The new Volvo V60 sports wagon - blend of style, performance and groundbreaking safety
The Volvo V60 makes its entry onto the car market with its sights firmly set on giving the all-new S60 sedan model a tough match over the title of 'The Most Dynamic Volvo Model Ever'. 'Many of the customers who had an advance look at the new V60 during the development process feel that its attitude is at least as sporty as that of the all-new S60,' says Volvo Cars Design Director Peter Horbury.No less than 90 percent of the annual V60 production of 50,000 cars will find European buyers.The response of the enthusiastic customers is music to the ears of the project group, which has always had its sights set on giving the V60 the emotive aura, sporty design and dynamic driving properties of a genuine sports wagon.'The typical sports wagon customer is an S60 buyer who would like some extra space and flexibility, but without the slightest compromise on sporty design and exciting driving properties,' says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell, and adds:'The competition is razor-sharp and the customers in this segment know exactly what they want. That is why we have further boosted the interior's sense of exclusive quality and packed the car with safety- and comfort-related technical innovations. The result is a truly unique sports wagon, in total harmony with its sporty attitude.' Coupe rather than estate car
The pronounced wedge shape and the slim coupe-like roof line of the new V60 are accompanied by the shoulder profile along the car's sides, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear. 'From the design viewpoint the focus was on making the car as close to a coupe as possible, while retaining that handy extra space at the rear. Our sports wagon does not aim to compete with the traditional estate car. For the customer who wants a lot of load space, there is our V70 or XC70,' says Örjan Sterner, head of exterior design for the new Volvo V60.He adds:'The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel.'The dynamism of the design is further enhanced by what Volvo's design team calls the 'racetrack' design. The car's lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, continually, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack. Exciting styling pack
A styling pack gives the V60 buyer the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude still further. Available in the accessories range, the styling pack includes skid plates front and rear, a front decor trim, side scuff plates, special exhaust tailpipes and unique 18-inch wheels.
The new Volvo V60 is being launched with a range of exterior colours selected with immense care to emphasise the model's inspiring lines. Among the 15 colours available are two new shades, the radiant Vibrant Copper and the more classic Electrum Gold. 'Exclusive metals such as gold, silver, copper and bronze are strong colours in both the fashion and sports industries, as well as in interior design and architecture. In recent years, improved techniques and processes have made these pigments increasingly available to the automobile industry too,' says Anders Sachs, who is responsible for colours and materials in the new Volvo V60. He adds:'Our ambition is to give customers a flair of sportiness and exclusivity in a new, exciting way. Combining either Vibrant Copper or Electrum Gold with the new Beechwood Brown interior accent colour creates a strong Scandinavian flavour.'Embracing contrasts Like the S60 sedan model, Volvo's new sports wagon exhibits a clear driver focus, making it the ideal companion for the keen driving enthusiast. In contrast to this individualistic attitude, the new model integrates a high-tech innovation that helps it protect one of the most vulnerable road-users in modern traffic: the pedestrian.Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking technological solution. It can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, then warn the driver of their presence - and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.European target group
The initial annual target for the new Volvo V60 is 50,000 cars. Of these, no less than 90 percent will go to European buyers. The five largest markets are Sweden, the Únited Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.The new V60 is built at the Volvo Cars production plant in Torslanda, Sweden. The first cars will be delivered to customers in autumn 2010.A delight for car enthusiasts
In simple terms, car buyers can be divided into two main categories: enthusiasts and pragmatists. For the enthusiast, the car is a high-priority conversation topic that can never be exhausted, while the pragmatist only shows interest in the car market when it is time to replace the current vehicle with a new one every three or four years or so.
The new Volvo V60 - true sports wagon created with uncompromising passion
Volvo Cars' chassis experts have chiselled out the driving experience in the new Volvo V60 with the same passion and uncompromising approach that characterised the development of the all-new S60 sedan. (concept carz)The result is an authentic sports wagon with driving properties that do the sporty lines full justice.'We've pushed the envelope to limits we've never previously approached. You simply have to drive this car to appreciate how we've driven chassis development to its pinnacle. Take the car out on a narrow, winding country road where every bend brings a new challenge and the new V60 will demonstrate its agility with sparkling enthusiasm,' says Stefan Sällqvist, who headed the development of the chassis in the new V60. He adds:'Now that we had the chance to take daring initiatives, we seized the opportunity with both hands. We've constantly matched our technical choices with the very best that the competition has to offer, all so as to confirm that we've developed the dynamic driving feel that is demanded of a genuine sports wagon.'Dynamic chassis standard in Europe
The new Volvo V60 is 4628 mm long, with a wheelbase of 2776 mm. The track is 1588 mm front and 1585 mm rear. Volvo's new sports wagon is available with a choice of two chassis. On the European market the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while some other markets will have the touring chassis as standard with the dynamic variant available as an option.The difference between the two chassis alternatives is to be found in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Here the touring variant has a somewhat softer setting to give a smooth ride on poorer road surfaces.'The spotlight was on giving the concept of comfort a whole new dimension. The dynamic chassis has an alert, quick-responding character that puts the focus on the driving experience, yet without diluting ride comfort,' explains Stefan Sällqvist.In addition to the two standard chassis, all variants of the V60 can be specified with the optional FOÚR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis, which has been modified and refined for better control and comfort compared with previous Volvos. This is an advanced, self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving situation.With three alternative chassis settings, all it takes is for the driver to press a button to alter the car's character: Comfort, Sport or Advanced.Faster steering, thicker spring struts and stiffer bushes
During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new Volvo V60 in parallel with the all-new Volvo S60. The result is an holistic solution that just like the sedan model features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that influences a car's driving properties.
The dampers offer more damping than in any previous Volvo model. The damper mountings at the rear are made of PÚR (polyurethane) instead of rubber, a solution that provides better balance between comfort and dynamic control.'We spent many weeks fine-tuning the dampers out in the English countryside. A perfect environment for finding the right damping qualities - well-controlled and free from roll and bounce tendencies,' says Stefan Sällqvist.The software in the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system has been modified to allow the four-wheel drive variants (AWD is standard in the T6 and optional with D5 with automatic gearbox) of the new V60 to exploit the sporty new chassis to the limit. The first sports wagon with Advanced Stability Control
'We have one of the world's most advanced systems for brake regulation. The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control in the new V60 has several sophisticated features that offer a unique blend of improved driving pleasure and safety,' says Stefan Sällqvist.Like the all-new S60, the new V60 is fitted with Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll angle sensor, it is possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, which improves handling and rapid avoiding manoeuvres.
Engine Drag Control prevents the wheels from locking during engine braking on a slippery surface.
The DSTC system also has a sports setting that makes it possible to drive more actively. By disabling the spin control system, the car permits more oversteer and allows a bigger rear slip angle.
Trailer Stability Assist helps dampen the snaking action that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan. The car is stabilised by braking one or more wheels and by reducing torque.New Corner Traction Control for smoother cornering
The dynamic new chassis is backed up by a range of electronic systems that sharpen the sporty driving experience still further.
A highly advanced braking system is an important part of the dynamic driving properties of the new V60. Volvo's new sports wagon is equipped with a number of features that interact to provide the shortest possible stopping distance in all scenarios.Ready Alert Brakes can predict when swift braking is needed. The brake callipers are applied lightly to the brake discs even before the driver presses the brake pedal.
Hydraulic Brake Assist helps the driver brake in the shortest possible distance. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal fast or hard enough, Hydraulic Brake Assist can help utilise the ABS system optimally and thus shorten the overall braking distance.
Optimized Hydraulic Brakes is a system that amplifies braking ability during firm braking by using hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.
Fading Brake Support uses the hydraulic system to gradually build up brake pressure during long, hard braking. This helps reduce the risk of brake fade and maintains pedal feel.
An electronic parking brake is fitted as standard.Broad range of engines, led by an even more powerful T6 version
During its first year of production, the new Volvo V60 will be available with a variety of diesel and petrol engines spanning the range from an economical 115 horsepower DRIVe version to an eager high-performance turbocharged version producing 304 horsepower. All the engines have been developed to meet the highest demands on sporty, dynamic driving with competitive fuel consumption.The focused drive to cut CO2 emissions has lowered fuel consumption throughout the engine range.The T6 petrol engine has a displacement of 3.0 litres and has been improved still further, primarily thanks to lower internal friction. It now pumps out 304 bhp and no less than 440 Nm of torque. Maximum torque is achieved between 2100 and 4200 revs. This promotes fast acceleration and smooth progress on the road. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.6 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h.At the same time, Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 percent to 10,2 l/100 km (EÚ Combined).The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) New valves and lower friction mean faster gearchanges than before. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6. New direct-injected two-litre engine
The new four-cylinder 2.0T GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has a displacement of two litres and produces a generous 203 bhp, with 300 Nm of torque available from 1750 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds with a manual gearbox and 8.4 seconds with automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Top speed is limited to 230 km/h with the manual gearbox and 230 km/h with the automatic.New in-house-developed turbocharged technology, direct injection and twin variable camshafts produce a unique combination of low fuel consumption, low emissions and a high and broad performance range, all packaged in a very compact format. 'We've succeeded in making a four-cylinder engine that matches a five-cylinder unit - and it is more energy-efficient than the larger engine. This is a good move both for the environment and for those customers who want high performance and good driveability. Our patented new turbo system is tailor-made for smaller, more energy-efficient engines,' says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the new Volvo V60.The turbocharger is the market's smallest in relation to the engine's maximum power output. The turbo not only offers excellent performance, it also improves aftertreatment of the exhaust gases.Another new feature is that the exhaust manifold and turbo are made of sheet steel rather than a heavier casting. Steel is lighter, easier to form and, above all, the system has less heat radiation owing to the layer of extra insulation. This permits high temperature in the gas flow and thus more efficient combustion without noticeably raising engine compartment temperature. A manifold made of sheet steel is admittedly nothing particularly new but thus far it has only been used in combination with a cast turbo housing. The new fully integrated sheet steel turbo system is a world innovation and has been patented by Volvo.Later during the first year of production, the new V60 will also become available in a 2.0 GTDi variant producing 240 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Two new 1.6-litre GTDi engines
In addition there is a new 1.6-litre GTDi engine which is available in two versions: 1.6 GTDi (T3) with 150 horsepower and T4 with 180 horsepower The 180 bhp engine offers maximum torque of 240 Nm from just 1500 rpm all the way up to 5000 rpm. During short-term overboost, it provides an impressive 270 Nm of torque. This gives excellent lugging ability throughout the speed range. The torque curve is relatively gentle, resulting in a particularly comfortable driving experience.The 150 horsepower engine offers 240 Newton metres of torque.'Small, high-performance GTDi engines are part of our drive to extract more energy from smaller engines,' explains Thomas Ahlborg.The 2.0T, T5 and T4 are available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, while the T3 comes with a manual gearbox. Powershift operates in principle as two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, a system that provides lightning-quick and fuel-saving gearchanges.Two five-cylinder turbodiesels
The engine range also includes two five-cylinder turbodiesels.The D5 high-performance engine with twin turbos produces 205 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.9 seconds (manual and automatic). Top speed is 230 km/h (limited) with the manual gearbox and 230 km/h with the automatic.In the most recent D5 version, which was introduced in spring 2009, performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power across a broader rev range. The result is alert response and rapid acceleration at all speeds, with seamless transfers in the turbo rev range between the two turbochargers. The complementary properties of the two turbos are utilised optimally for a combination of high performance and low fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km (EÚ Combined) putting this engine in the running for best in class.Advanced fuel injection technology using piezoelectric fuel valves gives precise distribution of fuel in the combustion chamber, with efficient combustion and low emissions as a result. Smaller displacement In addition there is the newly developed two-litre D3 producing 163 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 9.4 seconds (manual and automatic). Top speed is 220 km/h (manual) and 215 km/h (automatic).The new five-cylinder 2.0D is in principle the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel valve compared with the D5 engine. These valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in far more efficient combustion.In order to give the car better driving properties, the turbocharger has been fine-tuned for high torque from low revs.A maintenance-free particulate filter that traps about 95 percent of the soot particles in the exhaust gases is fitted as standard in both engines, making them particularly environmentally suitable alternatives.Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox. The D5 with automatic can also be specified with all-wheel drive.DRIVe diesel During the course of the first year of production, a DRIVe version of the new V60 will also be introduced, featuring a 1.6-litre diesel engine. The engine produces 115 bhp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.Matches the visual promise
The sporty design of the Volvo V60 serves not only as creative incentive for Volvo Cars' chassis experts - the daring lines also give customers a visual promise that the driving properties are going to be something truly exceptional.'We know that buyers in this tough segment have really high expectations regarding the driving experience. I am convinced they will be very satisfied indeed with what we've achieved with the chassis and engine,' says Tomas Ahlborg.Source - Volvo
The new Volvo V60 - enhanced safety both inside and outside the car
The new Volvo V60 is packed with high-tech solutions that actively help the driver avoid accidents - and help protect the occupants if an accident is unavoidable.The safety technology also contributes to added safety for unprotected pedestrians and the occupants of other cars.Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake can detect if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver does not respond in time, the car can automatically activate the brakes.'Volvo has always led the way when it comes to protecting the occupants in our cars. In recent years we have adopted groundbreaking initiatives that help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant stride forward with technology that can contribute to increased safety for unprotected road users as well,' says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars. He adds:'We are truly proud of our success in making our technology so reliable we can offer a complete system that can avoid collision with a pedestrian by detecting, alerting and applying full braking force.'Safer detection with spearhead technologyPedestrian Detection with full auto brake consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar's task is to detect a pedestrian or vehicle in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.The function is also programmed to respond to vehicles in front that are stationary or moving in the same direction as the car fitted with the system. Thanks to the newly developed dual-mode radar's much wider field of vision, pedestrians about to step into the roadway can also be detected early on. The camera has higher resolution than before. This makes it possible to detect pedestrians' patterns of movement.'The auto-brake system requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to the advanced sensor technology, it is now possible to increase to full braking power,' explains Thomas Broberg. He adds:'Detecting pedestrians with sufficient reliability has been a complex challenge. Our innovative technology is programmed to trace a pedestrian's pattern of movement and also to calculate whether he or she is likely to step into the road in front of the car. The system can detect pedestrians who are 80 cm tall and upwards, that is to say including children.' The technology is built along the same principles as the human eye and, just like our own eyes, the camera's vision can be impaired in certain light conditions, in the dark and in poor weather.New technology permits full braking force
In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction this warning resembles a brake light. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.
Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 35 km/h if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to impact. Speed can be reduced by up to 25 km/h.Statistics reveal that the car's speed has considerable importance for the outcome of the accident. A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced. 'The proportion of pedestrian fatalities is high today and our technology will play a major role in reducing this danger,' says Thomas Broberg.Also brakes for other cars
Úp to 90 percent of all road accidents are caused by distraction. Half of all drivers hitting another vehicle from behind do not brake at all prior to the collision.Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a further development of the Collision Warning with Auto Brake technology already introduced by Volvo Cars. The new V60 can also detect, alert and automatically brake if the car risks hitting another vehicle from behind.The aim of the initial warning is to alert the driver so that he or she can brake or avoid the danger. If the driver does not react to the warning, the car automatically activates full braking power before the collision is unavoidable. With automatic braking, the collision can be avoided if the speed difference between the two vehicles is below 35 km/h.Alerts tired drivers
Volvo's new sports wagon can naturally also be equipped with a range of additional solutions that help the driver to drive more safely, such as:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts the driver if the car runs across the lane markers without the turn indicator being used.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) helps detect vehicles in the offset rear blind spot on both sides of the car. A warning lamp beside the relevant door mirror comes on to alert the driver to the danger.
Active Xenon Lights are articulated headlights that follow the curve of the road. For best possibility illumination when driving in the dark on twisting roads.
City Safety - prevents low-speed impactsThe new Volvo V60 features City Safety as standard. This system can lessen or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 30 km/h. Rear-end impacts are common in dense city traffic and when driving in traffic queues. About 75 percent of all these collisions occur at speeds below 30 km/h. What is more, investigations reveal that in 50 percent of cases, the driver has not braked at all prior to the collision. City Safety keeps an eye on traffic in front with the help of a laser sensor that is integrated into the top of the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror. With City Safety, the car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops - or if the car is approaching a stationary object too fast. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is below 15 km/h, the collision can be avoided. If the speed difference is between 15 and 30 km/h, the speed of impact is reduced to minimise the effects of the accident.Maintains speed
The new Volvo V60 is also fitted with Speed Limiter, a function that helps prevent the driver from exceeding a given speed, for instance the legal speed limit. High speed is a contributory cause behind a significant part of all fatal road accidents. Swedish Road Administration research shows that between 100 and 150 lives would be able to be saved on Swedish roads every year if drivers kept to the speed limits.'With the Speed Limiter activated, the driver does not need to watch the speedometer but can instead concentrate on other vehicles and road users. The car itself ensures that the set maximum speed is not exceeded,' says Thomas Broberg. Rollover Protection System (ROPS) fitted as standard The new Volvo V60 is equipped with the Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) as standard. Advanced sensor technology ensures that the belt pre-tensioners and the inflatable curtains deploy in the event of a rollover. This combined with the safety cage helps reduce the risk of occupant injury in such situations.Collision safety including improved Inflatable Curtains
In a collision situation, the well-balanced combination of high-strength steel of various grades interacts to help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. The front body structure of the new V60 is divided into four zones, each of which has a different task in the event of deformation. The transverse engine installation creates more space for deformation and helps reduce the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment in a frontal collision.The new V60 has safety belt pre-tensioners in all the seats. The Pre-Prepared Restraints (PRS) regulate the airbags and the safety belt load limiters to optimise protection depending on the force of the impact.Among its various other safety systems the V60 also has an advanced Side Impact Protection System, seat-mounted side airbags, Inflatable Curtains and the Whiplash Protection System - one of the market's most effective systems for avoiding neck injuries. The SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) has been further developed in the new V60 to cover a wider range of collision scenarios, for instance if the car is hit from the side ahead of or behind the passenger compartment. This has been made possible through the unique use of a gyro to control activation of the inflatable curtains, side-impact airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners. This is possible by combining information from sensors in the car with data from the gyro that is part of the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system.'The new Volvo V60 is a worthy representative of our aim to build the world's safest cars - and it marks yet another step towards our goal of no fatalities or serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020,' says Thomas Broberg.Child safety in the new Volvo V60
The all-new Volvo V60 can be equipped with two-stage integrated child booster cushions in the outer rear seats. The two-stage booster cushion can be set at two heights, allowing children of different sizes to sit high enough to see out through the windows yet at the same time get the most effective protection possible. The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg.Source - Volvo
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2011
Volvo Monthly Sales Volume
January 2024
7,716
December 2023
13,609
November 2023
11,671
July 2023
10,785
June 2023
12,933
May 2023
10,723
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Related Automotive News
Jeep Brand At The 2018 Geneva International Motor Show
Two EMEA premieres the all-new Wrangler, the fourth generation of the legendary Jeep® icon, and the new 2019 Jeep Cherokee, the latest evolution of the most capable, mid-size SUV that made history in its category
European debut of the new Jeep Gra...
Jeep Brand At The 2018 International Geneva Motor Show
Two EMEA premières the all-new Wrangler, the fourth generation of the legendary Jeep® icon and the new 2019 Jeep Cherokee, the latest evolution of the most capable mid-size SUV that made history in its category.
European debut of the new Jeep Gra...
KIA PARIS SHOW STARS SET TO SHINE IN THE UK
Upgraded Soul crossover and Carens MPV now on sale in Britain
Both models feature revised exterior and interior styling
Restructured Soul range now headed by 201bhp Sport model
State-of-the-art connectivity systems for both Soul and Carens
...
RENAULT ANNOUNCES PRICING AND SPECIFICATION FOR ALL-NEW SCÉNIC AND GRAND SCÉNIC
Fourth generation Scénic and Grand Scénic available to order in UK from 1st December
Four trim levels across a 21-strong version line-up
AEBS with Pedestrian Detection as standard across the range – unique-in-class
Two TCe and three dCi engines w...
ALFA ROMEO DEBUTS THE 2017 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA LINEUP AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Rebirth of the brand – the all-new 2017 Giulia is the first of eight all-new Alfa Romeos debuting through 2020, and embodies the brands La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) spirit
Giulia nameplate reflects a 55-year heritage of A...