01 Mar 06
At the unveiling of the new-generation S80 saloon, Volvo CEO Frederik Arp said that the company is expecting to sell around 50,000 a year, with around 70% expected to be to customers new to Volvo.
This Mk2 S80 is the same overall length as its predecessor, but 27mm wider and 34mm taller, with a longer wheelbase, giving a more spacious cabin. It has lower-set headlamps and a more steeply raked bonnet, giving the dual benefits of a more curved outline and better pedestrian protection. New LED lamps feature at its tail.
Engines for the range are the Yamaha-derived 4.4-litre V8 (315bhp), as already offered in the XC90 in the US, a new 3.2-litre in-line straight-six (238bhp) and the familiar 2.5T turbocharged 2.5 five-cylinder unit (200bhp), as well as the 185bhp D5 and 163bhp 2.4D diesels. The V8 is claimed to be one of the cleanest V8 engines available, with four catalytic converters and variable camshaft timing and variable intake systems for maximum efficiency.
The 3.2-litre straight-six, designed by Volvo engineers in Sweden and built at Ford's engine plant in Bridgend, Wales, replaces the old 2.9; it also features variable camshaft timing and intake, and though Volvo hasn't released the figures yet, it's said to be highly efficient. Both this engine and the V8 come with the six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
Extensively tested in Europe and on UK roads, the new S80 has Volvo's Four-C Active Chassis technology, comprising three selectable settings - Comfort, Sport and Advanced - and self-adjusting damper settings to reduce body roll or other instability under acceleration, hard braking or sharp corners. V8 versions are offered with four-wheel drive. The all-new suspension system, by MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link layout behind, comes with stability control and traction control as standard-fit.
The S80's interior has been overhauled: besides more of an emphasis on clean-lined Scandinavian-style design, it has new features including a development of its climate control and interior air filters (approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association), plus an S40-style central console that stretches back between the front seats to the rear.
A new digital sound system has also been fitted: the top-end 12-speaker Premium Sound unit is claimed to be "one of the best in-car audio systems in the world." This system adapts its output according to the shape of the cabin, the position of the seats and the car's speed, and is compatible with MP3 and WMA-format CDs or the connection of external MP3 players and iPods. It even has three FM radio aerials for excellent radio reception.
New options include ventilated leather upholstery - with fans in the seat cushions - and heated rear seats. There are also new settings for functions such as the heated rear windscreen - which automatically activates when the temperature drops - and the speed-dependent power steering (standard in the V8, optional in other versions) that gains a choice of three levels of assistance. An electronic parking brake with automatic release function has also been added. The sat nav system has been enhanced with an updated, wider range of maps and a new Bluetooth telecomms kit fitted with multi-phone connectivity.
Trim levels for the UK include an upgrade to top-end Executive models: these now have a unique grille with chrome trim around the front air intakes and fog lights; leather upholstery in a choice of four colours; plus a rear-seat fridge, DVD player with screens and 18" alloy wheels as options.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Volvo without a full complement of safety items. This time around, the S80 comes with revised side airbags with separate chambers to protect occupants' chests and hips; further-improved structural design for impact absorption; new-generation whiplash protection in the front seats and headrests; and a series of features such as the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System, with warning lights on the rear-view mirrors), active bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control with radar sensors, brake support and a radar-triggered collision warning system that warns of obstacles or other cars close ahead.
The brakes are more sophisticated before, with updated hydraulic assistance, a 'ready alert' function to increase pressure if necessary or if the sensor systems detect an imminent impact and anti-fade compensation.
And to really give the notion that this is a sentient car which can think for itself, it's got a heartbeat sensor: part of the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) device, a remote-control unit for the alarm and security systems which can tell if there is anyone in the car, or if the car is locked or unlocked, from up to 100m away.
Volvo will announce UK prices shortly.
