New Volvo S80 gives Volvo a boost in the prestige segment
New Volvo S80 gives Volvo a boost in the prestige segment
Volvo Car Corporation is now advancing in the prestige segment with the introduction of a renewed Volvo S80 that integrates a range of design and technology improvements.
"We’re talking here about significant changes, changes that will give the model considerably enhanced competitiveness in its segment. The Volvo S80 has long been the industry benchmark in terms of safety, comfort and space. Now we are taking a huge stride forward in terms of elegance and driving dynamics too," says Hans-Olov Olsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
The Volvo S80 was unveiled to a very enthusiastic reception five years ago and quickly rose to become the best seller in its segment. Sales figures in the past couple of years, however, have not been equally bright.
Polished diamond
"We have not succeeded in giving the S80 a sufficiently strong profile on the market in recent years," confirms Hans-Olov Olsson, and adds:
"The new Volvo S80 is a polished diamond. It’s not just a matter of design, but equally of technological refinement and aesthetic feel. The new Volvo S80 should be so comfortable and easy to drive that every journey is a relaxing and refreshing experience. The key word here is regeneration."
The design of the new S80 focuses on a number of new details. The exterior has a more elegant stance with an entirely new front and rear section. Inside the car, the emphasis is on heightening the aura of exclusiveness, with features such as new door panels and instruments inspired by the recently unveiled R concept.
Refined driving properties
The driving properties gain a major boost with the FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis system, which was introduced in the Volvo S60 R and V70 R in 2002. In the Volvo S80, FOUR-C has been tailored to provide maximum comfort. The driver has the option of selecting a sportier setting at the touch of a button on the instrument panel. The FOUR-C system is available as an option. Another new feature is the power steering from German specialist ZF. This gives the Volvo S80 more direct steering response and increased steering precision. Sales of the new Volvo S80 start during spring 2003, and Volvo Cars initially has its sights set on selling more than 40,000 cars per year.
"The new Volvo S80 shows that we have what it takes to compete with the very best sedans in the prestige segment," says Hans-Olov Olsson.
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