Volvo Ocean Race Editions Launched in North America:
VOLVO OCEAN RACE EDITIONS LAUNCHED in NORTH AMERICA:
Washington Auto Show Previews Latest Sports Wagon/SUV; Each Captures the Spirit of the Volvo Ocean Race
Washington, DC (January 25, 2006) - In celebration of the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race, two exclusive new sports wagon/SUV models debuted at the Washington Auto Show, January 25. Commemorating Volvo’s second sponsorship of sailing’s premier distance event, each Volvo Ocean Race Special Edition offers legendary Volvo safety and style, presented with unique styling cues and an equipment roster to satisfy the most demanding of captains.
VOR Volvo XC70 AWD:
Adding to its already comprehensive equipment menu, the Ocean Race Special Edition captures the mood of the around-the-world competition beginning with its unique Ocean Blue metallic paint with body colored mirror caps, door handles and electric silver side molding. Its 17-inch polished Oreander wheels are fitted with all-terrain tires. Standard on the VOR model are tinted rear windows, power glass moon-roof and special VOR emblems. The Volvo dual screen rear seat entertainment system is available as a factory installed option, for the first time on an XC70.
Crew quarters are appointed with power front driver and passenger seats, unique VOR accent stitched taupe leather seat facings, integrated child booster seats and custom VOR floor mats.
Like all XC70s the VOR SE is powered by 208-horsepower turbocharged 5-cylinder engine and equipped with an advanced all-wheel drive system; developed by Haldex its constant monitoring of road surface adhesion and slip permit maximum road-holding and drive. ABS is standard. The XC70 will be comparatively priced at $ 40,735.-
VOR Volvo XC90 V8 AWD:
Complimenting its heralded AWD capabilities the seven-passenger VOR XC90 SE comes to the start line boasting an advanced design transverse mounted V8 engine already lauded by the world’s motoring press. Its lightweight manufacture, compact design and breakaway high-performance are setting new standards for Volvo. The 311 horsepower engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, featuring Volvo’s geartronic shift. With its North American debut in Washington, the VOR XC90 SE becomes the flagship of the XC90 model range.
In VOR trim the XC90 adds deep-water Ocean Blue metallic paint with matching mirror caps and door handles, electric silver side moldings and roof rail moldings, special taupe leather seat facings custom stitched as befits the captain’s cabin and more. Built-in child booster seat, special VOR floor mats and light linear wood inlays for dash and panel trim complete the value package with a touch of luxury. The XC90’s all-weather drive system combines with a sophisticated suspension array, traction control and ABS to provide smooth and safe sailing regardless of road conditions. Volvo dual screen rear seat entertainment system is available as a factory installed option. The XC90 will be comparatively priced at $ 49,860.-.
Washington Auto Show: Unveiled at the Washington Auto Show, the VOR Special Editions came ashore as the grueling Ocean Race itself made landfall in Australia – the event’s third stop. “We elected to launch the VOR editions in Washington because of the proximity to Baltimore – the first of two VOR stops in the United States. This event marks the beginning of our Ocean Race promotion for both Baltimore in May and later New York,” said Volvo Cars of North America, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Hans Krondahl. “I was pleased to have been able to present the first set of keys to VOR #1 to Ocean Race Chesapeake Chairman, Greg Barnhill. His organization is doing a remarkable job preparing for the VOR arrival in just a few months,” he added.
The State of Maryland also honored Barnhill by presenting him with a special license plate, VOR1.
In his presentation remarks to the press Krondahl noted: “The Volvo Ocean Race embodies the spirit and preparation for the real world that is reflected by every Volvo vehicle…and by our slogan Volvo for Life. The Special Edition models recognize in their own way that life can be celebrated with style and function – as well as with an eye toward safety and performance. I am very pleased to have been able to deliver the first unit to Mr. Barnhill and appreciate all that his organization is doing to assure the Baltimore stop will be a huge success.”
VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The current 2006 model line-up of Volvo Cars includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan – including the award-winning performance sedan – S60 R and the performance wagon version – V70 R; the S80 luxury sedan; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country) and the all-new C70 hardtop convertible.
Contact:
Dan Johnston or James Hope
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
800-970-088
Volvo Ocean Race Website
VCNA Media Website:
VIGO Leg 1 START 12-Nov-05 Distance 6,400 nm
CAPE TOWN Leg 1 FINISH 04-Dec-05
Leg 2 START 02-Jan-06 Distance 6,100 nm
MELBOURNE Leg 2 FINISH 19-Jan-06
Leg 3 START 12-Feb-06 Distance 1,450 nm
WELLINGTON (Pitstop) Leg 3 FINISH 17-Feb-06
Leg 4 START 19-Feb-06 Distance 6,700 nm
RIO DE JANEIRO Leg 4 FINISH 13-Mar-06
Leg 5 START 02-Apr-06 Distance 5,000 nm
BALTIMORE/ANNAPOLIS Leg 5 FINISH 20-Apr-06
Leg 6 START 07-May-06 Distance 400 nm
NEW YORK (Pitstop) Leg 6 FINISH 09-May-06
Leg 7 START 11-May-06 Distance 3,200 nm
PORTSMOUTH Leg 7 FINISH 23-May-06
Leg 8 START 02-Jun-06 Distance 1,500 nm
ROTTERDAM Leg 8 FINISH 08-Jun-06
Leg 9 START 15-Jun-06 Distance 500 nm
GOTHENBURG Leg 9 FINISH 17-Jun-06