Jalopnik
Although we gave you the XC60 tease this weekend, Volvo's now dropped the full bomb of photos, video and details on the new 2009 Volvo XC60 — a car Volvo describes as being not only "one of this year's most anticipated new car launches" and "one of the safest Volvo ever" but also the "most sensual" Volvo ever. We'll have to leave whether Volvo's right on on that one to you, our dear readers. But for the moment, we think it may be a bit of overselling. Especially since everyone knows that standard bearer is obviously the Volvo 240chero. But one thing's for sure, this new Car-UV is an important one for Volvo as they see it being the next step up for a buyer of a Volvo C30. The goal for an automaker is to always "keep 'em in the family" — so Ford's brand all about safety's hoping to make it a hit for 20,000 or so buyers of the C30 starting in 2009. Full release below the jump and we'll be adding video above shortly. Update: Video added above.
Although we gave you Volvo reveals first photos of the new XC60- the safest and most sensual Volvo ever
February 20, 2008 (Irvine, CA) - Volvo has released the first photos of one of this year's most anticipated new car launches - the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever - it's also the most stunning," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 makes its world premier at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The first cars will reach dealers in Europe in fall 2008 with the U.S. launch following shortly thereafter; the first quarter of 2009.
Volvos' new XC60 crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment - the "Small Premium Utility." It blends a dynamic mix of two styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, immensely capable XC pumps its muscles. Up top, the daring lines create the elegant, sporty charisma of a coupe.
"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. "We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from 300 feet away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance."
A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.
"Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard," says Arp. "City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision."
The XC60 targets a group of customers who impose high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. "One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car," says Arp. "It's as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle."
The new XC60 will be launched in the US with a single engine: the powerful turbocharged T6, which produces 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard.
Europe and North America sales targets
The global sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units per year. The five largest markets during the peak year 2010 are expected to be the USA (15,000 - 20,000 units annually), Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during the fall of 2008, while sales in North America are targeted to begin in early 2009.
Comments
Volvo CR-V?
Rebadge it and you've got the much anticipated Taurus XI!
Most Sensual Volvo Ever = "Oscar" is Sylvester Stallone's Best Comedy Role.
When better Buick's are built Volvo will build them?
That's it! After having gawked at thoses images for a good 15 seconds I know it's now time to change my opinion of the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Villa d'Este as the most beautiful car ever and replace it with this XC60.
@thatguy01: That's a lie. Every one knows it's "Stop or my Mom will shoot!"
@TheCartorialist: Oh, totally!
Dude the apocalypse is upon us, all cars are starting to look like each other. Soon they will all be one car...
Now with 25% less visibility!
It's okay, it's just not distinctively Volvo.
Volvo, now equipped with CRX booty. So now you can kiss Honda's ass in style.
@RoninianHoon: brain fart! Dam gawker where is the edit already... CR-V*
In my best Paul Hogan impersonation...
That's not a Volvo...
*chuckle, chuckle*
THAT'S A VOLVO!
Sensual if you like fat chicks. Don't like it. It is to mainstream. Most sensual car ever from Volvo? naaah P1800!
I actually think it's shameful of Volvo to issue a statement like that when having made a car like the P1800.
@RoninianHoon: *V* is for Vanishing identities!
Maybe Ford should look in their files.
@Ray Wert: You must be uncouth not to appreciate "Rhinestone". The Academy Award for best picture was stolen that year by "Amadeus".
But Stallone bounced back three years later with The Greatest Arm Wrestling Movie Ever: "Over The Top" - only to be screwed over again by the Academy.
It's the most XC60est Volvo ever, that's about it (a claim up there with the First Ever G6!).
Also, I like to thing of myself as being little more than an income away from Volvo's target demographic on the C30. I'd trade up to a V70R. I'd trade up to a P1800 dropped on a Bronco chassis. I wouldn't trade up to one of these.
the front looks almost Korean especailly the headlight area...BTW Judge Dredd FTW
Let me get this straight: A car website, with comments about Stallone's best movie EVAR, that does not include Death Race 2000?
[www.imdb.com]
@ash78: Yes, well, as far as irony goes, Death Race 2000 is tied with Over The Top in my book.
Granted, the interior is kind of intresting with the slim seats, but on the outside this is just another trendy cute ute. Just change the logo to a female symbol and go play with your sensual shapes and purse holders. I'll still be driving my 760 when these are prepped as LeMons entries.
@Ray Wert: What about the new one?
@Ray Wert: You see, when I turn my hat like this I'm like a machine... what irony? That movie is a source of inspiration for truck-driving professional armwrestlers around the world!
Looking at the pics again, I just noticed how many surfaces are light tan. Including the steering wheel and shifter.
Anyone who owns...er, has done battle with a tan interior knows how silly this is.
Pandering to the mom market. *sigh* Who's writing these press releases, anyway?
Well, it's certainly a Volvo. The only thing that would make it moreso would be a fading beige paint job.
That Volvo looks nice. I really CRaVe it.
Why all this talk about Stallone when we should be talking about
Dolph Lundgren and the action-comedy he wants to do with
Chuck Norris and JeanClaude VanDamme. That would be awesome!!!!!!!
JUST KIDDING!! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
I mean, I guess it's sensual if you go for the soccer-mom type...
@ash78: We were reminiscing about Stallone movies that are *intended* to make you laugh.
I think Volvo should hire a Chinese press agency. This XC60 is so sensual its ready come all over us.
poor visibility as design.
can't wait for the completely side-paneled c/s/xuv.
@Unevolved: Dragon MILF?
I like Volvos, in fact, I like em big and round and juicy...
Something went wrong, The concept was ES-styled.. But who dares to be different
It's not a bad looking car, and I like the idea of these cute-utes a lot. This one looks a lot like the CX-7 to me, which is not a terrible thing.
I have a soft-spot for Volvos but I haven't been in one made after 1998. Are they still as solid? If I had to pick a car today I'd consider this against an Infiniti EX, though I think both are probably overpriced vs the CR-V, RAV-4, Tiguan and other small crossovers.
Volvo is letting their essential Volvoness slowly slip away. I get it, they can't make money unless they sell fake offroad vehicles to girls- but can't they still build Volvos too?
From the back it looks like a CRV that lifted her skirt.
@Ray Wert: There's a bit of a difference in the message between the two. Anyhoo, teh twenties are brilliant mechanically and a shite marketplace.
@ POLAR:
See now, that's like comparing Danni Ashe and Bree Olson. One is a classic, but the other has all the curves and hints that she could go anywhere and do anything. They both have their charms...
@weatherman: Test drove the C30 yesterday. Felt very solid. They had some cheap plastic inserts on the center panel and door inserts (it's the blue trim, with Swedish flag on top of car), but otherwise the interior was top notch. I love the floating console, and the seats felt greaat. The ride was solid, communicative, power was linear, but the slushbox was utter and complete crap (but IMHO all of them are). I wanted to test drive the 6 speed, but all I got was a dry hump through the gears in a showroom display model, which felt sooo good. I can only imagine how nice it would be to drive. Overall it's a great car, and the price is justified... I just wish I could afford it. Maybe next year...
It looks like the lovechild of the XC70 and the XC90. Which is a shame, becase I was hoping that Volvo would keep as much as possible from the concept. Ah well, I guess this car will do.
Most Sensual ever?
What about ugliest too?
Right. Sensual. That's what I meant. My name's Eric Stratton. People call me Otter.
My mother had a Volvo 740 turbo. Great car. 28mpg highway, SEVEN seats (two in the trunk!), and capable of carrying immense objects with the seats folded down. Safe as a bunker, too, and with the turbocharged 180 horsepower engine made it impressively fast when you put the hammer down.
While the newer Volvos have better performance, four-wheel drive, and parts that are not inexcusably expensive, that sort of defeats the point. Moms do not care about 0-60 time or agressive handling - they want to be able to carry six passengers in a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle.
I don't care what shite they're talking about this car, I like it. However, with a D5 engine as standard fit it'll be expensive. All things considered, I think I'd still rather have a Freelander 2 or a Tiguan.