THE NEW VOLVO DRIVe SUB-120g/km RANGE

* Efficiency enhancing features
* C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon break into Band B
* Widest range of premium cars with low environmental footprint

Volvo will be unveiling the new economical, sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. All three models are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environment properties. Production of these new models will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January.

The new 1.6D DRIVe models will offer outstanding fuel consumption of 64.2mpg on the C30 and 62.8mpg in the S40 and V50, with VED Band B CO2 figures of just 115g/km for the C30 and 118g/km for the S40 and V50. These new low emissions mean that the Volvo C30 and V50 offer best-in-class CO2 in their segments1.

"We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 with emission levels below 120g/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Holistic approach to eco-performance
The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four areas:

1. Reduced air resistance:

* Chassis height reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag
* A front spoiler on the S40 and V50 which is the same spoiler currently on T5 models.
* Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
* Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels to steer the airflow.
* Aerodynamically optimised wheels with a unique ‘Libra’ rim. The diamond cut finish adds to the unique design and the large unobstructed area that goes all the way out to the tyre makes the rim look considerable larger than it actually is. The total drag reduction of 10-15% is due to the design of the Libra rim.
* Underbody panels on the Volvo C30 for more efficient airflow under the car.
* A unique rear spoiler has been developed for the Volvo C30 which adds both to the aerodynamics and to the visual appearance. The Volvo S40 features the same ‘ducktail’ spoiler as found on the current T5 and D5 models.
* New rear bumper on the Volvo C30.

2. Lower rolling resistance:

* All the cars are equipped with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance.

3. Higher ratios:

* Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The longer gear ratios contribute to a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption without affecting the drivability of the car.

4. More efficient driveline:

* Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
* New transmission oil which creates much lower friction will be used in the gearbox.
* Gearchange indicator in the information display to tell the driver the ideal time to change gears.

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another 2 percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120g/km for all three cars, without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Volvo C30 best in the ECO test
Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the Euro NCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

Benefits for the environment and economy
Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's pocket. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in 13 European markets, including the UK, where CO2-based vehicle taxation systems, have been implemented; for instance a lower road tax, registration tax or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make the Volvo 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive as fuel consumption can reach 76.3mpg at motorway speeds.

Sold throughout Europe
"We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future," says Fredrik Arp.

Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales due to particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries. The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offer, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties. Prices, specifications and volume forecasts for the UK will be announced closer to the start of production.

"The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.

The most eco-friendly car range
Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town of Gothenburg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

[Source: Volvo]

Looks like if you want serious Swedish muscle, you'll have to contract with powerlifter Magnus Önerud. Volvo released details on its new R Design package and there's not a single performance upgrade in sight. Not that we'd expected anything, considering the company's abandoned its S60 R and V70 R models. It's all cosmetics, like satin matte-finish grille ad side mirrors; color-coordinated bumpers and lower side moldings; rear or roof spoilers, and five-spoke aluminum wheels in 17- or 18-inch outside, and blackish seats with contrasting cream-colored leather, leather-trimmed steering wheel with R-design logo, aluminum pedals, center stack and door inlays, and tufted dark sport floor mats on the inside. It'll be available by year's end on the C30, S40 and V50 models in Europe. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Spice up your Volvo with R-design - the choice for a refined taste

Volvo Cars is now introducing R-design - an exclusive factory-fitted options package for customers who want a car with refined attributes.

R-design will initially be available on the Volvo C30, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 as of autumn 2007.

"The possibility of tailoring one's car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars," says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

Customers can choose between 10 exterior colours, and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.

Exterior features include a satin matt-finish grille, colour co-ordinated bumpers and lower side mouldings, rear or roof spoiler, satin matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminium wheels (17 inches, 18 inches available as option). There is also a decotrim on the tailgate of the C30 and V50.

Contrasting seats

Inside the car there are seats in off-black Vulcaflex with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-coloured leather. The R-design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the seats' sporty appearance.

Other R-design interior details include the leather-trim steering wheel with its R-design logo, the unique combi instrument, aluminium pedals, specially designed aluminium centre stack and door inlays, gear selector with aluminium inlay and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting light leather seams.

A selection of R-design features will also be available as accessories.

Emotional and extrovert

"R-design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models," says Steve Mattin, Senior Vice President and Design Director at Volvo Cars..

Related:
Volvo to Call Cosmetic Package R-Design [internal]

Although Volvo bosses said earlier this year he company was dropping its R-line designation for sport-tuned bricks like the slow-selling S60 R, an R-like sport pack may take some to the sting away. Back-of-fence talk focuses on a new Volvo sports package comparable to Audi's S-Line upgrades. According to Swedish site Bilfeber Volvo is working up just such add-ons for the new S40 and V50 models. They'll include cosmetics and mild performance kit (read: stiffer suspension, etc.). That may dovetail with a few rumored smokers, Motor Authority points out, including a sportier C30 hatch and a turbocharged V8 for the S80. Count them out of the performance game at your own peril. – Mike Spinelli

Volvo R-Line [Bilfeber via Motor Authority]

Related:
Ruh roh: Volvo to Drop R Sport Designation [internal]

For the fans of all things Ikea and meatballs, we've got some more of the all-new S40 and V50 driving around the block. Although there's no background music in the videos, feel free to raise a cooking utensil high in the air, and sing with us:

"Yorn desh born, der ritt de gitt der gue, Orn desh, dee born desh, de umn b rk! b rk! b rk!"

Related:
Swedish Meatball Morning: 2008 Volvo S40 And V50 [internal]

I was trying to figure out why the automaker from the land of Ikea was serving up two new meatballs this morning named the all-new S40 and V50. Then I realized — who the hell cares? Here's the scoop — although both are still built on Volvo's P1 platform, the message from Volvo is the coupe-styled S40 and it's wagon-brother V50 are "more different" in looks than previous models with the S40 moving a step closer to the new S-range design we've seen on the Volvo S80. The V50, on the other hand, gains some of the visual cues we saw on the new V70. On a performance level, the T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10 hp up to 230 hp. The other choices are the same as the previous generation, a 1.6-liter 100 hp, 1.8-liter 125 hp, 2.0-liter 145 hp, 2.4-liter 140 hp and the 2.4i hitting 170 hp. Of course you can also go diesel on the euro side of the Atlantic in addition to any of those "petrol" engine variants. That engine range comes in 1.6-liter at 109 hp, 2.0-liter at 136 hp and for the final flavor, the D5 hitting 180 hp. – Ray Wert

The new Volvo S40 and V50 - more dynamic looks and liberated storage space Increased differentiation between the S40 and V50 New S40 front with lower, broader stance Sportier new grille creates a tougher V50 look Slimmer tail lamps and new rear bumper Larger and more practical storage space New real wood inlay - Nordic Light Oak Fresh new Spring Green upholstery

A number of distinctive design cues take the new Volvo S40 a visual step closer to the new S-range look as first shown on the all-new Volvo S80. At the same time, the V50 approaches the new V-range and the all-new V70 without compromising on its original compact and sporty attributes.
"When it comes to the exterior, we're aiming for increased differentiation between the two models. The interior refinements have focused on liberating smart storage space," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.
Starting with the new S40, the source of the inspiration can be seen clearly when the compact sedan is viewed from the front.
The new colour-coordinated soft nose creates a broader, lower stance thanks to a new grille with a larger Volvo iron mark, new headlamps and a lower air intake that sweeps across the entire front unlike the current model's three-part design.
"The new, lower and more horizontal appearance radiates smooth power. This impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the new tail lamps and the new bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance," says Steve Harper, who has been responsible for the design of the new Volvo S40 and V50.

Sportier V50 grille
The new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark emphasises a sporty language. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are other details that give the new colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased impression of solidity. "Here, we've created visual vertical elements in order to further emphasise the new grille," says Steve Harper.

Sharper driveline range

The driving characteristics are already among the most renowned strengths of the two models. One new feature is that the T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10 horsepower, giving an output of 230 hp. There are also five other petrol engine versions available, plus a bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant: 1.6 100 hp1.8 125 hp1.8F 125 hp (Flexifuel)2.0 145 hp2.4 140 hp 2.4i 170 hp

Diesel engines, which account for 55 percent of S40 and V50 sales in Europe and 25 percent in total, are available in three versions: 1.6D 109 hp2.0D 136 hp D5 180 hp

One change here is that during the second half of 2007 the D5 engine will also be available with a manual gearbox, offering the driver no less than 400 Nm of torque compared with the automatic transmission's 350 Nm. This engine is one of the first to meet the expected Euro 5 European exhaust emission levels.

The E85-powered (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent petrol) Flexifuel variant producing 125 hp is becoming increasingly competitive. The Volvo S40 and V50 Flexifuel are sold in nine European countries and in 2007 account for 8 percent of these models' total sales.

Slimmer tail lamps
The lower part of the tail lamp panel on both the S40 and V50 is 30 millimetres higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the position marker lamps emphasise the car's shoulders.

The new bumper features integrated reflectors in the lower corners and the lower, broader design language is supplemented with the more horizontal lines of the exhaust tailpipe.

"The improved shape and position of the exhaust tailpipes is a good example of how a little extra visual touch can create a highly potent impression," says Steve Harper.

Freeing up storage space
When refining the interior, the design team transformed itself into something of a liberation movement for storage space.

"The criticism of the current models' limited storage space served as high-octane fuel when the time came to sketch the new interior of the S40 and V50. We weren't entirely satisfied until we felt we had exploited every single available cubic centimetre in an efficient way," relates Steve Harper.

The team concentrated its efforts on two areas: the door sides and the centre stack.

The entire lower part of the front door inside panels was redesigned. The audio system loudspeakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drinks can or a water bottle lying down.

As an added bonus, space was also freed up for an extra Dynaudio loudspeaker (only for Premium Sound), which adds even more spice to the audio experience.

Larger and more intelligent centre console
The already iconic super-slim centre console is available in additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme now flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curvature surfaces all the way to the rear seat.

The storage space between the seats has also been refined with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.

The handbrake has a more compact design, which in turn has freed space for more generous storage capacity.

Sliding cover and flexible armrest
The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by an improved flexible armrest for the driver. This also has a built-in feature that the design team playfully call the "hamburger table".

"We've even utilised the small spaces that are usually simply covered over when they're not housing controls for options or accessories. Now instead, the space has been converted into a handy compartment, for instance for a mobile phone. After all, the phone is not something we should be using while driving, anyway," explains Steve Harper, and adds:

"And on the back of the console there is another little jewel: a flip-up holder for a 1.5-litre bottle within easy reach of passengers in the rear-seat."

New upholstery and green highlight colour
New design details in the instrument panel and air vents also contribute to the interior refinement in the new S40 and V50.

The upholstery range has been expanded both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer grained leather. At base level there is a green 'accent' colour fabric with the poetic name of Spring Green.

"The green upholstery is entirely in line with the increasing demand for personalised choices by our customers. We started with blue and red upholstery in the new Volvo C30, and now we are introducing green in the new S40 and V50. I'm sure it's going to be very popular," says Steve Harper.

Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars' international car range. Described features might be optional.

Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

We don't know about you, but we're tired of waiting for Volvo to build an S40 R to take on the new smugness from Audi or the old-new smugness of Bimmer's tri-serial sportsters. Weiterstadt, Germany's Heico Sportiv took matters into their hot little hands, creating the HS4 Odin show car. The Odin — standing up to both Norse legend and corresponding Ron Burgundy exclamation — has a T5 powertrain lifted from the S60 R and a big-ass Borg Warner turbo kit (among other tweaks) allowing it to peak out at 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. European Car drove all $150,000 of it on the unrestricted autobahn. Tip of the cap to you as well, Miss Corningstone.

Brute Volvo - Heico HS4 Odin [European Car]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, Part 1 [internal]

Why you should buy this car: You're committed to buying a great-handling $30,000+ sports sedan, but the BMW 3-Series is too much money and the Subaru WRX STi is too much car. Being behind doors as thick as a bank vault's keeps your panic attacks at bay.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: Being behind doors as thick as a bank vault's has the reverse effect of causing panic attacks. Swedish design makes you shudder in your Stride Rites and $33,000 cars on Ford small-car platforms make your accountant shudder in his Bass loafers.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Vitals
· Manufacturer: Volvo
· Model tested: S40 T5 AWD M
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $33,720
· Engine type: 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged, DOHC
· Horsepower: 218 hp @ 5000 rpm
· Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500 - 4800 rpm
· Redline: 6500 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: Michelin Pilot MXM4 P205/50 VR17
· Drive type: all wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 6.5 sec
· 1/4 mile: 15.2 sec @ 93.0 mph
· Top speed: 149 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 22 / 31
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: drvr. 4; pass. 5 / drvr. 5 pass. 5/ 4

[by Mike Spinelli]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

If you like the design direction Volvo took with the S40, you'll swoon like a Tokyo schoolgirl over the redesigned S80. If you though the S80 was a soulless collection of lumps and slabs, you may want to take a pass on the shots posted on Volvo enthusiast site SwedeSpeed. We think it's a tremendous improvement over the current model, as is the optional Yamaha-sourced V8 thrill-seeking buyers can opt for — 315hp and AWD. Check out the UK's AutoExpress for the dirty lowdown. [Update: Note that, despite the headline, this falls under the heading of Gossip, because the shots are neither official nor un-Photoshopped.]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, Part 1 [internal]

Exterior Design ***
The S40 could be the best-worst looking car on the road. On one hand, its design is a thrillingly modern (or postmodern, if you re French) comment on traditional Volvo blockiness; on the other it s an awkward, slabsided mess. And that s not just from different angles - that s the same angle on different days. Go figure.

Acceleration *****
Don t confuse quickness with satisfaction (just ask Dr. Ruth, if you can find her). The S40 T5 s 2.5-liter inline turbo five won t win the Golden Tuner award for Best Action Hero. It will, however, get the girl.

Braking ****
In a pinch, the robust four-wheel power-assisted discs with ABS could pull the buttons off your coat in less time than it takes to say who s your tailor, sailor?, even in the wet. The stop-pedal s closeness to the accelerator may confound the canoe-footed.

Ride ***
In proper sporting fashion, it ll spare the eggs to save your bacon. That s all that matters.

Handling *****
Compared to prior Volvos, whose adult-onset understeer was the stuff of Norse legend, the S40 has beautiful feet. Bias is to the front, especially at around-town speeds, but when the thrill-ride starts, steering with the right foot brings dramatic results. The Independent Council on Traction-Control Affairs meets regularly.

Gearbox ****
The S40 s dainty six-speed manual glides like a soup ladle in a bowl of chocolate mousse. The effortless throws are on the long side of perfect, though gear ratios are expertly matched to the car s soup-to-nuts torque curve. It s a pleasure doing business with.

Audio/Video ****
As stock decks go, Volvo s are better than average. Ours had premium sound - an $895 option - the benefits of which are six-disc capability, Surround Sound and some extra wattage. Don t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness, though - it s strictly about midrange clarity. We detected a pro-rawk bias: Ted Leo hit the spot, as did the first Arcade Fire album, but Andre was downgraded to 2995.

Toys **
Get too aggressive with the options list and the final price on this Belgium-built Ford can broach Rose Bowl—float territory.

Trunk ****
Perfect for a weekend away with friends, not perfect for moving to Cleveland.

Overall: ****

[by Mike Spinelli]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, Part 1, Part 3 [internal]

We re piloting the 2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD test car through a mid-October rainstorm, both hands to the wheel, right foot goading the accelerator, eyes scanning for semis in the mist. We're swathed in a billion bucks worth of safety technology - a kind of structural beneficence granted by a kind country where 1,600-pound mammals tend to meander haphazardly into traffic. We show our appreciation for Volvo's thoughtfulness by dropping down a gear, shooting across two lanes, carving past a garbage truck and maddogging it toward a particularly vicious off-ramp. Yes, kids, safety can be fun.

And the S40 could be the mug shot on Safety's driver's license. According to Volvo, its 4-5 star crash test ratings largely stem from something the company calls Intelligent Vehicle Architecture. That means in the event of a frontal crash, different grades of high-tensile steel conspire to absorb energy; on the side, cross-members triangulate with the car s A and B pillars to prevent plummeting pickups from penetrating the portals. Add to that all wheel drive, ABS and traction control and rock-solid road manners, and we re feeling as safe as a tee ball game on the White House lawn. But still...

The speedo reaches an affluently high number as we continue hurtling toward the ramp, and the rain has intensified into a deluge that would make Gene Kelly take five and run for cover. But a beat later, we re safely deposited at a stoplight, snug as a basket of kittens, our adrenergic system firing off subtle aftershocks of adrenaline, if any at all. Downshift, brake, turn, brake stop. Piece o' cake.

Back at zero, we're more conscious of what's mellowing under the hood. The 218 hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged inline five is one smooth operator, humming its Lalo Schifrin theme in soothing sotto voce, then responding like Isaac Hayes' horn section when cued. Off the line, it's as luscious as butterscotch pudding, with a guttural undertone and power delivery so linear, we d swear it had three extra cans tucked inside. The six-speed transmission has a silky feel and ratios for days, squeezing every drop of torque from the wide band (236 ft-lbs. @ 1500 - 4800).

Once around and back to the highway. Uh oh, merge time. Blinded! Owing to those big, safe, pickup-busting B pillars, the S40 has more blind spots than Stevie Wonder s Synclavier. The main one is right where we need to be looking so we don't inadvertently test out that Intelligent Vehicle Architecture we keep hearing about. Sorry, points off.

More bad news. The T-Tec upholstery may be cheap and easy to care for, but its texture feels slippery and cold, like we re sitting on someone s used wetsuit. Either that, or like we re sneaking into the country via a Tumi briefcase. Leather would have been nice. But, hey, from behind the wheel of the S40, we can pretty much handle anything that's thrown our way.

Or so we feel. [by Mike Spinelli]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, Part 2, Part 3 [internal]