The new Volvo XC60 combines sporty driving with superb comfort and
all-road ability
Sporty chassis setting
delivers high comfort
Large 18- or 19 inch
wheels available for handling with style
New safety functions: an
enhanced DSTC system and Trailer Stability Assist
Volvo's new 281 horsepower
T6 engine gives top performance
With the new XC60, Volvo takes yet another step in
offering cars that are fun to drive yet comfortable to ride in. The
compact format and the precise road attributes mean the new Volvo
XC60 provides a superb ride on both city streets and country lanes.
"The new Volvo XC60 is designed for customers who
impose high demands on the driving experience - whether the car is
used in the city, on the motorway or to negotiate tight curves in
country lanes," says Lars Blenwall, project director for the XC60.
"That is why we have focused on finding exactly the right balance
between sportiness and comfort, for the chassis and for the car as a
whole."
The new Volvo XC60 is robustly built to handle all
operating conditions. The body has increased torsional rigidity (20
kNm/deg) while the sporty chassis setup enables the car to be
precisely controlled minimises roll tendencies in demanding driving
situations. Weight is optimally distributed between the front and
rear axles, which contributes to superb balance and traction. The
transversely installed engine and Volvo's All Wheel Drive with
Instant TractionTM from Haldex
contribute to well-balanced control and smoothness of operation.
Large 18-inch wheels as standard (19 inches optional)
and 9.0 inches of ground clearance mean the Volvo XC60 is capable of
traversing terrain that would be impossible for a conventional
passenger car. The rear suspension ensures good comfort and road
contact even when the going gets rough. The McPherson front
suspension and wide track also contribute to excellent directional
stability.
"The XC60 handles sharply and behaves exactly as you
would expect whatever the situation," says Blenwall. "It promotes a
feeling of safety and control, and also of relaxed comfort."
The Volvo XC60 offers a very high level of active
safety. Apart from Volvo's All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM
there is a further developed stability-enhancement function, DSTC,
which is fitted as standard. In addition there is a wide range of
optional functions, including the all-new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
which offers unbeatable control when towing a trailer.
The braking system in the Volvo XC60 is based on the
system used in the Volvo XC90. The powerful brakes in combination
with the lower weight of the smaller vehicle means that braking
performance is exceptional.
Engine performance too is of the highest level. At
introduction in the U.S. in early 2009, the Volvo XC60 will be
available with a turbocharged 3.0-liter high-efficiency in-line
six-cylinder gasoline engine producing 281 horsepower and 295
lb.-ft. of torque.
Four-wheel drive for
sure-footed grip
The Volvo XC60 is equipped as standard with Volvo's All Wheel Drive
with Instant TractionTM to ensure
the best possible road grip whatever the situation. With the help of
an electronically controlled clutch, the AWD system automatically
distributes drive between the front and rear wheels. The Instant
Traction function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels at
lightning speed, such as when starting from standstill on slippery
or loose surfaces.
Enhanced DSTC function
Volvo's DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control)
function has been further developed in the new Volvo XC60 in order
to help providing even more stable driving. DSTC registers
deviations between the driver's intended direction and the car's
actual direction. The enhanced
DSTC function registers the car's roll rate as well, giving the
opportunity to detect slowly built up skids. This may occur if the
driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal while steering, like
when leaving a highway slightly too late. By measuring the roll
rate, the DSTC function is able to start the regulation at an
earlier stage - and with greater precision. This is highly
noticeable in dynamic driving where the car is exposed to high
lateral forces.
New Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA) offers improved control
The purpose of the new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
function is to dampen the oscillation tendencies that can arise when
towing a trailer. In certain conditions there is a risk that the car
and trailer might start swaying from side to side or "snaking"
making it difficult for the driver to regain control. TSA operates
together with enhanced DSTC to help stabilize the situation by
braking one or more wheels while at the same time reducing the
engine's torque. TSA operates on all road surfaces and can be
specified as a separate active-safety option when purchasing a
trailer hitch.
RSC helps prevent
roll-overs
The XC60 is also equipped with Roll Stability Control
(RSC) as standard. RSC is an active stability-enhancement system. If
the system assesses that there is a considerable risk of a
roll-over, the engine's torque is reduced and some braking power is
directed to one or more wheels to help counter any tendency to roll
over.
HDC gives added control
downhill
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is Volvo's sophisticated
technology for assisting slow progress in first gear when driving on
steep grades. It's available as an option on the new XC60. Using the
car's braking system and engine torque, HDC controls the car's speed
to maintain a steady crawl. This leaves the driver free to focus
solely on steering safely. HDC is activated via a button on the
instrument panel. The driver can at any time take over by pressing
either the accelerator or brake pedal. Once another gear is
selected, HDC is automatically disengaged. All changes take place
smoothly and gently.
Active chassis with
Four C - and three distinct settings
The Four-C option (late calendar-year 2009
availability in the U.S.) makes the Volvo XC60 extra comfortable,
especially on poor quality roads. Volvo's Four-C is an advanced,
self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to
continuously monitor the car's behavior. The dampers are adjusted to
suit the current driving conditions in mere fractions of a second.
Three chassis settings, Comfort, Advanced and Sport, allow the
driver to adapt the chassis to suit road conditions at the touch of
a button.
Three level speed
sensitive power steering
Speed-dependent power steering is an option on the
new Volvo XC60. The system allocates more servo assistance at lower
speeds to make steering easier when parking. Servo assistance is
reduced as speed rises in order to give the driver the most optimal
road feel. Three levels of servo assistance can be selected via a
menu in the car's information system to comply with the individual
customer preferences.
Turbocharged T6 engine
with top performance
The T6 engine - available in all Volvo large cars for
the 2008 model year - is based on Volvo's compact 3.2-liter in-line
six, an all-aluminum engine that was introduced in the new Volvo S80
in 2006.
The turbo version for the XC60, with a displacement
of 3.0 liters, delivers 281 horsepower with torque of no less than
295 lb.-ft. Maximum torque is available from just 1500 rpm and
remains on tap throughout the rev range. The result is swift
acceleration and smooth driving.
The turbo version has a somewhat smaller displacement
owing to its slightly smaller bore and shorter stroke. However, this
is compensated by the turbocharger, which in this engine takes in
exhaust gases in two phases. The inlet side has been divided into
two sections of three cylinders each using what is known as
twin-scroll technology. This approach makes for a simpler, more
compact turbocharger that provides very fast response, fully on par
with the power typically delivered by twin turbochargers.
The T6 engine is perfect for sporty driving. At the
same time it has been programmed to provide the highest possible
power with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust
emissions. With standard All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM
the engine is used most optimally since maximum power is transmitted
onto the road surface.
Like all other Volvo models, the new Volvo XC60 has a
transversely mounted powertrain. Transverse installation gives the
engine more space under the hood and helps reduce the risk of
penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal
collision.
Six-speed Geartronic
The engine in the new Volvo XC60 is mated to a
six-speed Geartronic transmission, offering drivers the choice of
fully automatic or manual shift modes. The transmission has been
designed to handle the output of the T6 and Volvo's powerful diesel
engines. Sixth gear is a pure overdrive ratio and offers relaxed,
economical cruising. The T6 version also has a sport mode.
Geartronic makes it possible to change gears manually should the
driver prefer a sportier driving style or if he or she wants to hold
onto a specific gear.
Is This the
2009 Volvo XC60?
The XC60
Project
Delivering a capable and
charismatic crossover from Volvo
Irvine, CA (December 14, 2006) – With
the release of the first official images of the Volvo XC60 Concept,
Volvo's newest concept is set to take center stage at the 2007 North
American International Auto Show. Integrating both the unmistakable,
muscular XC-versatility and the sporty charisma of a coupe, the XC60
Concept is a preview of the new production Volvo XC60 that is
planned to reach showrooms at the beginning of 2009.
“One might say that this could be the
C30-owner’s next car; equally sporty and exciting, but with more
cargo capacity. The XC60 Concept offers a good indication of how the
“real” XC60 will look,” said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO at Volvo
Cars. The concept car shows that Volvo Cars’ XC60 project is ready
to challenge the competition in what is currently the toughest and
fastest-growing segment in the automotive world – the Small Premium
Utility segment.
Today there are only a handful of models in
this segment, but within the next few years, buyers will have at
least 10 competitors to choose from. Between 2007 and 2009, the
segment’s sales volume is expected to expand by 75 percent to
443,000 cars. “There is considerable potential in this segment and
the XC60 Concept exemplifies Volvo's sporty and dynamic intentions
while retaining our firm lead when it comes to safety. The
technological solutions for avoiding low-speed collisions represent
a major breakthrough. We call this system City Safety,” explained
Arp.
Automatic braking
If the vehicle in front suddenly brakes
and City Safety senses that a collision is likely to occur it will
pre-charge the brakes to assist the driver in avoiding an accident.
However, when the system senses that a collision is imminent, the
car will brake automatically.
City Safety is active at up to 18.6 mph (30
km/h). If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is
below 9.3 mph (15 km/h), the system can help the driver avoid the
collision entirely. Between 9.3 and 18.6 mph, the system attempts to
reduce the Volvo's speed as much as possible before the impact.
,.
Target group with high demands on technology
As with the recently introduced Volvo
C30, Volvo’s XC60 project is aimed at a specific target group with
high demands on design, brand value and high-tech solutions in their
choice of lifestyle products. This generation is very tech savvy, is
becoming increasingly influential and is building up immense
purchasing power. When it comes to their choice of car, these
consumers adopt the same approach as they apply to other products;
it should preferably cater to all their needs in one attractive,
smart package.
Capable XC muscles down below, elegant coupe
above the waistline
From the design viewpoint the XC60
Concept is a daring creation, a fusion of the very best elements
from two distinctive, yet dynamic vehicle types. Below the beltline,
the unmistakable and capable XC styling cues give it a distinctive
stance with high ground clearance on large wheels. Above the
waistline, the sleek lines trace the profile and sporty charisma of
an elegant coupe.
The XC60 Concept has an interior design that
is as daring as the exterior. This is most evident in the instrument
panel and center stack and the slim, visually floating front and
rear seats. “The concept car not only provides a good indication of
what the production XC60 will look like, it also offers a glimpse
into the future of Volvo's design language. With a more sculptured
look, our cars will be more extroverted in their visual appeal,"
says Steve Mattin, Design Director at Volvo Cars.
Deliveries to customers in early 2009
With the XC60 Concept, Volvo Cars is
announcing that the XC family, which presently consists of the XC70
and XC90, will be expanded in the beginning of 2009. Just like the
two present vehicles in the XC range, the Volvo XC60 is based on
passenger-car technology, which makes it possible to combine its
rugged capability with a dynamic and entertaining driving
experience.
“I would like to emphasize that with the XC60
project, as with the C30, we are aiming primarily at lifestyle
rather than age. We are broadening our model range to attract more
customers with an active, urban lifestyle. The XC60 will be equally
important as the C30 in our planned sales volume expansion,”
concludes Arp.
