The All New Volvo S80 Challenges the Class with Scandinavian Luxury
THE ALL NEW VOLVO S80 CHALLENGES THE CLASS WITH SCANDINAVIAN LUXURY
Volvo is now unveiling the first pictures of the all new Volvo S80. The S80 makes its entry onto the market with a dynamic design language, firm focus on premium comfort, smooth driving properties and world-class safety.
A V8 engine in combination with all-wheel drive, and an entirely new in-line six, powers Volvo's bid to attract this most demanding segment of car buyers.
The all new Volvo S80 will be unveiled at the international motor show in Geneva, February 28th, with a North American debut at the New York International Auto Show, April 12th. Sales start for the United States is planned for the end of 2006.
“The all new S80 is entering an immensely tough segment where the competition is razor-sharp and the customers have very high expectations. We are now challenging the best in the segment with a very special car. It radiates what we call ‘Scandinavian Luxury,’ clean and elegant lines and intelligent functionality where every single detail has been designed with the user’s well-being in mind,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Inviting and Intelligent
According to Volvo, "Scandinavian Luxury," radiates a different, more human prestige by combining aesthetics and technology in an inviting and intelligent way.
In the all new Volvo S80, the attributes of luxury are expressed through: simple yet elegant design; technology that gives the user practical benefit or sheer enjoyment in every single detail; and, a sense of responsibility in the form of world-class safety and environmental care.
“The new S80 is about evolutionary design. All the shapes and materials represent a continuous development of our design language. On the outside we have given the S80 a more, youthful and dynamic stance. Inside we have created an even more inviting atmosphere with refined materials and colors that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology,” explains Volvo Cars’ design director Steve Mattin.
Engine Range Includes a V8 and an All New In-Line Six
The second-generation S80 is the first sedan model to become available with Volvo’s compact, transversely mounted V8 engine with a power output of 311 (SAE) horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque. With four catalytic converters and advanced electronics, this engine, which was first introduced in the Volvo XC90, is one of the cleanest V8s on the market.
The all new S80 also showcases the introduction of an entirely new naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine, a unit so compact that it is about the same size as Volvo’s five-cylinder engines. It can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission since the camshaft drive mechanism and the ancillaries have been relocated and partially integrated into the engine block itself.
The new in-line six has a displacement of 3.2 liters and it produces 232 horsepower. The maximum torque of 236 lb/ft provides rapid acceleration.
All-Wheel Drive in Combination with V8
Volvo’s largest sedan model now will be available with All-Wheel Drive. The AWD and V8 combination initially appeared in the successful integration of the XC90 V8.
The all new S80 can be equipped with an optional Four-C active chassis. The Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept, which was introduced with the performance on demand S60 R, automatically adjusts chassis settings to better suit the current driving conditions.
To further control, performance, and safety, DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) is fitted as standard to enhance performance and safety, and a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is also fitted as standard.
New Safety Systems
The safety level is world-class – the new S80 is a true Volvo. The structure, which was among the pioneers of 5-star performance, has been further developed and newly patented. In addition, new active safety systems are among the new S80 features.
The all new S80 will be the first Volvo model to feature Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support.
This available system encompasses two functions:
- The adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a selected distance to the vehicle in front.
- If the adaptive cruise control is not being used and the gap to the vehicle in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, the system alerts the driver by activating a buzzer and warning lights. At the same time, the braking system is prepared for the situation to make braking more effective.
The new S80 will be available with active Bi-Xenon headlights that turn the beam of light in the direction of the bending road to provide the best possible visibility.
The advanced PCC (Personal Car Communicator) remote control unit is a world's first, featuring a number of intelligence functions. Even before the driver gets to the car, he or she can check its security status, for example if the car is locked or whether the alarm has been activated. A heartbeat sensor warns if someone is hiding inside the car.
World-Class Audio System
The all new Volvo S80 can of course be equipped with Volvo’s Premium Sound audio system. A Digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and loudspeakers from DynAudio of Denmark work in concert to produce a quality audio experience that is superb.
“We are convinced that the all new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender that will win over many new customers. We expect 70 percent of the average volume of 50,000 cars a year to be purchased by customers who do not drive a Volvo today. The main markets are the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden and China,” says Fredrik Arp.