Volvo S80 - model year 2012

Volvo S80 - model year 2012

Building on great success in key markets, Volvo Cars' large and exclusive sedan model - Volvo S80 - blends a distinctive and elegant design, an exclusive interior, a sharp chassis and upgraded engine range. The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious, with a luxurious aura of craftsmanship.

In 2011, the Volvo S80 has been upgraded with the latest user-friendly Volvo Sensus infotainment system, enhanced technology that makes driving even safer and more comfortable, and refined drivelines that offer the combination of higher performance and lower fuel consumption. 

With the Executive version as well as R-design and the special long wheel-based S80L specially produced for the Chinese market, the Volvo S80 is a real premium sedan.

EXTERIOR

Luxury sedan look

On the outside the Volvo S80 gives a long, wide and broad impression. The grille's larger iron mark and the new brightwork (on the air intakes, the doors' lower parts and below the tail lamps) enhance the car's distinctive impression and give the front added presence. The headlamps, which are positioned lower than on the earliest S80 models, follow the curvature of the front and are extended along the side and up towards the bonnet, creating a gentle smile at the front.

The doors are convex and pronounced in shape. They include the rearmost side window. The sills have a distinct profile, creating a visually low centre of gravity and imparting a steady and stable appearance. In order to give the Volvo S80 the right aura of elegance and create an image of being in constant motion, the car has sweeping lines with a comet-shaped profile, an almost imperceptible transition between the rear window and the boot and a cut-off tail section.

New exterior features in Model Year 2012 are the redesigned headlamps and LED turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors 

S80 Executive - enhancing the experience

The S80 Executive model represents a very competitive alternative for customers who value refined Scandinavian elegance in combination with contemporary engineering.

The Executive badge gives a discreet hint that this is an S80 beyond the norm. Inside, the upgraded S80 Executive is the first Volvo model with an instrument panel top in leather, available in espresso brown or off black. Among the interior details that give the S80 Executive a more exclusive character are ventilated soft leather seats with massage function, leather door panels, an integrated analogue clock on the instrument panel and the aluminium centre consol storage.

Specially designed, extra thick carpets reinforce the sober impression. The opportunity to install a fridge in the rear seat, combined with a set of Swedish crystal glasses, also contributes to the enhanced feeling of luxury and comfort.

Exterior colours

The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo S80:

Flamenco Red metallic 702

Black Stone solid 019

Ice White solid 614

Silver metallic 426

Black Sapphire metallic 452

Caspian Blue metallic 498

Magic Blue metallic 467

Caper Green metallic 493

Oyster Grey metallic 472

Electric Silver metallic 477

Ember Black metallic 487 

Savile Grey metallic 492

INTERIOR

Volvo Sensus - refined infotainment

Volvo Sensus is an excellent example of how Volvo Cars refines the driver environment. All information is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre stack. The screen is positioned high up to make it easy for the driver to keep his or hers eyes on the road. All the functions can be controlled via buttons built into the steering wheel or via touch buttons located just below the colour screen.

If the customer chooses a multimedia audio system, Volvo Sensus comes upgraded with the larger seven-inch screen that also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, panorama camera, DVD player, digital TV and so on.

The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is actually the only brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.

Keep in touch via mobile application

New is also a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which is presently available in 12 European countries plus Russia and Brazil.

Exclusivity and comfort

Inside the car the spotlight is on increased exclusivity and comfort.

The soft, sumptuous leather seats with matching stitching are accompanied by door panels echoing the same trim. The super-slim floating centre stack is upgraded with a silk metal frame that emphasises its original design and enhances its exclusive feel.

The instruments in the refreshed Volvo S80 get exclusive aluminium dials and the new generation of steering wheels. The décor trim with silk matte metal-effect finish on the four-spoke steering wheel is also found in the gear selector, around the starter button. Since eight out of ten customers specify leather upholstery, Volvo Cars' designers have focused on comfort by creating unbeatable seating and side support, accentuated further by the superb quality of the soft Scandinavian hide. 

There are two new highlight colours for the upholstery: Sangiovese Red and Blond as well as a new three-spoke steering wheel, enhanced décor inlays and redesigned interior lighting. 

Customers with more individual tastes will be able to select upholstery from the exclusive Executive range, which features classic and sober styles.

Ventilated seats available

If the car is equipped with power front seats they can be optionally specified with upholstery in perforated and ventilated leather. Fans in the seat cushion quickly reduce cushion temperature to a pleasant level and contribute to high seating comfort. The rear seat splits and folds. The front passenger seat backrest can also be folded. Sun blinds for the rear doors are available as an option.

CHASSIS

Choice of chassis

The Volvo S80 has a new sports chassis that is a more dynamic alternative to the comfort-enhancing standard chassis, which offers limousine ride comfort. Customers thus have the opportunity to tailor their cars to suit their wishes - for inspired and enthusiastic driving or relaxed long-distance comfort.

Rigid sports chassis

In order to meet the wishes of S80 customers more interested in an enthusiastic driving style, Volvo has made the chassis far more rigid than before. The car has been lowered 20 millimetres at the front and 15 millimetres at the rear. This not only results in a more stable chassis, it also carves out a more powerful and compact visual profile for the car.

The springs are shorter and firmer. The shock absorbers have greater damping ability, on both compression and extension strokes. All the mountings on the sub-frame have harder bushings. The anti-roll bars have also been made firmer to give increased side stability in curves. This results in crisp steering feel and good control, particularly in more active driving. This is further aided by the steering gear that has been tailored to provide quicker response and increased feel, giving more direct contact with the tyres and road surface.

In order to provide additional stability, the sports chassis is fitted with automatic levelling as standard. It keeps the car's body parallel with the road surface whatever the driving conditions, both when fully loaded and with only the driver on board.

Comfort chassis with enhanced limousine feel

In parallel with the development of the new sports chassis, the standard chassis has been given a distinctly more comfortable feel than before, with somewhat softer springs and less damping. It is designed to offer long-distance ride comfort of absolute limousine quality, not least in the rear seat.

Active chassis with Four-C - and three choices

The car can be optionally specified with an active chassis based on Volvo's Four-C technology. It is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. The dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving conditions in mere fractions of a second.

DSTC is standard

DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) is standard. This is a stability-enhancing system that when necessary reduces engine torque and applies carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid. 

DRIVELINE

Upgraded D5 with 215 hp

The upgraded versions of the Volvo S80 features sharpened versions of the five-cylinder D5 and D3 turbodiesels.

In the D5 engine Volvo Cars' engine experts have boosting performance and torque from 205 hp/420 Nm to 215 hp and 440 Nm while at the same time reducing fuel consumption by eight percent. The quest for better driveability combined with lower fuel consumption and less environmental impact has led to increased focus on internal friction inside the engine.

D3 with better driveability

The D3 remains at 163 hp and 400 Nm. However, the two-litre diesel engine's driveability is now far improved thanks to fine-tuning of the turbocharger. This is an excellent example of the fact that efficiency enhancement in modern combustion engines is now taking place at microscopic levels.

More fuel-efficient

The improved driving properties of the turbodiesels are accompanied by lower fuel consumption figures for both engines.

Fuel consumption (EU Combined) of a Volvo S80 D5 is now just 4.9 l/100 km (129 g/km) with the manual gearbox and 6,1 l/100 km (159 g/km) with the automatic. The corresponding figures for the D3 engine with manual gearbox are 4.9 l/100 km (129 g/km).

DRIVe engine with increased performance

The four-cylinder 1.6-litre diesel is now available in a Euro 5 variant with horsepower increased from 109 to 115. Maximum torque remains at 270 Nm. This engine is fitted to the DRIVe variant V70 with manual gearbox, start/stop and CO₂ emissions of 119 g/km.

T6 with 304 hp

The six-cylinder, turbocharged T6 has a displacement of 3.0 litres sharper performance, thanks mainly to a reduction in internal friction. It offers 304 hp and no less than 440 Nm of torque. Maximum torque is achieved between 2100 and 4200 revs. This results in rapid acceleration and smooth driving properties. All-Wheel Drive is fitted as standard.

3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine

The six-cylinder 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine was also upgraded in 2010, featuring an improved crankshaft and less internal friction. It offers 243 hp and maximum torque is 320 Nm. In order to meet US legislative requirements, there is also a PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) variant that produces 233 hp and 300 Nm.

GTDi engines

The S80 can also be specified with the new four-cylinder T5 engine with GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection). It has a displacement of two litres and power output is 240 hp. Torque is 320 Nm. 

New in-house developed turbocharging technology, direct injection and twin variable camshafts make for a unique combination of low weight, low emissions and a high and broad performance range - all in a very compact format.

The customer can choose between Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission and a six-speed manual gearbox.

In addition, the S80 is available in a T4 version with a manual gearbox, start/stop system and a 1.6-litre GTDi engine producing 180 horsepower and maximum torque of 240 Nm.

FlexiFuel on certain markets

In certain markets, the S80 can also be specified with a 1.6-litre GTDi engine in an ethanol-powered FlexiFuel version. The customer can choose between Powershift and a manual gearbox. 

(Please check Technical specifications for detailed information)

SAFETY AND SUPPORT

Crumple zones made using different grades of steel

The patented front body structure is divided into zones, each of which has a different task during the deformation sequence. The outer zones are responsible for most of the deformation. The closer the collision forces get to the passenger compartment, the less the material deforms.

In order to give each zone the right properties, different grades of steel are used in different structures, a total of four different grades. Apart from regular body steel, three different grades of high-tensile steel are used: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel.

Strong side structure

To optimise side-impact protection, the body's entire side structure features a well-balanced combination of high-tensile steel of different grades (High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and the extremely strong Ultra High Strength Steel). The various components and grades of steel interact to minimise penetration into the passenger compartment. The aim is instead to get the entire car to move sideways - away from the colliding vehicle.

Second-generation WHIPS system

Volvo's system for avoiding neck injuries - WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) - is one of the most effective on the market. In the event of a rear-end collision the front seat backrest accompanies the passenger's initial body movement and dampens the incoming force rather like one's hand does when catching a ball. The S80 features a further-developed generation of WHIPS to ensure that the damping motion is gentle and to provide good contact between the head and head restraint throughout the impact sequence.

Now also with Pedestrian Detection

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is now also available in the Volvo S80. It is a support function designed to help the driver detect dangerous situations and it can actively help avoid the nightmare scenario of hitting a pedestrian. 

The technology uses radar and a camera to monitor pedestrians in front of the car. The system initially provides a warning to alert the driver so he or she can brake or steer clear of the pedestrian. If the driver does not respond, the car automatically brakes with full force moments before the collision becomes unavoidable. With automatic braking, collisions can in certain circumstances be avoided at speeds below 35 km/h.  

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake

Rear impacts represent a third of all reported accidents - and in more than 50 percent of these accidents, the driver doesn't brake at all. Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake is a refined warning system that initially warns the driver and pre-charges the brakes. The brakes are automatically activated if the driver doesn't act when a rear-end collision with a moving or stationary vehicle is imminent.

City Safety as standard

One other new feature is that City Safety is standard. This system can lessen the severity of or entirely avoid low-speed rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 30km/h. City Safety keeps a watch on vehicles in front with the help of a laser sensor built into the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror.

The car automatically brakes if the driver does not respond in time when the car in front slows down or stops - of if the driver is driving too fast towards a stationary object. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 15 km/h, the collision can be entirely avoided. If the speed difference is between 15-30 km/h, the speed of impact is reduced to minimise the effects of the collision.

Driver Alert Control (DAC)

Driver Alert Control alerts the driver when his or her concentration level is affected, for instance during long journeys. Driver Alert Control monitors the car's movements and assesses whether the vehicle is being driven in a controlled or uncontrolled way.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning is activated via a button in the centre stack and it alerts the driver with a gentle warning sound if the car crosses one of the road markings without an obvious reason such as use of the turn indicator.

BLIS and IDIS for better control

The Volvo S80 is also equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), two innovations that help the driver maintain better control over the traffic situation. BLIS registers if another vehicle is in the offset rear blind spot alongside the car and alerts the driver via a visual signal. IDIS helps stop the driver being distracted by non-essential information in pressing situations, for instance by delaying incoming phone calls or text messages.

Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) continuously monitors the gap to the vehicles in front and automatically adjusts the car's speed to ensure that this gap does not shrink too much. The latest version operates all the way down to standstill. The car accelerates automatically once the traffic starts moving again.

Dual Xenon and Active Bending Lights

In order to contribute to the best possible visibility during night-time driving on curving and twisting roads, the car can be equipped with Active Bending Lights - swivelling headlamps that follow the sweeps and bends of the road. By using the Dual Xenon light technology it give a 90 per cent boost to the driver's vision round bends at night. The Dual Xenon gas discharge lamps expand the vision range at nights by about 230 per cent. This means the driver can gain a further 45 metres for braking.