Archive for category Volvo

The Volvo S80 Car Review

Volvo S80Most luxury cars make a statement about prestige and status; for example, if you see a BMW or Mercedes you instantly think about luxury, status and very high performance. However, not everyone wants to be so obvious about enjoying the finer things in life. For those people there is the modest Volvo S80. In terms of looks the S80 is very simple and blends in with the crowd; it doesn’t make a great statement and it isn’t a showstopper. Its performance is also on the modest side; it isn’t exact a hot rod or a speed racer. The design is classic and has remained the same for many years.

Let’s take a look at the engine choices available for the S80. The engine for the base model is a six cylinder 3.2 Liter with 240 hp which can be upgraded to a 3.0 Liter engine with 300 hp and 325 lb feet of torque. Gas mileage for the 3.2 engine stands at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the freeway. You can enjoy this auto in manual or automatic mode.

The interior is comfortable without being over the top. Standout features include the plush seats, well designed layout and intuitive nature of the instrument gauges. Trunk space is a bit on the small side at 14.9 cubic feet. Standard features include electronic climate control, power front seats, cruise control and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Volvo engineers have included tons of safety mechanisms such as anti-lock brakes, side positioning lights, head restraints for all passengers and a side impact protection system for all occupants. The S80 was also awarded the distinction being named a “Top Safety Pick” but the IIHS.

As we all know, luxury cars are notoriously expensive to repair, but you won’t have to worry about that with the S80. New buyers receive a 4 year/60k mile warranty. In addition service is also covered for up to thirty six thousand miles or the first three years. This is a great perk since luxury cars are generally notoriously expensive in order to maintain.

If you’re a bit on the modest side and don’t want to announce your status and pedigree to the world then the S80 would make an excellent choice. Some car fans might be turned off a bit by the lack of speed and power. However, if you are looking for a commuter vehicle with European styling that isn’t over the top then the S80 would make a great choice. Pricing for the S80 is modest for its class, MSRP for the base model starts at around forty thousand dollars which is very competitive when compared to cars like the E-class from Mercedes or BMW. Read the rest of this entry »

, , , , ,

No Comments

Volvo Cars Based on Racing Concept

Volvo RacingThe Volvo car manufacturing company has announced it will produce three automobile models with features inspired by the Volvo Ocean Race, the prestigious around-the-world yacht race that attracts internationally respected sailors to compete for top honors.

The special models were announced by Volvo at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the highly regarded annual car show held in Switzerland.

The new models, to be known as Volvo Ocean Race Editions, will be associated with the V60, the XC60 and the XC70 in the Volvo lineup. Orders for the special editions are slated to begin in April 2011 with delivery scheduled to start in July.

Volvo company officials have not yet released details on the cost of the special-edition models.

Design details of the new Volvo models are inspired by sailing, the marine lifestyle and the challenge and exhilaration associated with high-level yacht sailing. Volvo offers two specially created colors in the new line, known as Volvo Ocean Blue II and Electric Silver. The Volvo Ocean Race logo will appear in strategic locations on the back of the cars’ front seats. Leather upholstery in the cars’ interiors comes in soft beige and off-black, according to Volvo. The logo will also appear in various spots on the exterior and interior of the special editions of the cars.

The new editions of the cars will also feature attractive chrome detailing and unique aluminum wheels.

Volvo is targeting an audience of professional and amateur sailors as well as sports fans who appreciate skilled athletes and dramatic competition and drivers who respect the seafaring lifestyle.

Volvo officials said they expect to sell 7,500 of the special-edition autos, with many of the customers coming from Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy.

Karin Backlund, the director of global sponsorship for Volvo, said in an official statement: “With the Volvo Ocean Race, we have a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the brand and highlight specific characteristics such as design, dynamic performance and innovative technology. It enables our effort to move the brand towards more emotive values. ” Read the rest of this entry »

, , , , ,

No Comments