Volvo has released a two-minute long video of the Volvo S60 BTCS in its first-ever run on a racetrack.  The video of the car was shot on April 1st from cameras mounted on the ground, chase cameras following it on the track, and handheld cameras catching the prep work in the paddock.  An interior camera was also briefly used.

The track run took place at Circuit Zolder in the northeast of Belgium.  Volvo will be racing the car during the Belgian Touring Car Series (BTCS), with the car’s first race slated for April 11 at Zolder.

“The all-new Volvo S60 sports sedan is Volvo’s most exciting driving experience so far and there is no better way to show this than by bringing it to the race track,” said Volvo Belgium managing director Bart Crols.  ”Volvo and the all-new S60 have a special place in the people’s hearts here as several Volvo models, including the new S60, are built in Belgium at theVolvo Cars Ghent plant.”

Volvo claims their race car was developed in an incredibly short amount of time to the Silhouette S1 rules set out by the BTCS.  Some of the rules dictate the car’s aerodynamics, and its use of the same suspension at the front and back.  The tubular chassis is also mandatory.

The rear-wheel drive car features a 3.5-liter mid-mounted V6 engine that produces 410 horsepower (306 kW / 416 PS) and up to 412 Nm (304 ft-lb) of torque.  The engine is mounted to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Press Release (Click to expand)

Ready for the race track

Volvo Cars enters the all-new Volvo S60 in the Belgian Touring Car Series

Just weeks after the all-new Volvo S60 was introduced to the public, the latest Volvo model is also being unveiled in a racing version. Volvo Cars Belgium will enter the new car in the 2010 season of the Belgian Touring Car Series. Volvo fans will not need to wait long to see the latest model in action since the premiere takes place on April 11.

“We are very happy about this development,” says Bart Crols, Managing Director at Volvo Cars Belgium. “The all-new Volvo S60 sports sedan is Volvo’s most exciting driving experience so far and there is no better way to show this than by bringing it to the race track. Volvo and the all-new S60 have a special place in the people’s hearts here as several Volvo models, including the new S60, are built in Belgium at theVolvo Cars Ghent plant.”

The new Volvo S60 race car has been developed in record time locally by Volvo’s Belgian S60 Racing Team. It has been developed in accordance with the BTCS Silhouette S1 regulations which put a major emphasis on standardised features. All cars must use a tubular chassis, the same type of front and rear suspension and aerodynamics. A uniform type of engine specification is also available but manufacturers are allowed to use own engines.

The Volvo S60 Racing Team will also operate the car at all BTCS races and the drivers are Vincent Radermecker and Eric Van De Poele.

Its maiden track test will take place on April 1 (today) on the Belgian Zolder track.

“It has been a hectic period, but we have received great assistance from Volvo Cars’ Motorsport department” says Thomas Neri, Team Manager for the Volvo S60 Racing Team. He continues: “Our main objective is to get up to speed and to compete well in the various heats. Next season we hope to put our own in-house developed engine in the car.”

BTCS – low cost, high-performance racing

The BTCS is an endurance racing championship with six competitions on tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps, Zolder and Dijon. Each race consists of two 90-minute heats and there is also one 12-hour race in Spa. The all-new Volvo S60 will face intense competition from the likes of BMW, Audi, Jaguar and VW. BTCS has grown rapidly in terms of both competing brands and numbers thanks to its low-cost, high-performance combination and, not least, the fact that the cars have considerable visual appeal. The race series is televised in several countries and is gaining in popularity.

“We will support and follow our development in this series very closely as several other national championships are considering similar standardised regulations in the future,” says Derek Crabb, Motorsport Director at the Volvo Car Corporation. “This BTCS campaign will give us a good understanding of what these types of regulations can mean for Volvo.”

Technical Specification Volvo S60 BTCS

Regulation: BTCS Silhouette S1

Chassis: Tubular frame

Front Suspension: Independent with 3-way adjustable shock absorbers

Rear Suspension: Independent with 3-way onboard adjustable shock absorbers

Brakes: 6-piston callipers, 380 mm discs at the front and 6-piston callipers, 355 mm discs at the rear

Engine: Mid-mounted standardised 3500 cc V6

Engine Power Output: 410 hp with 412 Nm at 5500rpm

Gearbox: Six-speed sequential. Rear-wheel drive

Wheels: 10″ X 18″ front and 12″ X 18″ rear 

Tyres: Michelin 27/65/18 front and Michelin 30/65/18 rear

2010 Racing Calendar for the all-new Volvo S60 in the BTCS series

April 9-11 Zolder

April 30-May 2 Dijon-Prenois

June 4-6 Spa-Francorchamps

July 9-10 Spa-Francorchamps

September 17-19 Spa-Francorchamps

October 8-10 Zolder

More information about the Belgian Touring Car Series: http://www.btcseries.be/

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In a rush to try to claim the unimportant title of “First car on YouTube in 2010,” Volvo dropped a new video of the Volvo S60.  The video was posted to the company’s Facebook page, which we quickly turned and posted on our own WCF YouTube channel.

Unfortunate for Volvo, we got the video up on the video sharing website over an hour before 12:01am in the Christmas Islands, the first populated place on Earth to celebrate the New Year.  Because of this, Volvo has more likely claimed the title of “Last car on YouTube in 2009.”

Just over a year ago the Volvo S60 concept was introduced before its NAIAS debut.  The production model is expected to get a turbocharged engine, with a plug-in hybrid possibly also due out.

The minute-long video shows the S60 from several different angles.  We can see right away that the concept’s fluid lines were tamed quite a bit to create the production model, probably to appeal to a wider audience.  The streaking LED lighting at the back does look quite nice.

Volvo will officially debut the all-new 2011 Volvo S60 at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Source: Volvo via Facebook

Press Release (Click to expand)

First car on YouTube in 2010 – the official new Volvo S60 video to be released on New Year’s Eve

The very first video footage of the all-new Volvo S60 will be released exclusively in social media. Volvo’s Facebook fans were the first to see it exclusively already in 2009. The video will then be released to the general public on YouTube as soon as the new year begins.

“We will ensure that this is the first car video on YouTube in 2010. It will be released on Volvo Car’s channel on YouTube a few seconds after we have entered the new year,” says Olle Axelson, Senior Vice President Public Affairs at Volvo Car Corporation.

The first photos of the all-new Volvo S60 were released to the world press on 10 November 2009. But no TV or video footage was released at that time. Instead Volvo Car Corporation has decided to release a video only in social media at this point.

“We want to acknowledge all the Volvo enthusiasts around the world by giving them an exclusive pre-view of this video on the Volvo Cars Facebook fan page. Then it will be available to everyone through Volvo Cars’ channel on YouTube right after midnight on New Year’s Eve,” says Olle Axelson.

The all-new Volvo S60 video will be released to the public on the YouTube channel VolvoCarsNews www.youtube.com/volvocarsnews a few seconds after midnight on Jan 1, 2010 CET (Central European Time).

It can already be viewed by members on the Volvo Cars Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/volvo

The all-new Volvo S60 will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2010. Production of the sporty sedan model will start in early summer 2010 at the Volvo Cars’ plant in Ghent, Belgium.

Volvo XC90 interior

Yarrr, sailor. Have you ever wanted to take one to your Volvo XC90 Treasure Island? Here is an opportunity. This Monday Volvo gave the starting signal to a contest in which participants have to find a Volvo XC90 V8 buried on an island, as part of promoting the Disney movie Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest.

This is the functioning of the contest: you must bring your nearest Volvo dealer and register on the website of the competition. Each x time will be emailed a series of clues and puzzles to participants, and if you respond to them correctly, you continue in the competition, receiving more evidence and fingerprints that will take you to todocamino. The proof will come to an end on July 12, the day on which Volvo will select seven finalists from among a group of pirates fans around the world.

These contestants will be sent to a secret location, will receive a shovel for each and will have to compete among themselves to find the Volvo XC90. Anyone who was with him on the left.

This is not the first time that Volvo has been the pirate patch, since Disney is the largest advertiser of sailboat racing in the Volvo Volvo Ocean Race. At the moment The Black Pearl (that’s his name) is second in the last stage of testing, ending this weekend in Sweden.

The contest is open to participants from Spain, United Kingdom, Austria, USA and Japan.

Note: At the time of writing the news the registration page for Spain does not seem to be available, so that visitors wishing to participate may need to ask your dealer.

Volvo XC90 a gift to the Pope

new Volvo XC90

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was forced to abandon his futile 1999 Volkswagen Golf when he became Pope Benedict XVI. But Volvo , feeling bad about the loss of Ratzinger’s personal vehicle (or looking for a good public relations coup), yesterday handed over to His Holiness the keys of a Volvo XC90 nuevecito for use and enjoyment. The SUV is dark blue, is fully equipped and has a leather interior trim color clear, detailed last thing it does not matter too much since Ratzinger only moves in his Popemobile totally battleship (and crystals Volvo XC90 not seem armoured) .

Volvo XC90 renewed

Volvo XC 90

When a segment with such activity as is that of the luxury SUV there is so much competition at high altitudes, manufacturers have to take good care of their products to keep up to date, both in terms of equipment as aesthetically.

This has happened to Volvo XC90, which now receives some slight changes in the outside world, with a new bumper, tire design differentiated, new colors, with different coloration pilots rear, new roof bars or flashing lights in the side mirrors .

In the interior, new tissues, more equipment and small details of style, as a new shooter door, metallic finish in trying to maintain the level of termination to the excellent level that has always had this model.

In engines, joins the new 3.2i V6 engine with 238 hp of the Volvo S80, although the triumph of diesel engines in this market segment is absolute, at least in Europe.

Spanish reach the market before the summer and although the changes are not very large, who think of buying a petrol Volvo XC90 should await the new engine, which speak very well in all media.

Volvo denies cancellation of the XC90

Volvo XC 90

Yesterday gunpowder ran as the news that Volvo had cancelled the next generation of the Volvo XC90, due to the lack of an appropriate hybrid mechanical and new demands in terms of consumption. At least, as published by the Swedish edition of Auto Motor & Sport. Well, the manufacturer has sent the magazine announced in a brief noting that the development of new Volvo XC90 continuing. And what is more: in the words of Volvo , Ford does not dictate the models that may or may not sell.

According to recent rumors the Volvo XC90 will be built on a new platform, which will lengthen the life of the current model a couple of years. So you know: if you were thinking of going to the dealer to call number, still waiting. Sitting, if possible.

Tags: development, production, volvo, XC90

New Volvo XC90 Executive

Volvo XC90 Executive

After being renovated in 2006, the Volvo XC90 receives a new version of greatest luxury that initially seemed exclusive to Europe. The Executive model has a number of changes in the exterior details like chrome and silver, and imposing a 19-inch tires that enhance the presence of the vehicle without lowering its class. If we speak of the interior, this is now more refined and elegant thanks to the new stitching of the seats and walnut-finished, but also more practical to offer interesting options like the refrigerator integrated into the console or entertainment system for rear seats . The Volvo XC90 Executive mounted two petrol engines (3.2, 4.4 V8) and diesel (2.4), offering potential savings and to satisfy customers in the Scandinavian brand.

Volvo XC90 Executive : one aspect of refined luxury and first-class

The 2007 Volvo XC90 has been rejuvenated in many aspects. Its improved design, a new engine line six-cylinder as well as new and advanced security systems to help strengthen its market position in the SUV.
The same changes have taken place in the exclusive Executive model. It also has set up a series of new unique features that significantly raise their level of prestige.

“The Volvo XC90 Executive is the most prestigious version of the Volvo XC90, specially designed for the most demanding customers,” says Karin Falk, head of special vehicles Volvo Cars. “To meet the high expectations in a matter of refining the design and sophisticated comfort, we have further enhanced the model, surpassing the new features offered in the Volvo XC90.

Volvo XC90 Executive Elegant decor chromium and silver

The Volvo XC90 Executive is identified thanks to the discreet emblem placed on the pillar of the tailgate. The special character is created, among other things, thanks to the finish of chrome exterior mirrors and beams C, and extensions of the wheel arches with colors.
In the rear, the Executive model has an oval pollock that covers both exhaust pipes. To enhance its profile, the Volvo XC90 Executive can be equipped with aluminum wheels, 19 inches.

Feeling exclusive first-class inside the passenger compartment
The passenger compartment of the Volvo XC90 Executive is designed and equipped to provide a wonderful feeling and first class.
One of the alternatives is the leather upholstery cutting classic Executive, with stitches and auctions of contrasting colors. To give all passengers in the vehicle similar views, now uses the same grade of leather in the third row of seats.
The layers of skin walnut panel and come as standard indicators of the dashboard main bring an unmistakable and inspired design in the face of a clock.

Volvo XC90 Executive Refrigerator and tray for glasses

The very bushy hair mats and exclusive design confer an atmosphere of exclusivity for the passenger compartment.
You can incorporate an optional refrigerator in the console shaped tunnel. It also presents the option of incorporating an advanced system of fun for rear seats (CSR). The system includes a DVD player, video screens integrated into the front seat head restraints, wireless headphones and a remote control. An auxiliary connector makes it possible to connect an additional DVD player, video games, a video camera or other device iPod. The two screens can be used independently of one another.

From the powerful Volvo 8 turbo five-cylinder
The range of engines available in the Volvo XC90 Executive includes the powerful Volvo 8 engine in the new line six-cylinder Volvo , and the latest generation D5 diesel. All engines are compact and are mounted on a cross in the engine compartment to provide the best possible security and a spacious passenger compartment.

Engines

Engine Setting Maximum cv / kW Par Nm

Volvo XC90 V8 4.4L V8 232/315 440
Volvo XC90 3.2 3.2L I6 175/238 320
Volvo XC90 D5 2.4L I5 136/185 400

Argentina: Volvo XC90 diesel

Volvo XC90 diesel

So far, the family Volvo XC90 diesel in Argentina was offered only with the mechanics of gasoline, very good performance but with a fairly high consumption also forced to refuel every few km.

Now, the edition Volvo XC90 diesel in this country has launched the diesel version, equipped with a 185 hp engine 2.4D5 and some very good benefits, with a maximum speed of and an acceleration of 0 to 100 kph in 10.9 seconds.

With regard to equipmen Volvo XC90 diesel t, you can now opt for a rear entertainment system with DVD and TFT screen. From series has ESP, multiple airbags, air conditioning two areas, alloy wheels, sound equipment or alloy wheels. The price on the street is 81,500 dollars.

Tags: Diesel

Used: Volvo XC90 2.5iT Summum Geartronic

Volvo XC90 2.5iT Summum Geartronic

The second-hand market in Spain is becoming increasingly important and indeed since most transactions are conducted annually with vehicles such as new. Therefore, little by little we will test some models that might be interesting for price or general nature.

Within the segment of the SUV or SUV high level, we highlight the Volvo XC90, a model that since its launch has enjoyed an excellent level of sales. Waiting lists in its infancy even reached the year, depending on the generally-diesel engine was the most-sued. We opted to test with a very interesting alternative version: the Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut .

With 210 hp power, the Volvo XC90 is able to move with great ease, getting a significant level of benefits. The worst are the consumption, which in rare occasion we can go down to levels below the twelve litres. But for some people who do not carry out too many miles per year, they may be the perfect purchase.

Entering a little more detail, the Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo has a block of five-cylinder, supercharged, 20 valves and 210 hp. Associated automatic change to five speeds, can accelerate from 0 to 100 mph in just 9.9 seconds and reach 210 mph maximum speed, figures certainly very good for a vehicle weighing over two tonnes with the driver. The worst thing is as we said before consumption, according to combined cycle is 11.8 l/100 approval but in reality are closer to 15 l/100. In urban use, increased to 20 l/100 if traffic conditions are not very good while on the road to 100-110 mph around 10,5-11 l/100. The autonomy can be very variable, but with 50 € gasoline (current prices), using the car mostly in town but with plenty of fast sections, we can cover about 340-370 kilometers.

The behaviour Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut on their part is excellent and although swings over the account, it is difficult to make losing record. It is a car especially comfortable, although this is due to his great anatomical seats, seats that also in our version Summum, are lined in leather, they are power-operated and heated. The rest of the equipment falls within what would expect from a car of its price, around 55,000 € again. The most remarkable thing is:

Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Onboard computer
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut ABS EBD + + + TCS DSTC
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Airbags front, side and curtain
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Air conditioning automatic trizona
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Four electric windows
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Command and central locking with alarm
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Gate after opening with double
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Team sound quality
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Lighthouses of bixenon
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Rear parking sensor
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Tires 18-inch alloy

Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Options unity tested:

Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Third row of seats folding in trunk
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut RTI navigation system
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Roof solar electricity
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Telephone
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Inserts in wood
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Metallic Paint
Volvo XC90 2.5i Turbo AWD Aut Driver’s seat with memory

Best of all, is that the market opportunity can be purchased at a price much lower than the figures for diesel and around 30,000 € there are few miles and two or three years old. Important undoubtedly is to verify the book revisions as though a car is not especially problematic, if any breakdown, the cost is quite high. Suffice it to say that the annual reviews (or every 20,000 km) have a cost depending on the dealer around € 400 or more.

Tags: proof, volvo, XC90

Video: Volvo XC60 Concept explained by its designer

Volvo XC60 Concept

This video gives us a guided tour through the Volvo XC60 Concept of the hands of Volvo chief designer, Steve Mattin. Its creator explains that the concept tries to show what will come in the design of the Volvo XC line, outlining the language of design of future products and Volvo introducing innovations and ideas created by the design studio of the mark.

The truth is that the backdoor is very attractive and also gives flexibility to charge the vehicle. The neat interior is very nice, although we are not sure how much white leather hold all that in a situation of normal use (good is a concept). The center console, taken directly from a futuristic movie, replace the shift lever for a PC mouse style system, which allows the device changes moving forward and back then pressing a button.

In the words of Mattin, Volvo tries to take the next step in terms of Scandinavian design. They try to leave behind square and rigid style, opening a design more expressive, emotional, dynamic and sensual, but maintaining a simple style. Volvo has achieved a rapid development since the days of its angular cars, and although the task seems not be easy, is going very well designed.

Advance Detroit: Volvo XC60 Concept

Volvo XC60 Concept

Do Embargos press? What is that? The Dutch have been AutoInternationaal ahead with the publication of the first official images of the Volvo XC60 Concept , a model that we will see very soon in Detroit.

At the level of design, the latest Volvo is, as very little (and let’s be generous), surprising. At this point we were all waiting for something relatively close in design to Volvo XC90, but no. Both the front and rear show a new leadership style in the company, although not sabríamos say whether for better or worse. Starting with the nose, inlets chrome somewhat reminiscent of the Ford Iosis, and although not desentonaba detail in the prototype Ford, the Volvo seem to fall somewhat misplaced. The optical rear directly seem from another world, involving the profile with its original form (which seems to lie so different are the lights despite being a very natural evolution of the Volvo XC90) and flanking a gate that recalls something (well, one pinch) to the C30.

As for mechanics, according to the little that can be drawn from the text within the patterns of production ceiling version of the 3.2 V6 mounted range of Land Rover Freelander, offering also two five-cylinder engines (diesel and gasoline) and finally a small four-cylinder 2.0 for those who prefer a luxury crossover but with a more moderate price. The first units should be available sometime in 2009.

Video: Volvo XC60 Concept

Volvo XC60 Concept

Already he had shown the photo, but there’s more, because we now have … Video! Okay, it is clear that the Volvo XC60 Concept still is that, a conceptual model, but that internal saving science fiction, the rest could reach without much change to the production version back in 2009.

Once again, Ford Europe has once again put into use its “kinetic design language” (marketing these guys …) that we saw for the first time in the Iosis, making Volvo traits evolve in a manner very different from the view from the Swedes were deshicieron its rectangular image. Contemplating the Volvo XC60 , we wonder how will the catalogue of Volvo within four years.

Maximum speed (km / h) – 220
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s) – 8.9
Average consumption (l/100 km) – 5.9
CO 2 (g / km) – 155
RT – 4.75%

2009 Volvo S80 2.4D Kinetic

Body Type – Tourism
Number of doors – 4
Length / width / height (mm) – 4851 / 1861 / 1493
Wheelbase / Front track – rear (mm) – 2835 / 1588 – 1585
Coefficient Cx – Surface Front (m2) – Factor of resistance – 0.29 – 2.34 – 0.68
Fuel Tank Capacity (l) – 70
Number of seats – five

2009 Volvo S80 2.4D Kinetic

Fuel – diesel
Maximum power HP – kW / rpm – 175 – 129 / 4000
Maximum torque Nm / rpm – 420 / 1500-2750
Location – Front transverse
Material block / butt – aluminum / aluminum
Bore x stroke (mm) – 81 x 93.2
Displacement (cm3) – 2401
Compression ratio – 16.5
Distribution – 4 valves per cylinder. Two camshafts in the cylinder head.

2009 Volvo S80 2.4D Kinetic

Traction – front
Gearbox – Manual six-speed
Developments (km / ha 1000 rpm):
1st – 8.8
2nd – 15.7
3rd – 25
4th – 35.6
5th – 45.8
6th – 55.3

2009 Volvo S80 2.4D Kinetic

Front suspension – Independent. McPherson type. Helical spring. Stabilizer bar.
Rear Suspension – Independent. Deformable parallelogram. Helical spring. Stabilizer bar.
Diameter of turn between curbs / walls (m) – 11.2 / 11.7
Tires – 205/60 R16
Wheels – 7.0 x 16

Heico XC60 – hi res

Sportiv package offers up to 315 PS

The renowned Volvo experts at Heico Sportiv have released further details on the Volvo XC60 tuning package shown at last year’s Essen Motor Show. It’s one of the first kits available for the XC60, and Heico has set the bar quite high for any who might choose to follow.

Heico worked hard to keep the “fundamental DNA” of the XC60 intact, and the body package, which includes front, rear and side treatments, blends neatly into the XC60’s lines. The front spoiler meets pedestrian protection guidelines, and the rear apron wraps neatly around the stainless steel exhaust outlets. Heico has made subtle modifications to the daytime running light housings as well. Wheels can be had in 19- and 20-inch sizes from Heico’s Volution wheel series, with a choice of colors.

The Volvo tuners don’t leave the XC60’s powertrain alone, either. Output of the 2.4D and D5 engines is boosted to 210 PS, up from 163 and 185 respectively. The 3.0 turbo straight-six in the T6 fares even better, moving from an already respectable 285 PS to 315. Sport springs lower the XC60 about 30mm, and Heico also has a sport suspension with stiffer shocks available.

Acres of leather are available for the interior, of course. Heico trims the front seats, door panels and shift knob in one of nine different hues of cow, with custom upholstery available on request.

Source: Heico Sportiv via carscoop.blogspot.com

Press Release (Click to expand)

On the occasion of the Essen Motor Show (29.11. – 07.12.2008), Volvo tuner HEICO SPORTIV will be presenting the world’s first complete program for the new Volvo XC60.

“Our inspiration and challenge focused on further accentuating the dynamic design of the crossover,” says HEICO SPORTIV general manager, Holger Hedtke, giving the first indications of what is to be expected of the new exterior, adding: “The design elements dissolve smoothly into one another – the Volvo XC60 should appear as an integrated whole and evoke emotions.”

To this end, numerous sketches were prepared and subjected to controversial internal discussion to define an initial underlying design direction… not an easy task, given the need to satisfy the “one shoe fits all” demands of internationally differing style preferences in concert with mounting precision, maximum material quality and statutory guidelines.

The result speaks for itself: the front spoiler of the Volvo XC60 is the first HEICO SPORTIV design element fulfilling the latest pedestrian protection guidelines. To fulfill this EG directive, the vehicle must undergo a crash test during the development process. “Compared to the conventional process, this involves considerably more effort, but it also represents a USP vis-à-vis cheaper suppliers,” explains project manager Alexander Lode. “With this, we are fulfilling the high standards that have been expected of us since the start of our cooperation with Volvo.”

Original design features such as the characteristic daytime running lamps have been retained and enhanced with striking details such as stylishly adumbrated ventilation slits. “We haven’t the slightest intention of changing the fundamental DNA of the Volvo XC60. By contrast, we regard our work as elegant style enhancement,” says Holger Hedtke about the HEICO SPORTIV philosophy.

This picks up again at the rear where four oval end pipes of the HEICO SPORTIV stainless steel exhaust system are integrated into the in-house developed rear apron. Alternatively, the dual pipe exhaust system in “left-right optic” can be employed in combination with the original rear apron.

Besides numerous other optical modifications to the interior, the focus for the Volvo XC60 lies on boosting performance. In doing so, one of HEICO SPORTIV’s core skills is tuning for the diesel models 2.4D and D5 (to 210 PS from the standard series values 163 PS and 185 PS respectively) and the turbo petrol engine T6 (315 PS instead of 285 PS).

For dynamic performance capability, the Volvo XC60 is lowered 30mm with sports springs. A sports suspension with firmer shock absorber calibration will be available in early 2009.

The light alloy wheel program VOLUTION® for the Volvo XC60 encompasses the variants VOLUTION® X. in 8×19 with 235/55R18 tires (in the colors Silver, Titan and Black Diamond Cut) and the dimension 245/45R20 on the VOLUTION® V. rim in 8.5×20 (in Silver and Titan). The highlight of the VOLUTION® lineup is the exclusive, light weight forged wheel VOLUTION® X. FORGED in 9×20 inches.

The second exhibit by HEICO SPORTIV at the Essen Motor Show is the touring car based on Volvo C30 T5. The “HEICO HS3″ is an advancement of the successful parent model “HEICO HS4 ODIN” and is also operated by bioethanol E85. “By winning the class in last 4-h race at Nürburgring we have again demonstrated in 2008, that performance and environmental awareness are compatible”, Patrick Brenndörfer, responsible for press and motor sports, explained.

Bioethanol is made of renewable primary products, the CO2-balance of an E85 engine is nearly neutral. “The motor sport engagement is a regular part of our companies philosophy and helps enormously to build up know how – like with alternative fuels”, Brenndörfer completed. First serial vehicles with ethanol engine, like the Volvo V70 and S80 2.5FT, will be available soon with HEICO SPORTIV power upgrades.