Volvo XC70 2008 News

With images of the heaving seas and elegant, minimalist ocean-going yachts, Volvo is launching two special versions of the XC70 and XC90 models to celebrate the staging of the 2008/2009 Volvo Ocean Race. Honouring a race that will take competitors on an eight-month extreme adventure covering 37,025 nautical miles and visiting ports including Cochin in India, Galway in Ireland and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC70 and XC90 models capture the spirit with materials that echo those used in the magnificent vessels that compete in the event. The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making. The aluminium detailing on the mats resemble clews, and the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's waves, says Lennart Stegland, president of the special vehicles division at Volvo Cars. The Volvo Ocean Race XC70 embraces 3.2 and 3.2 LE models, as well as D5 and D5 LE, while the XC90 Volvo Ocean Race includes 3.2, D5 and V8 models. Both models will be offered in a choice of two exclusive Volvo Ocean Race colours: Ocean Blue or Electric Silver. The Volvo Ocean Race XC90 model uses unique-design, six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels in Silver stone/Diamond cut with Ocean Blue body finish, or Light grey/Diamond cut with Electric Silver finish. The XC90s bright chrome outer air intake, side window trims and tailgate mouldings are compli-mented by silver-painted aluminium roof rails, while alloy-look front and rear skid plates emphasize the adventurous nature of the car. Inside, the XC90 Ocean Race model's leather seats, in Soft Beige or Off Black, utilise special cross-stitching and are complimented by unique door panels, along with brushed aluminium inlays in the glove compartment, rear tunnel and centre console. The XC70 Ocean Race features unique 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, colour-matched like the XC90 Ocean Race with Ocean Blue or Electric Silver external finish. Exterior highlights on the XC70 include bright chrome side window trims, silver painted aluminium roof rails and front and rear skid plates. The XC70 Ocean Race interior also features cross-stitched leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Off Black, unique Ocean Race door panels and tread plate, and a cross-stitched luggage area cover with a brushed-aluminium cassette bearing the VOR emblem. Both XC90 and XC70 Ocean Race models also feature special VOR badging on the front guards. Pricing XC70 3.2 VOR - $61,200 XC70 D5 VOR - $63,200 XC90 3.2 VOR - $73,200 XC90 D5 VOR - $76,200 XC90 V8 VOR - $89,200  

Within three years, production-line workers will build cars with names they can't pronounce.It's nothing new but when the Russians start pumping out Mitsubishis and Peugeots and Citroens, it is another step in the process that sees car makers move out of their backyard and onto foreign soil.The reasons are cheap.Picking a developing country with available employment, low yet aspiring standards of living and government incentives such as free land and tax breaks is the financial equivalent of a Stephanie Rice wall poster.And there's no reason to feel shy about deserting the homeland in search of reduced manufacturing costs even if Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is scathing of the practice — though the Cayenne body is made in Slovakia — and says so in his new (only) book “Don't Follow The Crowd”.Look around.You probably know it because you're on the carsguide.com.au site, but most car owners haven't a clue where their metallic ego in the driveway was born.The Honda Accord and Jazz are from Thailand, the Volkswagen Caddy in Poland, the Suzuki APU (named after the 24-hour shop owner in The Simpsons?) van in Indonesia, the Chrysler Grand Cherokee in Austria — on the same line as the BMW X3, no less — the Volvo XC70 in Belgium and the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus hatch and BMW 3-Series four-cylinder models in South Africa.As these countries grow richer on their ability to make cars cheaper for the world, so their prices — of labour and taxes and energy — will rise.Are there any countries left that have even lower costs that car makers can exploit? While you sift through the Atlas (get a current one, some countries and borders have changed in the past decade) let me tell you about one that has it all.And only recently is word out that this could be the next big think in car manufacture.Unlike Russia or Thailand or Slovakia, this country has English as its predominant language.It has an able workforce and rising unemployment.Its needs are many because the country has high consumer goods consumption.Yet the workforce — perhaps through desperation — can be turned to receive a modest wage.There are tax breaks and land going on offer throughout the country, most close to the ocean or rivers for easy transportation of raw materials and finished product.The icing on the cake is that it has existing infrastructure to support car assembly.The country is the USA.Now the focus turns from outward looking to the manufacturing equivalent of navel gazing.Now European countries have seen a weakened USA become ripe for domestic manufacture.The US dollar is so weak that it makes importing European cars too expensive.Far better to look at camping on US soil, in the way a cuckoo camps in another nest to exploit its personal needs.While General Motors seeks manufacturing in China, Volkswagen is looking at the USA.Volkswagen is not alone, European suppliers are also sniffing out what the USA can offer.The tide has unexpectedly changed and perhaps the only hindrance will be a revival in the US economy.Preoccupied with the 'war with no end' in the Middle East, the US is poised to become the world's next big car factory.Who would have thought that possible?

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

The car company with safety tattooed on every model it makes is changing direction.Volvo has been focused on passive safety systems — the seat belts, airbags, crumple zones and other technologies that protect you — as a core belief since it produced its first laminated windscreen.Now it is looking at ways to prevent crashes.The Swedish company is increasingly turning its attention to active safety systems, looking at big-brother electronics that will help you avoid hitting other cars and pedestrians.They will steer you back into your lane if you wander, warn you if your driving is becoming erratic and let you know of dangers still out of sight.“Though Volvo is world-renowned for its passive safety systems, we're still constantly developing the safety of our vehicles, particularly in active safety,” Volvo Cars Australia public affairs manager Laurissa Mirabelli says.“Though manufacturers have been working on active safety systems for a number of years, active safety hasn't really been on the public agenda until recently. The traditional focus was on passive safety such as airbags, seat belts, stronger passenger cells — all the things that protect you if you crash.“But with the active safety systems we have in development, we can move another step towards the ultimate goal: preventing avoidable crashes.”Volvo is not alone. Companies including Mercedes-Benz, which is probably the world's safest brand, and a group of others are all making a greater effort on passive safety.Renault has stability control on everything it makes, and a growing number of carmakers, including Mitsubishi with its latest Lancer, are making this lifesaving system standard.But Volvo is going further and now has a system called Collision Warning with Auto Brake that detects vehicle-to-vehicle crash risks, already seen here in the XC70 soft-roader.It is being further developed to identify pedestrians with wide-angle radar that sweeps the area to the front and around the car.Like a car-to-car collision-avoidance system, which is intended to prevent rear-end crashes, the pedestrian-sensing technology will give audible and visual alerts, pre-charge the brakes and then start to apply them, increasing the hydraulic pressure as needed to assist panic braking.If the driver doesn't start braking and collision is imminent, the car's brakes are activated automatically.The automatic braking can reduce the car's speed by about 30km/h, which means that in certain situations a collision won't be completely avoided.Another technology being developed is Volvo's Lane Departure Warning system, which sounds an alarm if you stray across the lane markers without having used your indicators.Volvo is working on a more advanced version called Collision Avoidance by Auto Steering.It will use cameras and increased radar capability to automatically pilot you back into your lane.The company is conducting tests to determine the appropriate amounts of steering intervention and speed range the system will be able to operate within.Volvo's radar-based City Safe system is designed to avoid low-speed collisions, such as rear-enders at roundabouts, when the car in front fails to move with the traffic.At speeds of up to 30km/h, the technology senses speed differences of up to 15km/h between your car and the one in front and applies the brakes to slow you or bring you to a stop.Meanwhile, Driver Alert Control uses cameras to monitor your vehicle's movement between lane markings, sounding an alarm and flashing a “cuppa” symbol on the instrument display if your driving pattern becomes erratic.And, like Mercedes-Benz and other companies, Volvo is also researching car-to-car communication that warns drivers of dangers well ahead of them.For example, your car could pick up the information that another car around the next corner has just slammed on the brakes, allowing you more time to slow down and prepare to brake if necessary.Volvo has several test vehicles already communicating with each other, but says a global system would need a standard language so all vehicles — no matter what make or model — can talk to each other.But while the inter-car communication could take up to a decade to develop, the other technologies will be here within the next few years, Mirabelli says.“The city-safe, pedestrian-avoidance and driver-alert systems will be here in the next couple of years, with the lane-correcting auto-steering not far behind,” she says.“As for the car communication system, it depends on how soon all the car manufacturers can get together with a single communication platform. It will depend on finding that common language, so we are unlikely to see the technology on cars before 2015. It's just a matter of finding common ground.”

The concepts were shown at the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas, the biggest automotive specialty products trade event in the world.They are a beach-ready Volvo XC70, pictured, a high performance version of the S80 T6, a hot-orange C30 SportsCoupe, a powerful C70 convertible and a one-off fully custom hot rod, which is the only concept not based on production versions.The hot rod was custom built from the ground up using major Volvo components from the previous-generation S80.Volvo worked with Heico Sportiv in Germany to build the S80 T6 HPC and Volvo C30, while Caresto built the C70 and hot rod.The Volvo XC70 concept, on the other hand, was conceived by the Volvo Cars design team and built by Aria, a California concept car firm.The XC70 Surf Rescue rides on a lift suspension, with oversized tyres and heavily modified body panels. Inside, pictured below left, is a host of life-saving equipment and custom rescue surfboards, while the front bucket and rear seats have been recovered in wetsuit style neoprene.The Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept features a 260kW E85 ethanol fuelled T6 engine driving through an all-wheel-drive system.It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.8sec.It is painted in seven-layer metal effect paint and inside is blue leather with a sweeping aluminium centre stack.The Heico C30 is also inspired by surfing with a surf pattern inlay on the aluminium centre stack and a striking orange paint job.It is lowered, sports a custom body kit with integrated spoilers and larger air ducts, has quad exhaust tips hint and a 223kW turbocharged T5 engine capable of 0-100km/h in 5.4sec.Inside are bright orange leather seats.First shown at last year's SEMA show, the Caresto Hot Rod was brought it back as a complement to the Caresto C70 Convertible.Completely hand assembled from aluminium and carbon fibre, the Caresto Hot Rod features many Volvo parts, including the mid-engine 232kW V8 engine, hand-stitched chestnut leather upholstery and brushed-aluminium inserts around the fog lights and custom exhaust ports.

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

Volvo Australia is vigorously debating whether the local arm will take the next generation of the V70, which was revealed this week in Europe. However, the basic body shape will come to Australia regardless, as the underpinnings for the new XC70 crossover. Ironically it's the XC70's popularity that could kill off the V70 station wagon here, where it outsells the V70 five to one. "We are very sure what we're going to do with the XC70 in Australia, but about the V70 we're not so sure," Volvo Australia spokesman Todd Hallenbeck says. "The decision on the V70 is about 50/50 at the moment. We're looking at it from a very practical point of view. If we aren't going to sell enough of them we won't bring it here at all, because bringing the car means we'll also have to stock spare parts, do its advertising, and all those other costs. "The V70 is the most popular car sold in Sweden, so the Swedes are wondering why we're considering not having a car they regard as the heart of the Volvo brand. "To counter that we are one of the strongest countries for the XC70 and XC90, and they understand that the XC has been the key to Volvo's success here. That (station wagon) buyer has moved into the XC70 and XC90." "But we're not saying that traditional Volvo buyer no longer exists. That's what we're debating at the moment. A decision is expected within two months. The debate is between those who have seen the new V70 and think it could do well here and those who look at sales data for the present model. "The traditional argument is Volvo was always the family-oriented station wagon brand. We still are, but that family is seeing the practicality of XC rather than V70. "We are also aware that the smaller V50 is continuing to grow each year. Now we need to find out if the market still exists for a larger station wagon." The new V70 is 15 per cent stronger than the current model. It has slightly more room inside, particularly for rear passengers, and, according to Volvo, is safer than the older model. New safety measures include a dual-height, integrated child booster seat at the rear, and electronic stability control as standard. Styling cues borrow heavily from other new-generation Volvos, the front bearing a resemblance to the C70 coupe convertible and the tail lights modelled on the C30 hatch. If Australia chooses to take the V70 it will be available in front-wheel-drive only, so it won't cannibalise sales from the more expensive XC70 all-wheel-drive. Volvo is yet to reveal the XC70 cross-country version, but Hallenbeck says there will be greater differentiation between the basic wagon and the crossover version than with the existing model. "The XC70 won't just look like a V70 with extra plastic cladding and a higher ride height," he says. There will probably be a choice of two petrol engines for the new XC70. The entry-level model will probably be powered by a 3.2-litre inline six with 177kW and 320Nm, a step up from the current 2.5-litre inline five. The top-of-the-range model will have a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six with 212kW and 400Nm.