Volvo has released details and images for a new concept vehicle previewing its next-generation S60 saloon due in 2010. The concept car will make its world debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show and reveals the latest evolution of Volvo’s current design theme. These safety elements include the aforementioned Blind Spot warning system, as well as a Collision Warning system with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection features that use radar devices mounted behind the car’s grille and a camera behind the rear-view mirror.
Inside, the cabin is predictably heavy on the typical concept stuff -- modern-looking seats, light colors and crystalline accents -- while still hinting at the next S60's instrumentation layout. Interesting features include a shifter that's left horizontal when the car is cruising in automatic mode, but can be flipped up for a better grip when the driver wants to select gears manually. The S60 Concept has no B-pillar and features truck rear doors that open outward and slide back out of the way so that showgoers can better ogle the fancy interior. Don't expect anything of the sort to make it to production.
Some interesting performance elements include a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties, as well as an advanced compact petrol engine with direct-injection and turbocharging technologies. The tiny mill displaces just 1.6L but develops a peak output of 180hp (134kW). Fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 47mpg (5.0L/100km) and emissions levels are a correspondingly low 119g/km. Driving the front wheels is Volvo's PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Volvo S60 Concept at Detroit Auto Show
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Volvo plans to release hybrid car in 2011
Volvo has put a lot of effort to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been working on some new highly-efficient vehicles. Furthermore to the DRIVe trio of ultra-efficient diesel-powered models, Volvo is working on an all-new micro-hybrid model. The car will be scheduled to release in 2011, the vehicle will be available with a choice between gasoline or diesel power, and a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel-saving technology will include a start-stop system plus brake-energy regeneration to cut consumption by nearly 5 percent. Volvo will release a full hybrid (with the ability to run on electric power only) in 2012 with the D5 diesel engine (Volvo's similar battery and flexfuel ReCharge Concept is above). A plug-in electric is also expected to follow down the road.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Volvo cars aims for zero accidents
At the Volvo Car Corporation, the vision is to design cars that should not crash. In the shorter perspective the aim is that by 2020 no-one should be killed or injured in a Volvo.
They look into the driver's whole journey, from everyday driving to after a collision. The car's safety functions can be divided into five phases:
Phase 1: Normal driving - Driver kept informed on driving status and driver concentration.
Phase 2: Conflict - Driver involved in a potentially hazardous situation, but able to cope with it.
Phase 3: Avoidance - Driver less capable of coping with the situation.
Phase 4: Damage reduction - Driver and car not capable of avoiding collision. Preparation for collision, reduction of crash forces.
Phase 5: After collision - Driver offered assistance and rescue.
