we at Volvo are continually developing,” said Thomas Broberg, Volvo Car Corp.’s senior safety expert. ”This is another step towards achieving our Vision 2020 of eliminating serious injuries and fatalities by the year 2020, and an even larger step towards a crash-free future.”

HLDI also looked at how the crash reductions for the XC60 affected overall insurance costs:

Overall payouts under property damage liability for XC60s were 20 percent lower than losses for all other midsize luxury SUVs.
Estimated overall collision losses for the XC60 were 31 percent lower than all other midsize luxury SUVs.

“The lower claim frequencies found by HLDI prove that City Safety is preventing crashes and thus reducing insurance costs,” said John Maloney, VCNA’s vice president of marketing and product planning. ”There’s an opportunity here for insurance companies to begin offering a discount on vehicles equipped with City Safety or similar crash-avoidance technologies.”

HLDI analysts compared insurance claims data for the 2010 model XC60 with two control groups: other 2009-10 midsize luxury SUVs and other 2009-10 Volvo models. The analysis controlled for a variety of geographic and demographic factors that can affect claims. Geographic factors include garaging state and vehicle density (the number of registered vehicles per square mile). Demographic factors take into account such things as the primary driver’s age, gender and marital status. Other factors include calendar year plus the policy deductible.

HLDI defines the three types of auto insurance coverage as follows: property damage liability pays for damage an at-fault vehicle does to another’s property as the result of a crash. Bodily injury liability generally pays for injuries to people involved in the crash other than the insured at-fault driver. Collision pays for damage to the insured vehicle.

City Safety keeps a watch on vehicles in front with the help of a laser sensor built into the windscreen at the height of the rearview mirror. Between 2-19 mph, the car automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time when the car in front slows down or stops – or if the driver is driving too fast towards a stationary object. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 9 mph, the collision can be entirely avoided. If the speed difference is between 9-19 mph, the speed at impact is reduced by about one half, thereby mitigating the collision. City Safety also is also standard on the 2011 and 2012 S60, 2012 S80 and 2012 XC70.

In addition to City Safety, the XC60 is available with Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake as part of its optional Technology Package. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake uses forward-looking radar and digital camera identification that scans an object and matches its shape against an image database of about 10,000 forms. The system can track up to 64 pedestrians and their paths – all within 50 milliseconds.

If a pedestrian walks into the car’s path and an impact is imminent, a warning light and tone warn the driver. If the driver does not react, the car will apply up to 100 percent available braking force, thereby avoiding a collision if the car is traveling 19 mph or less. At 20 mph and higher, the available breaking force will significantly mitigate the collision.

In the effort to continually be the industry leader in safety, Volvo is working on plans for the next generation of active safety detection which features animal detection. The system, much like today’s pedestrian detection, will feature a radar sensor and infrared camera – and it will function in the dark when the likelihood of hitting an animal increases. The system must be complex in order to recognize a variety of animals in differing sizes – from dogs to moose. According to IIHS, from 1993-2007, 2,499 people died in collisions involving wild animals and the number of collisions continues to increase.

Additional Information

IIHS: http://www.iihs.org/

XC60 City Safety: https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/enhanced/en-us/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=18521

XC60 Safety Systems: https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/enhanced/en-us/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=18524

Vision 2020: https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/enhanced/en-us/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=30670

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About Volvo

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (www.volvocars.com/us) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada. For more information please refer to the VCNA media website at: http://www.volvocars-pr.com, and follow Volvo’s blog at: www.volvoblog.us.

Contact:

Dan Johnston or Laura DiStefano

Volvo Cars of North America

800-977-0888

djohn116@volvocars.com

ldistef3@volvocars.com

AutoWeek – Ruling the Roost

KristinS — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:22:41 +0000

Colorado is really beautiful. I can see why people move there and stay. We were out in Gateway, which is in the western part of Colorado, and couldn’t have found a better place to play with our XC.

AutoWeek Ruling the Roost

dan

XC Adventure – Race Across the States

KristinS — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:53 +0000

Taking adventure to the extreme

Our range of XC vehicles, the XC60, XC70 and XC90, have been perennial best sellers globally since their respective introductions (in the XC90′s case, that was 2002). And for years we’ve talked about the buyers of these vehicles living life to the extreme.

Next week we are asking a few of our media friends to live the luxury adventurer lifestyle while behind the wheel of our entire XC range. Our group will depart from West LA on Monday, May 16, bound for Gateway, Colorado. We are hoping they will all arrive in one piece Tuesday afternoon after more than 850 miles on the road. Along the way they will be put to the test; to see just how adventurous they can be.

I can’t reveal the details (some of our guests are readers of this blog) but it’s best to think of the Race Across the States as a combination rally, scavenger hunt, extreme sports event that will put our guests in some amazing places and situations.

While on the road, our guests will be posting to this blog. They will provide travel logs, photos and I’m sure some very funny prose (they are professional writers after all) along the way. I hope you’ll tune in.

James

Fun Volvo Pics

KristinS — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:39:56 +0000

We get some of the nicest pictures from our friends in the media. The two here are from Danica Laub and Alan Hasemeyer.

Danica used to work in PR at Mazda. She finally realized she was never going to be able to afford that ski chalet in Aspen working in the car industry. She picked up stakes and headed east. Along the way she had an adorable little girl. She’s the cutie you see below.

To help fund the Aspen home (which hasn’t quite happened yet), Danica started www.Lullabiesatrushhour.com. Volvo being Volvo, we were immediately attracted to her concept and gave her the use of a XC60 T6 R-Design for three months. It was kind of a semi-long-term loan. The picture you see is Danica’s daughter kissing her XC60 goodbye.

Next up is LeeAnn Hasemeyer who, along with her husband Alan (nice picture, Alan), recently purchased a gently used XC90. Lee Ann and Alan are the proud parents of Bradley Hasemeyer, who runs a fantastic site, www.gearpatrol.com, which focuses on all things cool. We recently asked Bradley to join us for the media launch of the S60. It was his first Volvo press trip and he did an amazing job of capturing the car on video.

Bradley says, “This is a picture of mom, well…being mom.” Trust us Bradley, we all know how moms can be. We also know moms are amazing in the kitchen and always dote on us when we have a cold.

Turns out LeeAnn and Alan have being racking up the miles in their XC90, taking trips to Alabama, Tennessee and Florida.

If you’ve got any cool Volvo pictures with your loved ones, send them our way. Tell us a little bit about the picture and maybe we’ll post it.

James

An easy way to get a speeding ticket: Drive an XC60

danjohnston — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:56:08 +0000

At least according to Warren Brown, Washington Post automotive writer. I’ve been where Warren has: Lulled out of full consciousness while driving by flashing red lights, in my case talking with a business analyst about Volvo’s brand image at 1:00 am on the 91 freeway in Irvine, CA. I was charged $300 for crossing a double yellow line. And I suspect I’m not the only one who crossed there since this officer was only about 1/4 mile from my where offensive driving behavior started.

Here is Warren’s story: 2011 Volvo XC60: A virtue wagon that can tempt you to sin?

dan

The ‘Naughty Volvo Tour’ Coming to a City Near You

danjohnston — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:36:14 +0000

An S60 hello to you all.

Last year we took XC60 on tour. Our goal was to show something completely different in two ways: design and safety. No other Volvo ever looked as good, (okay, I think the first C70 Coupe was stunning, especially in Saffron color), but the XC60 was really the first showing of our new design evolution. We also needed to demonstrate how City Safety – a world first in safety – worked.

Think about it: We go through life driving a couple of million miles and never test safety … hopefully not. Then along comes a car that begs to be tested, but doing it with your own XC60, well, that’s not going to work. So we went on the road to let folks try City Safety. In the end, about 3,941 out of 6,311 (knowing Bill Buchka, Mgr. Brand and Launch Communications, asking for an approximate number will get me exact numbers – Swedes don’t do ‘approximate’) tested City Safety.

The car is stunning; it has performance and handling akin to our last generation S60 R car, and features Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Braking. So rather than hunting real pedestrians, we’re doing real, live, come on down and try it, demonstrations – again with Bill Buchka at the helm.

Here are some details:

We just announced the start of our upcoming Naughty Volvo Tour to launch the All-New 2011 Volvo S60. The Naughty Volvo Tour, which will stop at around 150 Volvo retailers across the U.S. and in Canada, kicked off on July 6 in Cranston, R.I., Tulsa, Okla. and Tucson, Ariz., and will conclude in the fall.

“The 2011 Volvo S60 is really going to make an impression in the midsize sedan segment,” said Doug Speck, VCNA president and CEO. “Not only is it the most dynamic Volvo we’ve ever produced, but it also introduces the world-first Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake technology, which will automatically stop the car if it senses an impending collision with a pedestrian. We’re excited to show the S60 to consumers so they can judge for themselves.”

Touted “the sportiest Volvo ever,” the All-New Volvo S60 is equipped with a turbocharged T6 engine, which puts out 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, and comes standard with all-wheel-drive. Its breathtaking new design captures the imagination and sets the heart racing like no other Volvo sedan, with the C-pillar stretching sensually all the way to the taillights – giving the impression of a 4-door coupe.

The All-New Volvo S60 is also available with Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, a groundbreaking technological solution that actively helps the driver avoid accidents. Volvo’s radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if someone walks out into its path, and then automatically activate the S60′s full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time.

The Naughty Volvo Tour is a series of retailer-hosted experiential events, which allow attendees to preview the All-New Volvo S60 before it goes on sale. Utilizing multimedia interactive displays to emphasize the car’s design, performance and safety attributes will heighten the sensory experience. Demonstrations of the Pedestrian Detection system in action will also be available.

For a full tour schedule and to register to attend a retailer tour event, please visit http://naughty.volvocars.us/. Here, saved you some mouse work http://www.volvocars.com/us/all-cars/volvo-s60/Pages/default.aspx?s60tourhub

Come on down, try and hit a dummy, you just might save a real life someday.

dan

The 41-Year-Old Twilight Virgin

KristinS — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:55:45 +0000

It will come as no surprise to most that author Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series isn’t written for or marketed toward those with a Y chromosome. As I posses this bit of human DNA, I haven’t made a tremendous effort to read these enormously successful novels. Aside from skimming the jacket covers, my knowledge of these stories mostly revolved around the fact that one of the main characters, a pale and brooding teen named Edward, drove himself around town in a Volvo.

I have to admit I love the irony Ms. Meyer wrote into Edward. Here’s a kid that’s immortal yet chooses to tool around in the safest car made. In the books, Ed drives an S60 R. So the kid is safe but also has a wild side. That’s interesting. He’s also not into pre-marital sex. As the father of a young girl who will some day be a doe-eyed Ed lover, I can respect this kid.

So I’m sure you’re wondering how I know Edward isn’t into pre-marital wrestling if I haven’t read the books. That’s because last week I attended the world premiere of Eclipse, the third movie installment in the series. I was on-hand with my colleague, Kate Rehill, to host the winner of a Volvo sweepstakes contest. Sandy Deuel-Weiks, 57, of Howard City, Mich., and her sister, Sharon Ary of Rockford, Mich., were the lucky winners of a trip to Los Angeles, a couple of nights at a swanky Beverly Hills hotel, two tickets to the premiere and a parking spot along the black carpet (it was a vampire thing, I suppose).

Sandy was interviewed by her hometown TV station – WZZM-TV out of Grand Rapids, Michigan – who was there to cover the phenomenon. Check out the link below.

http://www.wzzm13.com/life/programming/local/take_five/take_five_story.aspx?storyid=123193&catid=205

To be honest, I wasn’t holding out a lot of hope for a great night. What do I care about smoldering teen passions, computer generated werewolves and 2,000 screaming “Twi-hards?” I was curious, however, to see Ed racing around in an XC60 – the S60 R was out of production by the time filming began of the first movie so the brooder was relegated to a C30, then the XC60 for the second and third movies.

I’d like to say I remained cool and aloof, even brooding. But I fell victim to the hysteria of the evening. You just can’t help but get swept up in it all when the stars begin pouring out of their Escalades and limousines. The fans, erupting into high-pitched wails a Valkyrie would be envious to emulate, nearly broke down the barriers when the brooder effortlessly slithered from the dark confines of his hearse-like ride. Ed was generous with his time, stopping every few feet to sign something or kiss a hand or cause some poor girl to all but faint.

It was about this time I heard a man screaming. He sounded a lot like a teenaged girl, but with an unsettling baritone voice.

“Oh my God! Oh my God! It’s….it’s….it’s Ron Artest!”

It was then that I realized I was the unsettling sounding man. But can you blame me? Not more than five feet away stood an NBA champion.

I stood there pointing at Ron, my mouth agape. I stumbled over the velvet rope and nearly accosted the poor man. “Can I get a picture? Can I get a picture? Please, Mr. Artest. Just one!” The pleading in my voice sounded pathetic. But I couldn’t stop myself. Fortunately, Ron was cool. He shook my hand and put his arm on my shoulder and I stood there acting like a fool. He thanked me for being a fan and moved on down the line of reporters.

At that moment I became a huge Twilight fan.

An hour later I was sitting in row ZZZ of the cavernous Nokia Theater with 9,000 other folks who were somehow involved in Eclipse. Ed brooded and sulked and was always a gentleman to Bella as he zipped around Forks in his XC60. I have to say, the Volvo looked pretty damn hot.

James