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 Recalling Thousands of S80, V70 and XC70 Vehicles

It's recall time for Volvo as the Swedish automaker has detected a faulty diagnostic software in the central electronic module (CEM) on the MY 2007-2008 S80, V70 and XC70 models. Volvo said that the software problem could cause the windshield wipers to not operate when activated or in certain cases they may be activated when not switched on. Overall, some 12,300 S80s, V70s and XC70s are affected from this recall. Beginning from May, Volvo dealers will inspect the CEM and if required, upgrade the software free of charge.

Volvo to Offer Sport and Comfort Chassis Options on Facelifted S80

When the subtly revised S80 hits Volvo showrooms this summer, buyers will be able to opt between two new chassis, the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis. In the UK, the sporty Lowered Dynamic Chassis will be offered as standard on the SE and SE Lux models with the opportunity to specify the Comfort Chassis as a no cost option while the Comfort Chassis will be the only chassis available on the Executive trim level.

"For some customers, the driving experience is most important, while others priorities ride comfort," says Stefan Sallqvist, section manager for vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars. "We analyzed the different requirements and designed two alternative chassis with entirely different natures."

For those that prefer sportier driving characteristics and more responsive handling Volvo has made the Lowered Dynamic Chassis far more taut and rigid. More specifically, the car has been lowered by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear while the shock absorbers have been given greater damping ability on both compression and extension strokes. Furthermore, all the mountings on the sub-frame have harder bushings and the anti-roll bars have also been strengthened to give increased side stability in corners.

As for the Comfort Chassis, the S80's standard chassis has been re-engineered and comes with softer springs and more subtle damping to deliver a more comfortable ride to the saloon's passengers.

Volvo Launches Long-Wheelbase S80L sedan in China

Following last year's announcement, on March 12th, Volvo launched the all-new, long-wheelbase S80L in China. Developed to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers, the wheelbase of this S80L model is prolonged by 140mm reaching 2,975mm with a full length of 4,991mm. This results in a rear seat leg space of 1,025mm. Volvo has also upgraded the S80's standard equipment with such luxurious specifications as a refrigerator in the rear seat, Premium Sound, rear seat entertainment system, and more deeply padded leather seats

The S80L, which is built in China, is available exclusively with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine, with a maximum power rating of 285HP and a maximum output of 400 Nm torque at 1,500rpm. According to Volvo, it needs 7.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph).

Video: 2010 Volvo S80 Facelift

Earlier today, Volvo published the first photos of the 2010 MY S80 saloon that received a mid-life facelift which includes subtle visual changes as well as two revised diesel engines and a new eco-friendly, but underpowered, DRIVe variant fitted with a 1.6-liter turbo diesel delivering an output of 109HP. The new S80 will be unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show in early March with sales commencing this spring.

2010 Volvo S80 Receives Subtle Makeover and New Diesel Engines

The refreshed Volvo S80 is being unveiled for the very first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. Due to go on sale in spring 2009, the S80 has received a range of minor cosmetic updates but more importantly for European drivers, two revised five-cylinder diesel engines, the 2.4D and D5 plus the new low CO2-emitting 1.6D DRIVe diesel model.

In particular, the S80 DRIVe will come equipped with the same powertrain as the smaller C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe, a 109HP 1.6-litre diesel engine hooked up to a manual gearbox, but with specially tailored engine software and different ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears. While the 1.6D powertrain won't be offering any staggering performance figures, it does help significantly cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 129g/km and 57.6mpg UK (48.0mpg US or 4.9 lt /100 km) respectively.

The refreshed S80 will also be offered with an updated version of the twin-turbo five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel producing 205-horsepower and 420Nm of torque. Fuel consumption (EU combined) is 45.6mpg UK (37.9mpg US or 6.2 lt / 100km) with CO2 emissions of 164g/km.

The upgraded 2.4-litre diesel engine will also be available with 175-horsepower and 420Nm of torque. In this case, fuel consumption (EU Combined) is rated at 48.7mpg UK (40.6mpg US or 5.8 lt /100km) with CO2 emissions of 154g/km.

Cosmetic changes for the 2010 MY S80 are limited to the new grille featuring the larger iron mark badge and chrome detailing on the air intakes, lower part of the doors and under the tail lamps.

Inside, the Swedish automaker updated the S80's trim while the instruments now feature aluminum dials and there's also a new steering wheel.

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

2010 Volvo S80 Facelift with Updated Design and New Diesel to be Launched in Geneva

According to julino billym's insiders, Volvo will perform the world debut of the S80 facelift at the Geneva motorshow. The Swedish firm's flagship sedan will receive a light makeover and a new, top-of-the-line diesel engine. The 2010 S80's D5 2.4-liter 5-cylinder oil-burner comes equipped with sequential twin turbochargers, ceramic glow-plugs and piezoelectric fuel injectors for a power output of 205HP and 420Nm of torque. The Swedes claim that with this engine, the new S80 will achieve a combined fuel consumption of just 6.2 lt /100 km (38mpg US - 45.6mpg UK) with low -for the size of the vehicle- CO2 emissions of 164 g/km.