Click Here to Comment at The Motor Portal Blog!!   Update:  Volvo S80 Named 2007 AutoMundo Magazine Car of the Year   Irvine, Calif. (March 22, 2007) - AutoMundo, the nation's premier Spanish-language automotive enthusiast publication, today named the all-new Volvo S80 as its 2007 Car of the Year. The prestigious accolade which appears in the magazine's April issue, follows the S80's recent debut in the U.S. marketplace and echoes what others are saying about Volvo's first V8-powered luxury sedan.   The S80 was selected for its revolutionary design, dynamic and youthful driving attributes and Volvo's legendary safety systems. "The new 2007 Volvo S80 was really the obvious choice," commented Jorge Koechlin, President and Editor-in-Chief of AutoMundo. "As the company's first V8-powered car, it really breaks the mold of what AutoMundo has come to expect of Volvo's cars."   "The S80 is a true competitor to other European and Japanese luxury sedans," said Anne Belec, President and CEO of Volvo Cars North America. "This recognition by the editors of AutoMundo is significant, and reflects our belief that Volvo is worthy of consideration in this very competitive segment."   The all-new Volvo S80 went on sale in December with a starting price of $38,705 for the 235-horsepower inline-6 cylinder engine and $47,350 for the all-wheel-drive-equipped V8 with 311 horsepower. The S80 features a number of standard safety systems including SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. It also features many driver-assistance systems such as Volvo's Blind Sport Information System (BLIS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Ready Alert Brakes with Electronic Brake Support.   AutoMundo magazine is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Its mission is to publish a premium Spanish-language automotive magazine for the U.S. market with the most comprehensive editorial regarding all aspects of the automotive industry. AutoMundo strives to bring relevant, high-quality content to its Hispanic readers and car enthusiasts.   VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for nearly 80 years.   The 2007 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan - including the award-winning performance sedan - S60 R and the performance wagon version - V70 R; the all-new flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and, the new C70 convertible.   Model Overview: 2007 Volvo S80 Model Overview: 2007 Volvo S80 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price S80 3.2:$38,705 S80 V8 AWD:$47,350 Destination:$695   Volvo is proud to introduce the all-new, second generation S80 for 2007. The flagship of the Volvo sedan line is a revolutionary premium car with elegant styling, a long list of breakthrough safety technologies and two highly sophisticated new engine choices. The S80 represents an exemplary driving experience packaged in an aura of “Scandinavian Luxury.”   “The new S80 is all about evolutionary design – all the shapes and materials represent a continuous development of our design language” says Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars’ design director. “On the outside we have given the S80 a more youthful, dynamic stance. Inside we have created an even more inviting atmosphere with refined materials that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology.”     In nearly every area of occupant protection the S80 expands Volvo’s leadership in both preventative and protective safety. Innovations include a new side airbag with dual chamber construction for enhanced hip and chest protection. Clever structural design employs four different grades of steel for predictable crash energy absorption. The S80 also features the next generation of WHIPS rear impact protection and new approaches to pedestrian safety.   Adaptive cruise control, optional on all S80s, uses a radar sensor to measure the distance to vehicles ahead and automatically adjust vehicle speed. Collision warning with brake support works in concert with the system, alerting the driver and, when the driver depresses the pedal, applying full brake force if needed. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) is another new high-tech option. Cameras near the outside mirrors detect vehicles that might be in a blind spot and relay the information to the driver.   ,.   A new, sophisticated and compact in-line 6-cylinder engine appears for the first time in a Volvo sedan. The S80 3.2 has a larger displacement and delivers more power than its 5-cylinder predecessor. The result is 235 horsepower, an increase of 27 hp, and an identical 236 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with “Geartronic” is standard on the S80 3.2 and the range-topping S80 V8 AWD. Volvo’s first V8-powered sedan puts out an impressive 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are designed to meet the stringent ULEV II emissions standards.   On the inside, the S80’s cabin is fitted with a super-slim center console, premium leather seating surfaces and real wood inlays. A power driver’s seat with memory, power font passenger seat and power moonroof are among the list of standard amenities. Also included is a high performance sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD player, auxiliary input, MP3 capability, a 160-watt amplifier and eight speakers. The optional Audio/Communication Package features a premium Dynaudio sound system with 6-disc CD changer, a 650-watt amplifier, Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound and 12 speakers. Sirius™ Satellite Radio is also included.   Among the S80’s myriad of available technologies is a world first Personal Car Communicator (PCC). An advanced pocket-sized control module sends and receives information from the car that could be crucial to the security of the driver. By pressing a button, the PCC can determine whether the car is locked or unlocked, if the alarm has been activated and if someone is in the car. The latter uses a high-tech heartbeat sensor and an advanced calculation process.