Volvo Introduces New 2.0-liter Five-Cylinder Diesel, Upgraded Six-Cylinder petrol engines

For the 2011 model year, Volvo is introducing a new five-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel that will be available throughout its range while the Swedish automaker also upgraded the six-cylinder petrol engines offered on the S80, V70, XC70 and XC60.

The new five-cylinder diesel unit is in principle the same engine as the 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced (with a shorter stroke) to 2.0-liters. It will be offered in three different variants in terms of output.

In the S80, V70, XC70 and XC60, the newly developed 2.0-litre diesel produces 163HP and 400 Nm of torque. In these models the engine is badged the D3.

In the smaller C30 hatchback, S40 sedan, V50 estate and C70 coupe cabriolet, the new 2.0L unit is available in two flavors, the D3 with 150HP and 350 Nm of torque and the D4 with 177HP and 400 Nm of torque.

All the variants of the new 2.0-liter turbodiesel can be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

In addition, Volvo updated its 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged petrol T6 that now offers 304HP and 440 Nm of torque.

The six-cylinder 3.2-litre naturally aspirated engine has also been upgraded and features an improved crankshaft and less internal friction. It now produces 243HP and maximum torque is 320 Nm.

In order to meet US legislative requirements, Volvo also offers a PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) variant of the same engine that produces 231HP and 300 Nm of peak torque.

Swedish Cops in Volvo XC70 Ram and Overthrow Audi A6

These shocking photographs that show a Volvo XC70 police car in Sweden first ramming into the side of an Audi A6 and then -literally- climbing over the German sedan have made the rounds on numerous sites and forums on the internet. We don't have the background story on this incident, so if you happen to know something about it, leave us a comment below. Hit the jump for the full photo set.

Via: Motive and Jalopnik

Volvo Recalling Thousands of S80, V70 and XC70 Models

More than 17,600 MY2008-2009 Volvo S80 sedans, V70 station-wagons and XC70 crossovers are being recalled in the States because of a potential problem with the engine cooling fan. The Swedish automaker said that due to a software programming error in the fan control module, the engine cooling fan may stop working. Depending on conditions, the driver could face reduced air conditioning performance, and/or a rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.

The recall is expected to begin in July with Volvo dealers replacing the fan control module on the affected vehicles free of charge. Concerned owners may contact Volvo for more information directly at 1-800-458-1552.

Volvo Extends DRIVe Range, S80 and V70 get 1.6 Diesel, XC60 and XC70 Offered with FWD

At this year's Geneva Salon, Volvo will show off its new, environmentally-friendly DRIVe range that now includes the XC60 crossover, V70 and XC70 estates and S80 executive sedan. Just like the current DRIVe cars, C30, S40 and V50, the new eco-friendly variants of the XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 are equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimized for low fuel consumption. These cars are also tailored specifically for low rolling resistance and reduced air drag.

Starting off from S80 and V70 DRIVe models, both vehicles are powered by the same 109HP 1.6-litre diesel engine and manual gearbox as the smaller C30, S40 and V50. The optimised powertrain helps Volvo's larger cars significantly cut their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 57.6 mpg UK (48.0mpg US or 4.9 lt /100 km) and 129 g/km respectively. Volvo has yet to release performance figures but don't expect to be impressed.

The extended DRIVe range also welcomes the introduction of front-wheel drive and a new 2.4D engine to the XC60 crossover and XC70 crossover estate. Along with a series of other measures, both the FWD XC60 and XC70 2.4 manage to achieve an average fuel economy of 47.1mpg UK (39.2mpg US or 6.0-lt / 100km ) with a CO2 figure of 159 g/km.

The new DRIVe models will be available across Europe by the summer of 2009 with further specification and pricing details being announced closer to the time of launch.

Model	Engine	Power Output	CO2	Cons. UK MPG
C30 Start/Stop	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	104 g	72.4 mpg
S40 Start/Stop	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	107 g	70.6 mpg
V50 Start/Stop	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	107 g	70.6 mpg
V70	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	129 g	57.6 mpg
S80	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	129 g	57.6 mpg
XC60	2.4D	175 hp/420 Nm	159 g	47.1 mpg
XC70	2.4D	175 hp/420 Nm	159 g	47.1 mpg

Volvo XC70 Pickup Truck Spotted Outside Volvo’s Museum!

A watchful reader over at our Swedish pals at “Bilfeber” scooped these pictures of two Volvo pickup trucks parked in front of the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden. While the six-wheeler XC90 LWB pickup truck is something we’ve seen before, the XC70 “El Camino” is a first –if you’ve seen it anywhere else, feel free to drop us a line.

From what we managed to find out, both of these cars seem to be the work of a Swedish coachbuilder called “Dalbo Fordonsteknik”. Call us weird, but we found the XC70 AWD El Camino’s design somewhat appealing. Maybe FoMoCo should look into building this one itself. What do you think? –More pics after the jump

Via: Bilfeber

Volvo Recalling 65,000 V70 & XC70 Cars in Europe

Approximately 65,000 2008 Model Year Volvo V70 and XC70 models will be recalled due to a software problem that delays that triggering of the side-impact air-bags. The recall affects models primarily sold in Europe and does not apply to owners in the U.S. and Canada.

"We will fine-tune the software that triggers the release of the inflatable curtain," said Volvo Cars spokeswoman Maria Bohlin. "Now we will send letters to all the owners of the affected cars and tell them to take the car to a mechanic to get this upgrade."