2011 Volvo V60 wagon debuts in Europe

The Volvo V60 makes its entry onto the car market with its sights firmly set on giving the all-new S60 sedan model a tough match over the title of “The Most Dynamic Volvo Model Ever.” No less than 90% of the annual V60 production of 50,000 cars will find European buyers.

The pronounced wedge shape and the slim coupe-like roof line of the new V60 are accompanied by the shoulder profile along the car’s sides, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

Volvo’s new sports wagon is available with a choice of two chassis. On the European market the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while some other markets will have the touring chassis as standard with the dynamic variant available as an option.
The difference between the two chassis alternatives is to be found in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Here the touring variant has a somewhat softer setting to give a smooth ride on poorer road surfaces.

The software in the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system has been modified to allow the four-wheel drive variants (AWD is standard in the T6 and optional with D5 with automatic gearbox) of the new V60 to exploit the sporty new chassis to the limit.

The dynamic new chassis is backed up by a range of electronic systems that sharpen the sporty driving experience still further. Like the all-new S60, the new V60 is fitted with Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll angle sensor, it is possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, which improves handling and rapid avoiding maneuvers.

Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car corners even more smoothly. This technology is a further refinement of the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system.

During its first year of production, the new Volvo V60 will be available with a variety of diesel and petrol engines spanning the range from an economical 115 hp DRIVe version to an eager high-performance turbocharged version producing 304 hp. The focused drive to cut CO2 emissions has lowered fuel consumption throughout the engine range.

The T6 petrol engine has a displacement of 3.0L and has been improved still further, primarily thanks to lower internal friction. It now pumps out 304 hp. The engine’s power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo’s second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gearchanges than before. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.

The new 4-cylinder 2.0T GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has a displacement of two litres and produces a generous 203 hp. New in-house-developed turbocharged technology, direct injection and twin variable camshafts produce a unique combination of low fuel consumption, low emissions and a high and broad performance range, all packaged in a very compact format. Later during the first year of production, the new V60 will also become available in a 2.0 GTDi variant producing 240 hp.

In addition there is a new 1.6L GTDi engine which is available in two versions: 1.6 GTDi (T3) with 150 hp and T4 with 180 hp. The 180 hp engine offers maximum torque from just 1500 rpm all the way up to 5000 rpm.

The 2.0T, T5 and T4 are available in combination with Volvo’s automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, while the T3 comes with a manual gearbox.

The D5 high-performance engine with twin turbos produces 205 hp. In the most recent D5 version, which was introduced in spring 2009, performance and drivability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power across a broader rev range. In addition there is the newly developed 2.0L D3 producing 163 hp.

The new five-cylinder 2.0D is in principle the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimize fuel consumption.
Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox. The D5 with automatic can also be specified with all-wheel drive.

During the course of the first year of production, a DRIVe version of the new V60 will also be introduced, featuring a 1.6L diesel engine. The engine produces 115 hp, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The initial annual target for the new Volvo V60 is 50,000 cars. Of these, no less than 90 percent will go to European buyers. The five largest markets are Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. The new V60 is built at the Volvo Cars production plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The first cars will be delivered to customers in autumn 2010, but it is definitely not coming to the United States.

 

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