Volvo to downsize engines in 2013; ponders diesel for U.S.

Engine downsizing is considered an effective method for reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency and that’s precisely why many automakers have developed smaller mills to replace older, larger motors. Kia,Volkswagen, Fiat, Audi and many others already announced their intentions to introduce downsized enginesin upcoming models. We can now add Volvo to the ranks of automakers developing new low-displacement powerplants.

According to Autocar, Volvo plans to introduce downsized gas- and diesel-fueled engines across its model range beginning in 2013. The automaker is also eying the addition of clean diesels that displace less than two liters – including a 1.6-liter engine that puts out 113 horsepower – and is even discussing the possibility of importing oil burners here to the States. Volvo’s Chief Executive Officer, Stefan Jacoby, tells Autocar that the company is “taking a deep look at whether it will introduce the diesels to the U.S.,” though nothing has been decided yet.

What do you think – would bringing over a range of diesels help improve Volvo’s fortunes in the States?

Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Volvo and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration have announced that the Swedish automaker will recall some 6,046 vehicles from the 2011 model year due to a possible flaw in the engine control module. According to NHTSA, a fuel shut-off parameter in the software is too sensitive, and under certain conditions, the engine may stall. Volvo is concerned that the problem may lead to an accident. A total of four models are covered in the recall, including the 2011 S60 and S80 sedans along with the XC60and XC70 softroaders.

Volvo is scheduled to begin the recall on or before December 10, and owners will have their vehicle’s software updated free of charge to fix the problem. Concerned drivers may contact Volvo directly at 1.800.458.1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

Volvo XC60 faces small recall over side airbags

Volvo is recalling select XC60 models for an airbag assembly issue that could result in the safety device failing to deploy or deploy improperly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defective air bag “may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.” All 58 vehicles (yes, just 58 vehicles) covered by the recall will need to head to the nearest Volvo dealer for a free inspection of the left and right curtain air bag assemblies.

In other Volvo-related recall news, the Swedish automaker is supporting Garmin’s recall of model 760 and 765 navigation systems. The nav systems, which are installed by dealers on several Volvo products, are being recalled due to a potential defect that may cause some battery types to overheat. Keep in mind that the Garmin devices being recalled are not in any way linked to Volvo’s factory installed Road Traffic Information system. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Rumormill: Volvo readying five-door hatchback to boost brand’s overall sales

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby wants to move 800,000 vehicles across the globe per year by 2020, which would more than double last year’s sales tally of 350,000 and signal a reversal of sales declines. Jacoby expects about 250,000 of those additional sales to come from its integration into the Chinese market, but the remaining difference will be made up by entering new segments, sharpening the brand’s focus and becoming a true luxury brand, not just premium.

It shouldn’t be any surprise that the ex-Volkswagen USA head would have in mind a Golf-sized five-door hatch for arrival in 2012. He didn’t indicate what platform such a model would be built on, but the C30 would seem like a worthy candidate. If Volvo can come with a sporty hatch and get those buyers to look at the brand as something other than soccer-mom safety, the chance is there. The straight-talking German is working on the product plan, and as for raising the brand cachet he said, “We need to focus on luxury. I don’t believe in the word ‘premium.’”

Paris 2010: Volvo V60 and S60 R-Design models look a good bit naughtier

We recently drove the 2011 Volvo S60 in the wilds of Oregon and came away rather impressed with both its performance and in-person aesthetics. That said, we generally don’t begrudge a bit more visual aggression, and to that end, Volvo has obliged with a pair of new R-Design models here at the Paris Motor Show that includes the S60 sedan and its not-for-North-America V60, a wagon so attractive that we couldn’t help but lead off our live coverage with it.

In either case, the well-integrated R-Design package consists of a distinct front fascia, rear bumper cutout with diffuser and bespoke 18-inch alloys in a fetching smoked finish. While there isn’t any more power under the hood, the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six should fit the bill rather nicely, especially with its generous 325 pound-feet of torque. No word on any shift-map changes for the six-speed automatic gearbox, but what we’d really like to see for this sportier S60 is a set of paddle shifters.

That aside, R-Design models ought to handle a bit better than their more common brethren, as they hug the ground a bit more closely thanks to shorter, stiffer coils and monotube shocks. The rest of the suspension gets beefed up, too, with firmer bushings and a front strut-tower brace. Check out our from-the-floor images below and the official press release after the jump.

Volvo reveals S60 and V60 R-Design models ahead of Paris debut

Volvo has been so kind as to give us an inkling of what to expect from the company when it arrives at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The Swedish carmaker will display new R-Design versions of both the S60 sedan and the V60 wagon. According to the press release, both cars will receive the usual go-fast treatment, starting with a few aesthetic changes outside. The R-Design cars will wear a more aggressive fascia up front, unique 18-inch alloys, revised sports seats inside and a few suspension tweaks to help everything stay planted through the twisties.

That means firmer bushings all the way around, a strut-tower brace up front and lower, stiffer coils on all four corners. The icing on the cake is a new corner traction control system that uses a torque-vectoring system to make for smoother cornering, a compelling feature that we just tested on the plain-jane S60 T6 all-wheel drive. Don’t look for any extra horsepower under the hood, though. Volvo has left the usual array of engines completely untouched. Both the R-Design S60 and V60 will debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show next month.Hit the jump for the full press release.

First Drive: 2011 Volvo S60

Volvo has been gearing up the promotion machine for its new S60, and it’s taking an unusual tack, referring to the Swedish automaker’s latest sedan as the sportiest and “Naughtiest Volvo Ever.” This, of course, may seem a bit like proclaiming that Greg was the rebel in the Brady Bunch. It might have been true, but the Swedish automaker’s lineup hasn’t exactly been fraught with the sort of characters that your parents warned you about, has it?

If this S60 is ‘naughty,’ it’s probably in the same way that going to prom with your mother is ‘naughty.’ It’s wrong, certainly… particularly for the couple sharing your limo. It might even be a bit dangerous – for your social life – but at the end of the day, the core wholesomeness of both mothers and Volvos can’t be denied, right?

Well, perhaps not. After all, although it was developed under the Ford umbrella, this new S60 comes to market with new ownership (China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) and new leadership (former Volkswagenof America head Stefan Jacoby). And that is some rather sexy sheetmetal – particularly when it’s slathered in such an assertive paint color. But what’s going on beneath the skin? You’ll have to follow the jump to find out.

Geely-owned Volvo seeks €600 million EIB loan

Volvo received a €200 million loan from the European Investment Bank in March of this year, and sought another €300 million to cement its finances as it navigated the process of being sold by Ford. The rest of the funds were put on hold as Ford concluded the deal with China’s Geely, but now that the sale is completeVolvo is ready to take delivery of the additional sum.

Geely-owned Volvo has revised its product timeline compared to when when it first applied for EIB assistance, however. As a result, it now seeks €600 million. At the moment, the process is on hold while Geely discusses loan guarantees with the Swedish government, but perhaps that extra dosh – assuming it’s approved – will help pay for Volvo’s 7 Series and S-Class competitor.

Volvo C30 to get special edition with a hint of citrus?

3 Once again an automaker is turning to you, The American Car Buyer, to find out what you want. This time, it’s Volvo wondering what America’s consumer audience thinks of a special edition C30 that would combine metallic Orange Flame paint and 17-inch wheels outside with two-tone seats in T-Tec and orange cloth, Sirius Satellite, an an upgraded audio system inside. If you answered, “Yes, I like the sound of that,” Volvo wants to know if an automatic, climate control and bi-xenons would also be on your list.

The Orange Metallic paint is a current option on U.S. C30s – this is really about the interior and the special wheels, which aren’t available. There is nothing to indicate that you’ll have a chance to buy such a C30 no matter how badly you want it, but Volvo product communications guru Dan Johnston is listening to all comments left over at our friends at Swedespeed. Check ‘em out by clicking on the link below.

Officially Official: Volvo V60 sports wagon gets (surprisingly) rockin’ intro

Volvo has just sauntered into the battle to convince the world that wagons are as cool as they are functional with a new launch video for the company’s very sexy V60 long-roof. The car’s hobbies appear to be rocking out across the open desert and hustling family and cargo across town in a hurry. Globally, the company is offering a number of engines in the V60, including a new 2.0-liter direct-injected four with around 203 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, we wouldn’t exactly hold your breath waiting for that one to show up on this side of the world.

But all may not yet be lost – Volvo has been kind enough to supply the car with a turbo 3.0-liter T6 with 304 Swedish ponies and 324 lb-ft of torque – a powertrain that sounds more like what the automaker might consider for North America (if indeed it gets the nod at all). In either case, the blown six-pot would would no doubt have us double-checking to make sure our groceries are secured. With that kind of grunt, Volvo says the wagon will scoot up to 60 mph in a scant 6.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard, and the only gearbox available on the T6 is the company’s six-speed automatic. Volvo will offer no less than eight different engines in the V60, so it’s hard telling exactly which will show up here in the States should the time come.

Until then, the company has given us one sweet launch video and a bevy of images to drool over. Be sure tohit the jump for the press release and to check out the short flick after you roll through the high-res gallery.

Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ups the luxe

As impressive of a vehicle as the seminal Volkswagen Phaeton may have been, the uber-luxe German sedan was an unqualified flop of an experiment here in the United States. In some other parts of the world, though, VW’s BMW and Mercedes-Benz (not to mention VW-owned Audi) competitor is still going strong.

Hence, VW has seen fit to give the Phaeton a mild update for the 2011 model year, and it tellingly used theBeijing Motor Show as the platform to reveal its top-shelf sedan. In case you missed the exterior changes, take a closer look at the front and rear fascias, where you’ll find tighter lines and new LED lighting.

It’s inside the cabin where the Phaeton gets the bulk of its improvements. Included in the refresh is VW’s latest navigation technology, along with a helpful seeing-eye camera that can monitor speed limit and no passing signs and inform lazy drivers of the data. There is also a lane-departure system that keeps the car between the proper lines and Dynamic Light Assist that adjusts the headlights to keep from blinding oncoming traffic.

Powertrain options remain the same as before, with a 450-horsepower 6.0-liter W12 engine taking top billing over a 335-hp 4.2-liter V8 and a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 280 ponies. Finally, those looking to save a few bucks at the pump can opt for a 3.0-liter diesel V6. Check it out for yourself in the high-res image galleries below.

Discount 300 million for genuine Volkswagen Tiguan

World Auto Distributor in Vietnam, under the support of parent company Volkswagen, made the promotion unprecedented for its midsize SUV.

The program lasts from 2 / 4 to 31 / 5. Starting price (already includes VAT) of the Tiguan is 1.319 billion (approximately $ 69,000). Before that, World Auto prices pressure 1.639 billion.

This SUV on the market to Vietnam from March 10/2009. Once the program support and VAT registration expires on 31/12, the auto market started going down and become more difficult in March. This may be a cause for World Auto launch promotions so large.

Volkswagen Tiguan compact shape and property suitable for many purposes. But perhaps the distributor Auto World overvalued. Photo: Referee Company.

Tiguan is designed just right, the Toyota RAV4 or the equivalent Honda CR-V, so when the city proper.

World Auto version that distribution powered automatic air conditioning two areas, electric seat adjustment. 6 disc CD player connected to stereo speakers 8. Panorama sunroof for both rows of seats. Standard of sound import cars, with very little noise, even from the tires or the engine.

Tiguan equipped with 2-liter I4 engine (4 cylinders in line) TSI, 170 horsepower power at a relatively low cycle tour 4300 rpm, maximum torque 280 Nm at 1700-4200 rpm. Gearbox 6-speed Tiptronic automatic, 4WD 4Motion full-time.

Safety equipment includes antilock brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution EBD, emergency brake assist BA, electronic differential lock EDL, TCS traction control. CCTV later.

Volvo’s Racing Partner Teases C30 Concept with AWD and 400HP

Volvo has teamed up with its racing partner ‘Polestar Performance’, which handles the firm’s championship-winning Swedish Touring Car Team, to develop the C30 Performance Concept Prototype.

The idea behind the project is to create the ultimate C30 without being halted by specific race regulations. The concept includes a 400-horsepower engine, all-wheel-drive, and aerodynamics based on Polestar’s race car data.

“We love the Volvo C30 – it’s a great car with huge potential for development with its low weight and low centre of gravity. It’s also a fantastic road car. But now we go much further by combining the road car with cutting edge racing technology,” says Robert Dahlgren, race and development driver at Polestar.

The 400HP-strong C30 concept car will have its world premiere at the Gothenburg Motor Show on April 22.

Pure-Electric Volvo C30 to Debut at Detroit Show, Trial Runs Start in 2011

Volvo is the second automaker after BMW and its Concept ActiveE to announce the debut of a pure-electric model based on a production car at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next January. And like BMW, Volvo plans to build a test fleet of at least 50 plug-in C30s, which will be used in real-life traffic from 2011.

The Swedes first showed us an electric C30 prototype in September 2009. Aside from being based on the facelift C30, the Detroit Show model has been further refined and now features both a complete interior and full instrumentation, as well as enhanced battery packaging.

“The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues.” said Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

“We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30′s cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product,” Stegland concluded.

The latest plug-in C30 uses an electric motor fitted under the bonnet while the Lithium-Ion batteries (24 kWh) are installed in the propshaft tunnel and in the space normally occupied by the fuel tank, outside the passenger compartment and away from the deformations zones for safety reasons.

The Lithium-Ion batteries that can be recharged via either a regular household power socket or special roadside charging stations. The Swedes said that a full recharge takes about eight hours

The three-door hatchback has a top speed of about 130 km/h or 81 mph, while Volvo said that it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in less than 11 seconds. The car’s driving range is up to 150 km or 94 mile, which Volvo claims covers the daily transport needs of more than 90 percent of all motorists in Europe.

Aside from the special graphics, colors and wheels, the electric C30 looks no different on the outside than a regular C30 while inside, the most obvious changes concern the new trim, revised instrument panel and the new gear selector.

Volvo S60: New Video Gives us a Complete View of Swedish Sedan

Following the release of the first teaser photos of the all-new 2011 S60 back in November, Volvo has now published a new video that gives us with a full view of its small executive sedan that will make its world premiere at the Geneva Salon in March 2010. Closely based on the concept model that appeared at the 2009 Detroit Show, the new S60 is squarely aimed at the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series.

Volvo, which will soon pass on to the hands of China’s Geely Motors, has released very little information on the car but the company did say that the new S60 will be more driver orientated that its predecessor.

While it is not clear yet how the sale will affect the S60′s engine range, it is believed that Ford’s new EcoBoost 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine featuring turbocharging, direct injection and outputs ranging from 150 to 180 horsepower will be amongst the offerings.