Sophistication, style make Volvo S80 intelligent choice for luxury

For immediate release

Sophistication, style make Volvo S80 intelligent choice for luxury

The elegant Volvo S80 has built a loyal following in a short time, based in part on its unique ability to deliver style with safety, sophistication with practicality, and luxury with environmental responsibility. The 2001 Volvo S80 reaffirms the car's reputation as the intelligent choice among luxury cars.

The newest Volvo S80 refines some of the model's benchmark attributes while adding practical value with new standard features. The latest enhancements include an available Interior Air Quality System, mirrors with memories and a clever luggage holder.

Volvo Car Corporation's commitment to improved environmental performance now extends to the inside the Volvo S80, where an innovative system helps protect occupants against odours and pollutants. Part of the available Security Package, the Interior Air Quality System enhances the performance of the standard pollen and dust filter that is the first line of defence for S80 passengers. The optional system places a sensor in the cabin air intake to detect nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the air. The sensor can switch the ventilation system to recirculate interior air rather than fill the cabin with exhaust, oil and gas fumes. An additional multi-filter with active carbon element reduces both particles and airborne toxins.

The luxurious interior of the Volvo S80 not only feels welcoming and comfortable, it's also a cleaner environment. All of the textiles used inside the Volvo S80 are certified in accordance with the international Öko-Tex Standard to also ensure they do not give off harmful vapour or create allergic reactions for sensitive passengers.

The little touches that won extensive praise for the S80 when first introduced also contribute to the 2001 S80's status as the state of the art among luxury cars. Both the S80 2.9 and T6 now have adjustable mirrors with memories keyed to the driver and an automatic dimming rear view mirror. The three different memory cells for the 8-position power adjustable driver's seat now store the outside mirror positions. When the remote door lock is activated, the memory linked to that remote module places the seat and mirrors in the position last used when that remote locked the car.

The two model variants -- the Volvo S80 2.9 and S80 T6 -- continue to provide alternatives for discerning buyers seeking Volvo's unique interpretation of the luxury automobile for a new era.

The two versions share the same architecture: transversely-mounted in-line 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The S80 2.9 employs a normally aspirated 2.9-litre aluminum power plant, featuring 24-valve cylinder head with double overhead cam and Continuously Variable Valve Timing. In keeping with Volvo Car Corporation=s commitment to improved environmental performance, this 197 hp engine qualifies for Low Emission Vehicle status. The S80 T6 utilizes a 2.8-litre version of the engine with the addition of twin light-pressure intercooled turbochargers to generate 268 hp. Both models take power to the front wheels through a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with adaptive programming. The S80 T6 is standard with the Geartronic feature which gives the driver the option to select gears in the style of a sequential manual transmission.

Sure starts and predictable handling in slippery conditions is assured by a feature called Stability and Traction Control (STC), standard on S80 models. The optional Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) is a state-of-the-art skid control system.

A fine European luxury car is expected to meet certain performance standards and the 2001 Volvo S80 easily satisfies the most demanding drivers. The fine ride from the long wheelbase and wide stance does not compromise the S80's remarkable handling. Four-channel ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution ensures fast, predictable stops.

Both S80 models share the benefits of Volvo Car Corporation's commitment to the continued pursuit of safety. The roster of safety technologies offered in S80 is impressive: driver and front passenger airbags with dual-stage deployment, three-point inertia reel seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners at all seating positions, Volvo-developed Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side air bags for front seats and Inflatable Curtain protection for front- and rear-seat passengers, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) front seats and padded head restraints for all seats as well as numerous other occupant safety features.

As important as the number of safety features is their integration into the design of the S80, the first car built on the Volvo large car platform. The S80 has won wide recognition as the industry standard for occupant protection, in part because of the way its engineers have used the structural design of the platform and the various safety technologies to manage the forces of a crash. Indeed, the pioneering design work of the S80 has since been passed along to the other cars built on the large car platform, including the 2001 V70 wagon, Cross Country and new S60 sedan.

It is the fine lines of the S80 and the elegant appointments that wrap all of the precise engineering and thoughtful safety features into a true luxury automobile with a European heritage and particular Volvo point of view. Inside, the orthopaedically-designed seats with two-level heating and fine leather trim, leather wrapped steering wheel with built-in cruise and audio controls, personal security features like approach and Home Safe Lighting, 8-speaker premium audio system with cassette and in-dash CD, dual-zone electronic climate control and a dozen other features all contribute to the simple joy of being inside a Volvo S80. Outside, the strong, expressive lines of the new Volvo design language showcase the flagship S80 as both a new way to look at luxury and a new way to see the Volvo brand.

For 2001, an executive version of the Volvo S80 will be available for the T6 versions. The S80 Executive shares exterior dimensions with the standard S80 but offers revised rear seat with additional rear leg room, wider rear doors and rear window sun curtain, as well as available audio, video and convenience options that make it suitable for limousine and other speciality service.

All Volvo models are covered by a comprehensive 48 month/80,000 kilometre warranty and standard 48-month Volvo On Call roadside assistance that contribute to the worry-free enjoyment of their cars by Volvo owners. Volvo automobiles are sold and serviced by authorized Volvo retailers in major markets across Canada.

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Information:

Lisa Graham

Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.

(416)490-5834

Doug Mepham

MacDonald & Co.

(416)975-1572