Those of us who are fans of Volvo's previous sporty models will probably welcome the S90 and V90 R-Design trim levels with open arms. The Swedish manufacturer refers to the R-Design cars as "performance-inspired", with the key word being "inspired", not "performance". It's an appearance package with some sporty, "road-hugging" hardware in the chassis, but standard-issue 250 or 316 horsepower is as much grunt as it will get, if the R-Design package is applied on either the T5 or T6, respectively. Both of those engines are 2.0-liter four-cylinders.The R-Design cars are instantly recognizable from the more aggressive bumper intakes and grille, and the newly designed five-spoke wheels with a diamond cut surface. Inside, most everything is bespoke to R-Design, from trim pieces to sports seats and steering wheel, and the feeling of a performance package is enhanced with a special interior illumination setup.Earlier, there has been talk of the electronically assisted twin turbo Drive-E engine making as much as 450 horsepower, but the likelihood is that it will be reserved for a separate Polestar performance version if one should be created from the S90/V90. R-Design is at least a ladder below that, but Volvo is likely to respect its performance heritage enough to reserve some muscle for the 90-series cars. How would canary yellow suit them, instead of blue?
Volvo will launch an totally new version of its popular XC serie in 2016. The automaker recently confirmed their plans for the model, which is scheduled to go on sale towards the end of 2016. Volvo also announced details to its engines and platforms. According to Volvo, the new XC100 will be the first model built using its new Scalable Product Architecture. The platform will adapt to many new models of varying sizes. That way, Volvo can finally cut ties with Ford, which previously owned the Swedish automaker. Many Volvo models still share parts with Fords. As for the new XC100, Volvo is tight-lipped on details. While its release date is less than two years away, that's a long time for car shoppers. While it's hard to guess exactly where Volvo will take its next XC100, several sketches shown last year may provide some insight. Those drawings featured an angular, futuristic SUV with widely flared fenders. In addition to new styling, the new XC100 is also likely to use new engines. That's because Volvo says it's developing a new family of 6-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct injection. Those two features improve performance and fuel economy, making us think they'll likely show up in other upcoming Volvo models, too. If the XC100 does get a 6-cylinder, it will mark a radical departure from today's models. Volvo also offers the smaller XC60 crossover, which debuted for the 2009 model year.
This week we're in Spain discovering all there is to know about the new Volvo S90 sedan and V90 wagon, impressions on which we'll have for your shortly. But there will inevitably be a swath of buyers who want a sportier experience. And for just such individuals, Volvo has itsPolestar division, which just announced some performance upgrades for the Swedish automaker's new flagship models.
Much as it did for the smaller S60, V60, and XC60, the new Polestar Performance Optimization package for theS90 and V90 is aimed at improving the vehicle's response to inputs from the throttle and shifter. The manufacturer has refrained from itemizing any empirical details in improvement to performance or output, but instead says it has focused on optimizing the engine and transmission to deliver a more engaging driving experience.
The upgrades are fully covered by warranty and certified for emissions and fuel consumption. They'll initially be offered on the D5 diesel powertrain option not available in North America, but will expand in October to the T6 model we will get here.
Even more promising, however, is what we hear Polestar has in store for the flagship Volvos in the future.According to Motor Trend, full-on performance versions of the S90 and V90 could be in the works with as much as 600 horsepower. That would be more than enough to take the fight to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG E63and BMW M5, but instead of a turbocharged V8 powertrain, would be rather impressively based on the existing T8 plug-in hybrid setup that's built around a 2.0-liter inline-four. One way or another, we're sure we've not yet heard the last word on what Polestar can do with Gothenburg's latest.
Brand new, the idea is not. Volvo played as early as 2013 with the idea that the study of a coupe inspired our imagination, but was then in Serie nothing. The Times have changed. The brand has a tailwind, the higher positioning in the premium segment running successfully. The Volvo XC90 is a bestseller worldwide, the prospects for S90 and V90 are good. A coupe and round out the selection is therefore more than just an option.
If one believes the Swedish Auto Motor & Sport, then the decision is in Gothenburg already fallen. The new Volvo Coupe to 2017 go into production, very concretely in the KW50 / 2017 with the legendary P1800, whose name should be there, it has certainly little in common. It will be even more prestigious.
The body is made largely of carbon fiber, the Volvo to be only 4:38 meters long. The study of 2013 had a length of 4.50 m. to be responsible charged 4cylinder engines with more than 450 hp for the drive. 600 hp are called at Auto Motor & Sport, as an electric rear axle wheel option.
A Volvo from the Saab factory in Trollhättan?
Yesterday, it was assumed that the P1800 in the former Saab Trollhättan plant would go into production. A confirmation did not exist, only a wall of silence. Today the rumor of several Swedish media was denied. Production of the new Volvo P1800 should not take place in Trollhättan, but in small, exclusive numbers on the prototype plant in Hisingen.
A high-tech carbon fiber coupe would be the product Image unlock to Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. A 4cylinder with multiple charging should be no problem. Porsche it dares in 718, why not also in Volvo P1800?
