2004 Volvo V50 news, pictures, and information

DETROIT – It's a wagon for the younger generation.
The all-new Volvo V50 sportswagon is on display at the 2004 North American International Auto Show and blends more than 75 years of wagon tradition with stunning Scandinavian design and Volvo engineering expertise.

"The emphasis is placed on attractive design and as sense of sportiness, with a 'bonus' in the form of practical details and extra luggage space," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Hans-Olov Olsson.

This sportswagon is a completely new five-door model with aggressive lines and an athletic, sporty profile. Rounded rooflines and an extremely abrupt tail creates a modern, active look reinforced by the V50's softly rounded nose, short hood and marked cab-forward design. High rear tail lamps mark the V50's wagon heritage, while its classic V-shaped hood and distinctive egg-crate mesh grille underscore its Volvo identity.

From above, the V50 resembles a sleek speedboat, with rounded prow, a broad mid-ship section and a narrowing stern. Together with broad shoulders, this shape creates a sporty, athletic impression while contributing to the sportswagon's excellent aerodynamics.

At 1.8 inches longer than the new S40 sedan, the V50 sportswagon gains predictable Volvo road manners from its extended track and long wheelbase. The wheels are positioned further out at each corner, and behind the rear wheels is more room for increased luggage space. Those wheels, by the way, come in a number of new aluminum designs, several of which are unique to the V50. The sportiest are 18 inches in diameter.

The V50's doors are convex, unlike larger Volvo models, which increases the width of its cabin. The cab-forward design and Volvo's transverse engine installation also help create a more spacious cabin. Like the larger V70 sportswagon, the V50 is flexible with split-folding rear seats and a fold-flat backrest on the front passenger seat.

The interior is built in layers, beginning with an edge trim and adding to it a clean, uncluttered instrument panel layout. Air vents and other details are positioned as islands in an otherwise open environment. Rather than classical leather trim, the V50 cabin is dressed in a special surface texture that conveys a feeling of cutting-edge technical innovation.

A unique, super-slim, free-floating center stack – first introduced on the all-new S40 – is the topmost layer of the V50 interior and links the center console with the instrument panel in an elegant and modern manner.

"The stack is the ultimate design symbol of this new car and represents a revolution in itself," says Guy Burgoyn, interior designer. "A great deal of creativity and effort has gone into finding a technical solution for the super-slim format."

Under the hood is your choice of two transverse, five-cylinder inline engines. The turbocharged T5 with all-wheel-drive represents the top of the V50 lineup. Its 2.5 liters generate 218 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque. A normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine produces 168 horsepower.

Efficient packaging has enabled the 2.4- and 2.5-liter inline engines to be 7.8 inches slimmer and almost 1 inch shorter than other Volvo engines. Installed transversely, these engines allow more space between the passenger compartment. In a collision, the V50 engine can be pushed 5.9 inches to the rear before the crankshaft comes into contact with the cross-member near the bulkhead.

That's just one of many safety innovations in this new sportswagon.

The V50 features a new and patented structure with several crumple zones and is made of four grades of steel for optimal crash deformation. It's 2.2 inches wider than the outgoing V40 for better deformation in a side collision, and the steering column can be deformed up to 5.5 inches and moves horizontally to provide the optimal airbag position.

Inspired by fighter aircraft technology and introduced on the new S40 sedan, Volvo's innovative Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) will be standard on all V50 models at a later date. The system helps drivers avoid distraction by continuously registering the driver's activity. It monitors steering wheel angles, acceleration, turn signal function, etc., and when information is not essential at a given activity level – such as a bulb indicator – the V50 holds it back.

Packed with more bang for your buck, the V50 is well equipped with a long list of standard features, including air conditioning, emergency brake assist, leather-covered steering wheel and stability traction control. Set to go on sale in the United States in mid-2004, the Volvo V50 is the second in a range of new Volvo models sharing common technology with Ford and Mazda. Volvo expects to sell 74,000 units worldwide.

Source - Jennifer Shatwell | Ford Communications Network

All-New Volvo V50 Drives Through Romero Britto Paint Shop
The result is a unique, pop art, special-edition Volvo vehicle to benefit charity

NEW YORK -- Volvo Cars of North America is continuing its walk on the wild side. This time, it's pop art in the driver's seat as the all-new Volvo V50 receives a makeover from world-renowned artist Romero Britto. The result is a very different special edition vehicle on display at the New York International Auto Show. And, it's all for a good cause.
Romero Britto's style is neo-pop cubism, an intricate weave of pop art and neoteric cubist interpretation. His art has a unique combination of rich and bright colors, daring patterns and heavy outline. Add to that a sense of whimsy and you have a style that communicates a sense of spontaneity that is compellingly playful. Romero Britto's art is a representation of life, celebrated through vibrant colors.

That representation of life fits Volvo Cars perfectly as the Volvo brand is about the protection and celebration of life. Even Volvo's tag line is "for life." And, the all-new Volvo V50 is a premium activity sportswagon for those who have a "large capacity for life." Most wagons are known for just how much you can put into them, but the all-new Volvo V50 will be known for how much life you can get out of it as well!

Romero Britto and Volvo are both large supporters of the charity Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. This special edition Volvo V50 will be auctioned off later this year, with the proceeds benefiting Best Buddies.

"With this special edition all-new Volvo V50, we are continuing the unique marketing campaign that we started with the all-new Volvo S40, " says Thomas Andersson, VCNA Executive Vice President of Marketing. "It's about creating an unexpected, yet credible message. The theme we have chosen is pop culture. We are going from music videos and videogames to pop art," And, it's a win-win situation to do something unique that won't only bring attention to the all-new Volvo V50, but also help support Best Buddies, our charity of choice."

Romero Britto has a significant following and presence in the United States, Europe and Asia. He is originally from Brazil and started his artistic career painting images on scraps of cardboard and newspapers. At age 14, he had his first public exhibition. These days Britto's artworks are worth a smaller fortune. He has painted everything from CD covers, to dinnerware, to bikinis and murals. Britto even has a line of fragrances.

The all-new Volvo V50 is the latest new vehicle from Volvo. It's a totally new five-door model with aggressive lines, intelligent design solutions and a flexible interior. The main idea behind the vehicle is VIVA – Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture. VIVA is a new approach that delivers class-leading safety, vibrant design and style, with an exhilarating driving experience. The all-new Volvo V50 is a genuine, premium sportswagon with characteristics that appeal to people who are young at heart and have a passion for life. These customers set demanding standards when it comes to both design and functionality. The emphasis of this vehicle is therefore vibrant design and a sense of sportiness, with a bonus in the form of practical details and extra luggage space.

Source - Ford Motor Company

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