Don't get us wrong, the two Swedish companies won't officially be working together to build the new Volvo P1800, but their engineering know-how will be in full effect. Vöx has approached Swedish design firm Vizualtech to handle the styling elements of the newly proposed one-off car which, as you can see above, is fairly faithful to the original 1960s design. When viewed next to a classic P1800, you'll first notice that Vizualtech has designed in larger wheel openings to accommodate larger wheels and they've also added 70mm to the front of the car to help fit the proposed powertrain.

Taking cues from his previous 1967 Volvo Amazon station wagon SEMA build, Vöx will supply the new P1800 with a tuned and turbocharged 600-horsepower V8 lifted from a Volvo XC90 SUV mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

We're excited to see this project come to fruition and desperately hope that it isn't just some Swedish meatball pipe dream as so many of these types of projects turn out to be. [autoblog.nl via motorauthority]

Kombat T-98
What would you ever want with a stinky old Volvo XC90 when something like the Kombat T-98 exists? It's an armored luxury SUV available with either an 8.1-liter GM V8 or the Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel. The hardware is somewhat awesome, but the interior wins our hearts, featuring steel booze glasses in a chilled glovebox — perfect for keeping your vodka close at hand. [AllCarNews]

Vityaz Transporter
Russia is big, covering a sixth of the Earth and encompassing virtually every type of ecosystem. What better way to get absolutely anywhere under any circumstances than in the totally wicked Vityaz Transporter? Land, sea, arctic permafrost and bog, the Vityaz will get you there and back — the ultimate SUV. [Vityaz]

Porsche Touregenne

When great taste meets fabrication prowess and oil-baron money, the result is a thing like this VW/Porsche Touareg/Cayenne, whatever it is. We all marveled at its breathtaking coachwork and inspired styling updates. For the truly exclusive sets of Russian playboys, this baby is hot to trot. [Porsche Toureg]

GAZ Tiger-2
The GAZ Tiger-2 seems like the Russian version of a Chinese knock-off of the Humvee, but it's complete with space-age plastic hubcaps, multiple shift knobs and luxurious pleather seating surfaces. The Tiger built for the public is a definite choice for all but the most discerning customers. [Tiger 2]

GAZ 59037A
For so many Russians, the Vityaz is just too big to fit in the garage, so a compact, go-anywhere vehicle is definitely in order. The GAZ 59037 will go virtually anywhere the big Vit will, but also offers the convenience of tires and fits nicely into a standard heavy-lift military cargo plane. With convenience like that, its hard to believe the Volvo actually took home the prize. [GAZ 59037A]

Oh, and, if you are interested in the Volvo press release on the actual winner, check it out in all its glory below.

The Volvo XC90 - SUV of the Year in Russia for the third time

Volvo Cars received several prestigious awards in Russia in 2007 and to date in 2008. The most recent is for the Volvo XC90, which was crowned best crossover - "2008 SUV of the Year".

"There was immensely tough competition and we are very proud over this prestigious award," says Volvo Car Russia's PR director, Alexei Kozhukhov, who received the award at a ceremony in Moscow.

Russian car owners voted the Volvo XC90 the best choice on the market.

Motoring organisation Club 4x4 runs the competition, in which eight categories are featured.
Of 101 models in the competition, 16 went on to the finals. Car owners voted via a website or sent in SMS text messages with their votes and Volvo XC90 emerged the winner in the category "Full-size SUV".
That the Volvo XC90 came out on top is by now something of a tradition. The Volvo XC90 received awards in this contest in 2005 and 2006 too.

"Russia has been the European market N1 in the Volvo SUV sales in 2007, so the contest "SUV of the Year" is an important event in this country", says Volvo Car Russia's President, David Thomas. "Russians traditionally like big cars - this is the reason why Russia takes the second place right after the USA in the global sales chart of Volvo XC90. So, we are looking forward to the launch of our new crossover, the Volvo XC60", concludes David Thomas.

Everything from eyelid sensors, to vitals sensors, to cameras, to speed and trajectory sensors are integrated in the Volvo, and the resulting data is stored in a hard drive in the trunk, allowing easy transmittal to the friendly neighborhood DMV. The DMV can, in theory, recognize if an older person is unfit for the road, and subsequently pull their license. In reality, the DMV will do approximately squat. [Boston Globe via Autopia] (Image via Getty)

As the web's finest accountants of all things-amino, we'd have to say this is the first XC70 truck that we've seen but we like it. Given its AWD setup and ultrawide B-pillar, we're seeing a lot of Subaru BRAT in this design. And that's a very good thing.

[Bilfeber via Carscoop]

Massage and ventilation elevate the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive to the next level

Volvo's most exclusive cars guarantee discreet Scandinavian luxury designed to appeal to all one's senses. For model year 2009 the aura is reinforced still further through a unique combination of massage and ventilation functions in the front seats along with a range of enhanced materials and trim details.

The Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive have been created for customers who want uncompromising ability to relax after a demanding day at work - or who want to get to work totally alert to tackle the coming working day. These are cars that are often used for official purposes. This imposes extra demands on comfort, aesthetics and materials. And not least on the requirement that quality must meet the very highest standards in every single respect.

"Our surveys show that customers attach particular importance to seating comfort and the quality of the leather. This is the reason why we are now updating the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive with a massage function and ventilation in the front seats, along with exceptionally soft hide in all the seats. What is more, we have enhanced the aura of craftsmanship in the stitching and materials and added several new details, for instance an exclusive analogue clock," explains Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Special Vehicles.

Scandinavian luxury for all the senses
With these new features, the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive reinforce their positions in the luxury-car segment. However, the luxury in a Volvo is not the kind that boasts or demands attention. Rather, it is perceived as discreet Scandinavian care for detail that gently pleases the car occupant's senses.

It can be seen: in the seat upholstery's clean new pattern. On the centre console cover which is now trimmed in soft hide and in the aluminium sliding shutter over the front tunnel console. The enhanced ambient lighting in the doors, in the cup holders and at floor level ensures that attention to detail is also visible in the dark.

It can be felt: in what are perhaps the motoring world's best seats. With perfect padding and soft perforated hide with dual seams. Five inflatable pockets built into the front seats are pumped up and drained sequentially to create a wave-like motion (adjustable at two hardness levels) that massages the lower back and wafts away feelings of tiredness and stiffness on long journeys. Together with the built-in ventilation, the massage function keeps the occupant's body and clothing pleasantly fresh. While the hands rest on a cool steering wheel of wood, leather and aluminium.

It can be smelled: in the hide in the seats, the walnut panels in the centre console and instrument panel, and in the new, hand-sewn leather trim inlays in the door sides. The advanced climate unit together with the meticulous choice of materials creates excellent air quality inside the passenger compartment.

It can be heard: in the quiet inside the passenger compartment at normal speeds and in the muted power of the V8 when the car accelerates. The Volvo Premium Sound audio system, with a digital amplifier from Alpine, audio technology from Bang & Olufsen and loudspeakers from Danish specialists Dynaudio blend together to create a sound experience fully on a par with the best of home stereo systems.

It can be tasted: when one sips a cool drink from the specially designed crystal glasses engraved with the Executive emblem. Both the glasses and the drink itself are stored in the illuminated refrigerator with which the Volvo S80 Executive can be specified.

Tradition with a modern touch
"We aim to create a balance in the interior design between the modern Volvo and the classic executive tradition. Luxury cars are often conservative, with many components and heavy materials. The Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive respect that style but also add features that are typical of Scandinavian design. The clean function, the ever-present aura of craftsmanship. These are characteristics that have been emphasised even more clearly in connection with the 2009 update," relates Maria Thunberg, interior designer at Volvo Cars.

New features on the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive, model year 2009:
• Massage function in the front seats with the option of two personal settings.

• Ventilation in the front seats.

• Updated new upholstery in perforated soft hide.

• Choice of three interior trim alternatives: dark soft hide with dark interior trim, light soft hide with dark interior trim, and light soft hide with light interior trim.

• New lumbar support setting that uses the same inflatable cushions for adjusting the massage function.

• Centre console cover in soft leather.

• 8" wide VGA LCD screens integrated into the rear of the front seat headrests instead of the previous 7" units. Rear Seat Entertainment factory-prepared for European digital TV (DVBT).

• Exclusive analogue clock set into the wood inlay in the instrument panel. Only in the S80 Executive.

• Additional ambient lighting in the door panels and storage compartments, and in the front cup holders and along the floor by the front seat. Only in the S80 Executive.

• Aluminium sliding cover in the front console that harmonises with the aluminium panel surrounding the gear lever. Only in the S80 Executive.

• Lighting inside the refrigerator. New updated crystal glasses with engrave Executive emblem. Only in the S80 Executive.

• Hand-sewn leather in the door handles. Only in the XC90 Executive.
Sixth sense for safety's sake
Luxury is also about having relaxed control over both one's own car and the surrounding traffic. That is why the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive can be equipped with all of Volvo's world-leading active safety systems - features designed to identify risks at an early stage and thus help prevent accidents. One example is Volvo's Adaptive Cruise Control which permits more relaxed driving when traffic is moving at an irregular pace, helping the driver to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front. The cruise control automatically adjusts speed to ensure that the set gap is always maintained.

Volvo's new Collision Warning with Auto Brake automatically brakes the car if there is an imminent risk of a collision with a moving or stationary vehicle. The system starts by alerting the driver and preparing the braking system for emergency braking. If the driver does not respond despite the warning, the brakes are applied automatically. Studies show that distracted drivers cause up to 90 percent of all traffic accidents. That is why Volvo Cars has developed Driver Alert Control, a world-first in passenger cars. The technology is designed to alert the driver when his or her level of concentration is dropping, for instance on long, monotonous spells behind the wheel. Lane Departure Warning is another new safety system that alerts the driver if the car crosses a road marking without the turn indicators being activated. All these functions have been available as options on the Volvo S80 Executive since the end of 2007.

A driving experience of absolute top class
The engine alternatives in the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive encompass a wide range of powerful and energy-efficient power-plants that provide a high-class driving experience. There is a powerful V8 engine, the swift T6 turbo and Volvo's high-efficiency in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 3.2 litres. There is also the very latest generation of D5 diesel engines offering a superb alternative for customers looking for diesel power under the bonnet. What is more, model year 2009 of the Volvo S80 Executive is now also available with Volvo's new 2.5-litre turbocharged Flexifuel engine that can run on either bioethanol or petrol or any combination of the two. All the engines are extremely compact and are installed transversely for optimum safety and maximum passenger space. All the engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission engineered to handle the massive power available in these cars. The Volvo S80 Executive is also available with Volvo's AWD (All-Wheel Drive) featuring Instant Traction for extra comfort, driving pleasure and safety. The Volvo XC90 Executive features four-wheel drive as standard.

[Volvo via CarScoop]

The XC90 should run its course by 2012 as it gets usurped by the XC60, a possible XC50 and maybe even an XC30. Of course, this all could get switched around if Ford finds an appropriate platform to build a newer XC90 on. [Auto Motor Sport Sweden via World Car Fans]

Volvo Cars Move Into HD Radio Revolution &mdash Big Time

Boston, MA, November 27, 2007 - Announced today at the Boston International Auto Show, Volvo will be the first automotive manufactures in the U.S. to offer innovative digital HD Radio technology on almost all models. Equipped with the HD Radio system, Volvo owners will enjoy a higher-quality AM/FM radio system that features more channel choices, crystal-clear sound and new data services. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC will be offering factory installed HD Radio receivers as standard and optional equipment.

"We believe Volvo will have the largest standard equipped HD Radio technology fleet in the world. Our drivers expect the highest quality in every aspect of their vehicles," Dirk Bott, Vice President Brand, Business & Product, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. "Adding HD Radio capability to our S40 T5, V50 T5, C30, C70, S80, V70, XC70 and XC90 models truly makes our audio systems state of the art, giving Volvo drivers an even more enjoyable driving experience." Introduction is scheduled for Fall of 2008.

HD Radio technology is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo. Across the United States, more than 1,500 AM and FM stations are broadcasting using HD Radio technology and more than 700 are offering subscription-free HD2 multicast channels on the FM dial. These channels feature fresh new music and news formats, showcase young artists and local bands, as well as air non-English language programming and more.

HD Radio broadcasters also offer valuable information that appears on the HD Radio receivers' display screen, such as song title and artist, traffic and weather updates, news, school closings and other emergency alerts. In addition, there are no fees or costs associated with this information. For a complete list of HD Radio stations currently broadcastings in the United States, please visit http://www.hdradio.com/

An innovative technology that allows broadcasters to offer digital services in addition to analog signals while remaining in their existing frequencies, the HD Radio system is being or has been tested in many countries throughout the world, including Argentina, Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and Ukraine.

We're waiting for the Detroit show to get a better look at Volvo's new small SUV, the XC60 in concept form, before deciding whether the world really needs another miniature truck. For now, we can check out some b-roll of the concept's interior, in particular, the sci-fi-modern center stack, and hope the retractable tailgate will make it anywhere near production. Also, feel free to insert your own icy Scandinavian triphop soundtrack. – Mike Spinelli

[via World Car Fans]

Related:
Volvo XC60 Concept Hits Ze Intervebs Ahead of Detroit Show Unveiling [internal]

We've always been partial to kitted-out Volvo XC 90s, and a new set of cosmetic upgrades from Heico do little to dull such partiality. The Volvo tuning shop's come up with a body kit for the mildly facelifted 2007 model that's made of a plastic composite called PU-RIM (l'chaim!). The three-piece kit includes a fascia implant with wide intake, side skirting and a rear diffuser accommodating dual exhausts. All of this jewelry reminds us Volvo's missing an opportunity to take on the BMW X5 4.6is — and rumored X5 M — with a better-performing XC90 (above the new "Sport" model). Why is this, we ask? – Mike Spinelli

Related:
More on Heico Tuners [internal]

[Holy, Holy, Holy Is The Car Gallery Of The Pope]

Related:
Habemus Volvo! Pope's New Whip; Safe Happens? Thieves Steal Plans From VW For German Chancellor Merkel's Armored Whip [internal]

We've mostly decided we're tired of SUVs. We've owned one for three years, and the utility is fantastic, and worked wonderfully for us for a while. But now that we rarely drive (and if we do, it's often in a press or rental car), we're thinking about ditching ours for something that's well, more fun. Also, we're tired of SUV assholes, and if there's any relation between Americans and their British forefathers, well, check out the bit after the jump.

In a survey of the most common vehicles nicked for speeding, the X3, X5 and XC90 were all implicated in the top ten. What does this tell us? The article's author links it to the power of the vehicle. But c'mon, the Z4 and the 330i were also indicted. Obviously, the problem is assholes, not the cars. (Heartfelt apologies to Momma Wert, the Quandt family and Chris Bangle.)

Shocker: Speeding motorists drive fast cars [Intranetics Motoring News Service]

Related:
French to Bust Foreign Speeders, Impound Cars [Internal]

To be honest, Volvo's treasure hunt and tie-in with a certain Disney movie sequel starring Johnny Depp lost us after about three minutes. But apparently it's over, and one man, David Hutz, a 30 year-old computer programmer from Herndon, Virginia, has located and unearthed the buried XC90 SUV that 52,000 people had been searching for. On Volvo's The Hunt site, you can check out how he used his finely honed GPS-caching skills to outwit, outlast and outgeek the other participants. We'll be here, embroiled in our own six-month search for our car keys.

Volvo's Pirate XC90 SUV Unearthed [Auto Motto]

Related:
Booty! Volvo Buries Pirate XC90, Finder Gets To Keep It [internal]

It's not the XC90 R super bus we've been wanting the Fordie Swedes to build since we saw this tuner, but Europeans will get a sportier XC90 SUV, for better or worse. It's the Volvo XC90 Sport, a new version of the family bus that's tuned for crisper handling. According to the company, it''s got a "dynamic" sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system, and larger, 19" wheels. Volvo's self-leveling system, Nivomat, is standard in both the five and seven seat models. It'll be available to Europeans — no US model announced yet [UPDATE: It'll arrive on US shores in late '06 - ed.] — in 4.4-liter V8, 3.2-liter six and inline-five diesel engines. Click through for an eyeful.

Related:
More on the Volvo XC90 [internal]

Related:
Piety is Job 1: Pope John Paul II's Escort Up For Auction [internal]

The artistes at Germany's AutoBild turned their digital tablets on Ford's new range of compact utes on the way, predicting what the European Focus C-Max, the Land Rover Freelander and the Volvo XC50 will look like. All of them are expected to face down the RAV4s of the world in the next two years, though only the second two of the three — all of which are to be built on Ford's flexible C1/P1 platform — will be coming to the US. The Freelander will be the first to arrive, in late 2006, followed by the others in 2007.

Family Planning (via Google Translate) [AutoBild]

Related:
More on the Freelander, XC50 and C-Max

Give the Capitol some! Volvo didn't forget the car-loving lawmakers, lobbyists, lawyers and legislative lapdogs of Lithuanian lineage (well, there must be at least one) of our nation's capital. On the occasion of the Washington DC auto show, the company launched a new special-edition package — the Volvo Ocean Race — commemorating Volvo s sponsorship of the long-distance sailing event of the same name, being held simultaneously. The VOR Volvo XC70 AWD and the VOR Volvo XC90 V8 AWD both include special metallic blue paint with body colored mirror caps, door handles and electric silver side molding, 17-inch polished Oreander wheels aand all-terrain tires, tinted rear windows, power glass moon-roof and special VOR badging — along with special interior appointments. For more on the Volvo Ocean Race, tack this way.

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Volvo XC90 V8, Part 1 [internal]

Director Brett Ratner's Evolve XC90 takes the Hollywood route (did you expect anything less from a hack?) and goes all midnight on our asses. Black, black, everywhere black. Blacker than Huey P. Newton. Blacker than Blackface Jesus. Definitely blacker than Wayne Newton. It quotes Chuck D. It's so black, it's at war with its wheels and trim.

On the other hand, let's take the XC70 All Terrain, which we somehow missed at SEMA last year. And not that blackness isn't cool, but steroidal station wagons with serious clearance, Clarence, really get us going. Equipped with a full-boat roof rack that features a color-matched generator that can apparently plug into inputs in the rear quarter, the only real fault we found with this one was the color-keyed jerry can really should've been bondoed and blocked before it was painted, because it cheapened the high-tech, off-road look. Besides, who doesn't block-sand their jerry cans, just to keep 'em fresh?

Related:
Volvo to Show Upscale XC90 Concept in Los Angeles [Internal]