Volvo XC90 News

The Volvo Concept XC Coupe shows the fresh new styling that will revitalise the aging XC90 SUV and future crossovers on the way for the Swedish brand. The Concept XC -- like the Concept Coupe at Frankfurt -- is underpinned by Volvo's new scalable platform, which is also likely to spawn a smaller sibling further down the track.The Detroit show car echoes the Frankfurt one with sleek styling and a three-door fastback body. The cabin gets only four seats for the motor show version, but that number will grow by the time it hits the production line, expected to happen sometime after the real world vehicle gets a debut later this year at Paris motor show.The team led by chief designer Thomas Ingenlath says the concept was inspired by high-tech sports equipment and aimed to appeal to the active lifestyle but also for those still looking for Volvo's signature safety. The sporting accents show in cues like the orange accents on the  21-inch wheels and the matching front and rear skid plates -- neither of which are destined to survive the journey to production.However you can expect to see influences of the Concept's streamlined design appear in the XC90 and other Volvo SUVs, along with the raised ride height, vertical floating grille and muscular sills, although the T-shaped LED section dividing the headlight clusters, and the stylised extremes of Volvo's hook-curved tail-lights will likely be toned down.Expect the XC90 in production form to have a full arsenal of the latest Volvo safety tech, including pedestrian-detecting automatic braking and collision-avoiding 'convoy' system that lets you autonomously follow the car in front.The earlier Concept Coupe carried a hybrid drivetrain with a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre engine working with an electric motor to produce a combined 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque. However while a hybrid is a possibility for the production XC90, the range will continue to offer more conventional engines such as the current  choices of a 179kW/320Nm 3.2-litre petrol unit -- although possibly downsized -- and a 147kW/420Nm 2.4-litre diesel.And the XC90 is just the first SUV planned to come off the platform, with the smaller XC60 also due for replacement in the next two years and Volvo indicating they'd like to add a little XC40 to enter the growing baby crossover field.

The Volvo Concept XC Coupe is headed for a global unveiling at the Detroit motor show next week, but early photos and details give a good idea of what to expect from it -- and from the next XC90 and other Volvo crossovers.The Concept XC Coupe -- like the Concept Coupe at Frankfurt -- is built on Volvo's new scalable platform, which in this latest form underpins a sleek, low-slung body with three doors, but only four seats. However you can expect that number to grow by the time the XC90 hits the showroom after a debut at Paris show in September.Volvo chief designer Thomas Ingenlath has created a streamlined design echoing that of the Concept Coupe, but bumped up the ride height and given it touch-looking crossover touches -- some of which won't appear outside the show stand.However the production model could retain some of the concept styling also seen in the earlier teaser sketches and images, hopefully including the muscular side sills, hanmerhead LED section splitting the headlights, exaggeration of the signature Volvo hook tail-light, and vertical floating grille.The 21-inch orange-accented wheels and similarly luridly coloured front and rear skid plates are unlikely to survive, although they're starting to seem less eye-gouging than at first sight.Expect the XC90 in production form to have a full arsenal of the latest Volvo safety tech, including pedestrian-detecting automatic braking and collision-avoiding 'convoy' system that lets you autonomously follow the car in front.We'll have to wait until closer to Detroit to find out what's under the XC Concept Coupe's clamshell bonnet, but it's likely to echo the Concept Coupe's hybrid set-up with a turbocharged and supercharged (for high and low rev response) 1.4-litre engine mated with an electric motor, together producing a total of 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque.However while a hybrid variant is a possibility for the production XC90, the range will also carry something closer to the current engine choices of a 179kW/320Nm 3.2-litre petrol unit -- although possibly downsized -- and a 147kW/420Nm 2.4-litre diesel.And the platform and styling behind the show crossover won't stop at spawning just the XC90, with a replacement due for the smaller XC60 within the next two years, and Volvo already having indicated the desirability of a little XC40 to woo buyers in the booming baby crossover segment.

Volvo has revealed styling for the next mid-size XC90 and the rest of its crossover range in image, sketches and video of the Concept XC Coupe that will be unveiled in the lead-up to January's Detroit motor show. This is the second stage of Volvo's design rebirth, following on from the Concept Coupe that starred for them at Frankfurt motor show in September.Like the Frankfurt car, the XC concept has been created by Volvo chief designer Thomas Ingenlath, and looks to follow a similar path -- albeit with a higher ride and more rugged crossover styling than the streamlined Concept Coupe.However the XC gets the earlier car's new face with a vertical grille, split horizontal headlight clusters and clamshell bonnet, but also shows the crossover wagon body, and carries a roof box that's unlikely to be standard fitment -- or good for already hefty SUV fuel usage.It looks clean and uncluttered, and largely close to a production form, although there's an exaggerated development of the signature Volvo shouldered taillights, and the vertical-cut exhaust tips and orange-striped tyres may not make it off the motor show floor.There's no indication yet of what is under the bonnet, but it could follow the Concept Coupe's hybrid set-up with a turbocharged and supercharged (for high and low rev response) 1.4-litre engine mated with an electric motor, together producing a total of 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque.However while a hybrid variant is on the cards, the production version will also carry something closer to the current engine choices of a 179kW/320Nm 3.2-litre petrol unit -- although possibly downsized -- and a 147kW/420Nm 2.4-litre diesel.Watch the desktop version of the Volvo XC90 previewed video.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott   

Volvo set the pace at Frankfurt with its Concept Coupe, a technologically advanced number of exceptional grace reminiscent of its iconic P1800 of the 1960s.Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupe is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).The visual impact is highlighted from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved slightly rearwards. A low bonnet, roof, and the five-spoke, 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer with effortless power. The confident stance is emphasised by a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car.The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Coupe. Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with beautifully machined metal details.The Scalable Product Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable will be introduced in 2014 and Volvo Cars' aim is to have cars with fully autonomous technology out on the roads before 2020.ENGINEThe coupe embodies what Volvo calls its ‘human centric experience’ and apart from a host of safety electronics, has the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor that will soon replace the brand's five and six-cylinder engines.The engine has turbo and supercharging plus a plug-in electric motor, resulting in total outputs of around 320kW and over 600Nm of torque -- and V8-like performance, but with mini car fuel consumption. The hybrid driveline reflects Volvo Cars' strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family.However, the classy coupe is not scheduled for production in the near future. Instead, it marks the capability of Volvo's new architecture and elements of its design will feature on all future models, starting with the new XC90 in about a year. 

Innovation, many hybrids and all-electrics, some high-powered models and a couple of striking retro-inspired coupes are the highlights of this year's Frankfurt motor show. Throw in some staged antics and the world's biggest car show becomes even better.Volvo set the pace with an unveiling of its Concept Coupe, a technologically advanced number of exceptional grace reminiscent of its iconic P1800 of the 1960s. It embodies what Volvo calls its 'human centric experience' and apart from a host of safety electronics, has the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor that will soon replace the brand's five and six-cylinder engines.The engine has turbo and supercharging plus a plug-in electric motor, resulting in V8-like performance, but with minicar fuel consumption. However, the classy coupe is not scheduled for production in the near future. Instead, it marks the capability of Volvo's new architecture and elements of its design will feature on all future models, starting with the new XC90 in about a year.Frankfurt was also used to display a growing trend towards compact premium SUVs. Mercedes-Benz showed its cute new GLA-class SUV with new generation 4matic all-wheel drive, and Infiniti unveiled its Q30 concept, which it said was in a unique class, being a blend of coupe, hatch and crossover. A surprise was the appearance of F1 racing camp Sebastien Vettel, who said he helped sort the Q30's handling.Minutes later, Lexus trumped that by having a couple of giant animated creatures, seemingly from outer space, whip the covers of its new LF-NX, another smallish Crossover concept. It, too, had a hybrid powertrain and despite an enthusiastic description of how it's brushed metal finish made it look as if carved from a single billet of solid metal, it was just plain ugly.Then there were the glam cars: Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, BMW, Aston-Martin and lots of specially-bodied creations from Brabus and similar outfits, scores of Fiats and Smarts, Hyundais and Kias and about 50 more brands. Spread through about a dozen vast halls, they added up to sore feet and bewildered looks as people did their best to absorb the techno and visual overdose of tomorrow's dream machines. 

Australians will in two years plug into Volvo in a way never previously thought possible. An electric-hybrid SUV with seven seats, replacing the current flagship XC90, will be the first Volvo on a new platform, with new drivetrains and a new way of doing business.Volvo's vice president of product, Lex Kerssemakers, says that a few years after that Volvos will be made in China for the global market.The ambitious globalisation of Volvo was outlined, in skeleton form at best, this week at the Frankfurt motor show."The next XC90, to be released next year, will be the first of our plug-in hybrids for Australia," Mr Kerssemakers says. "Others will follow but we believe that this is the best car to showcase our new technology." Hybrid power with electric motors is necessary for the larger Volvo models because the company will now make only four cylinder engines - two in fact, one a diesel and one petrol.Mr Kerssemakers says this rationalisation brings efficient cost savings to the small company. But in admitting that some cars need more power - for performance or for towing - many will have the option of up to three electric motors. "We will be able to offer the same engine, for example, from 90kW to 275kW-plus," he says.One of the more powerful versions has a twincharger (turbocharger and supercharger) engine with 275kW and 400Nm of torque. "When we add the electric motor to this engine, we have 600Nm. We know that very few customers want 600Nm of torque but it will be important to those who tow large boats or trailers and for those who want a performance car."But the point is that we can get all this performance from the one basic engine - that saves a lot of money for our business." Saving more money comes from Volvo's parent Geely that this week opened its first joint-venture factory in China. The factory, the first of three, will make the S60 long wheelbase sedan initially specifically for the Chinese market."The car can be exported from China, sure, and we're not shying away from making future cars for export in China," he says. "The factories and the quality are world class and even the facilities make our Swedish workers jealous. But to say that China will make all our cars for all our markets in the future is absolutely wrong.""We will always make Volvo cars in Europe for the European market. It makes no sense making cars in China and then shipping them to Europe." But Mr Kerssemakers says it is practical for China-made cars to be exported to Asian markets, including the Asia-Pacific region into which Australia falls."The cars will be as good or better than those made in Europe." The cars to be made in China will start with the S60 - which from this week is being built in a new Chinese factory - but it may take a few years before it is offered in Australia and will not include the long wheelbase model.The reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling 

Volvo yesterday showed off a bold new coupe concept that previews the styling direction the Swedish automaker will take for its future lineup. The first of these new-generation Volvos will be the 2015 XC90 due at the end of next year.Earlier this year, Volvo laid out some of the safety technology that will appear on its new XC90 and now we have our first look at the design of the actual vehicle, which was previewed yesterday during a presentation made by Volvo chief designer Thomas Ingenlath, where these photos were taken.Ingenlath showed how elements of the just revealed Concept Coupe, such as the T-shaped daytime running lights, lower intake wings, and tail-light graphics, will transfer from concept to production, using the 2015 XC90 as an example. We don’t get to see the whole vehicle but can clearly make out its new face, tail-light design and some of its interior controls.It appears the XC90 will be getting a chiselled and slightly more aggressive appearance look for its second generation. During the presentation, it was also revealed that Volvo’s S80 flagship sedan will be replaced by a new S90 model after the 2015 XC90 is launched, and that a ‘versatile’ V90 model is also planned as a successor for the current V70.The models will all be based around the automaker’s modular SPA platform, which will eventually underpin Volvo's lineup for all models sized from about the S60 up. For its smaller models, Volvo will use a second modular platform it is developing with its Chinese parent Geely. Power across the board will come from a new generation of engines grouped under the Drive-E heading. They will all be four-cylinder units but will be able to rival V-8s for performance with hybrid technology.www.motorauthority.com  

Volvo product planner Lex Kerssemakers says the new wagon is well overdue. "We were preoccupied,'' he says of the delay. "I sympathise with Australian buyers who have been a strong supporter of the car, but we had a lot on our plate.Australia is in the Top 5 of XC90 buyers worldwide. "But I can confirm a new XC90 is coming and it will retain all the elements that made the current car so popular.''Kerssemakers, who headed up Volvo's overseas operations - including Australia - five years ago, says the design of the XC90 replacement is "still in the early stages'' but he says it will still be a seven seater and retain the easy entry and egress to the third seat row."These are some of the things that made it popular.'' he says. "It will grow a bit in size - that's mainly because of safety requirements. But it will definitely be under 5m in length. "There are critical issues with a new model, including safety and the need to balance space and vehicle weight. It's very complex.''The next XC90 is likely to come only with a four-cylinder engine in different power and fuel choices. "We see hurdles in performance (with a four) but we're very comfortable with a four cylinder with turbocharging,'' he says. " That technology gives very good driving performance - because it's all about torque - and fuel economy and low emissions."We're even looking at twin charging (supercharger and turbocharger together) and that may come within two years. Of course there is also plug-in hybrids which are suitable for all-wheel drive vehicles.''Volvo last year sold 45,000 XC90s. "That's pretty strong for a car of its age,'' Kerssemakers says. "We have just done an update - which doesn't involve any mechanical changes - which will last until the new model.''He says he is keen to see a smaller SUV in the Volvo lineup but repeats that the company is very busy on other projects. "I won't speculate on a small SUV other to say it would be a nice fit.But we have other things to do first. The XC90 replacement has to come out first and then the replacement for the S80 - about the same time,'' he says."The S80 won't be a bigger car. We have a long wheelbase S80 which we make in China for the local market, but that's purely for China."We're driven by Europe and China. A large sedan is important in Europe but we're not looking at a Mercedes S-Class rival. "That market is too small. We're happy with the S80's size and position in the market.''

Volvo says it is recalling 1940 five-cylinder diesel vehicles, sold from 2007, because the power steering hose may be damaged by the engine cooling fan which may cause a loss of oil that will result in the power steering system failing. Owners have been asked to contact their local dealer.

Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Hawkins, Sandra Sully and Ian Thorpe all drive shiny new Audis, Laura Csortan has a Cadillac, Jim Stynes and Matt Shirvington drive Volvos and horse trainer David Hayes has a BMW.But none of them pays.It cost Michael Clarke more than $250,000 to slide Lara Bingle into a raunchy new Aston Martin V8 Vantage but car brands are so keen to connect to potential buyers that they are happy to loan cars to A-list celebrities and sports stars.Most of the cars are high-cost flagship models, from the Audi TT coupe and Q7 four-wheel drive to the Volvo XC90 SUV and the Cadillac CTS which goes on sale in Australia next month.The list of occupations of the ambassadors is almost as long as the companies involved, including athletes, environmentalists, radio jocks and fashion folk.Audi runs such a big freebie fleet that rival brands call it the United Nations - because it has so many 'ambassadors' - at an estimated cost of more than $1 million.The German brand currently has 18 ambassadors on its books, with Collette Dinnigan, Cathy Freeman, Sarah Murdoch, Grant Hackett and George Gregan among its other famous faces.Volvo has environmentalist David Ireland on its books, as well as Shirvington and footballer Matt Giteau."It is another way of raising awareness of the brand. It helps us to break through into areas where we might not otherwise have had a foothold," says Volvo spokesperson Laurissa Mirabelli."Our assocation with Matt Giteau and Matt Shirvington takes us into the sporting world, which is a new area.And she says Volvo has plans to sign more drivers."We will be expanding our program into other new areas," Mirabelli says.At Saab, Sigrid Thornton is a long-term ambassador and chef George Calombaris has also come on board.Sometimes the celebrity association goes beyond a car, with driver training as part of the package. And many A-listers get a taste for the deal through the Celebrity Race at the Australian Grand Prix, which has been backed in the past by BMW, Mini and Fiat.Homegrown brands Holden and Ford are part of the program, with the red team backing Deborah Hutton and the Australian netball team and the blue-oval brand taking on cricketers Andrew Symonds, Matthew Hayden and Michael Hussey, as well as Stephanie Gilmore.But BMW has wound back from the days when Felicity Kennett, James Morrison and Ken Done flew its flag."People are much more savvy these days. Having ambassadors is less relevant when people are more interested in the value, the technical innovation and whether the brand is something they aspire to own," said BMW Australia spokesman, Toni Andreevski."Just because a celebrity drives a car does not make it any more relevant to their purchase."And Mercedes' best-known brand rep, retired racer Mick Doohan, actually pays for his hot AMG Benzes - although not full retail."Mick is more of an enthusiastic customer," said David McCarthy of Mercedes-Benz Australia."Certainly, Mick's invovlement with AMG is very beneficiial when you see the reaction when he drives our cars in classic rallies. But, beyond that, we don't see much value."It's good to raise the profile, but how do you assess the value? The public is pretty aware."Another motorsport legend, Sir Jack Brabham, has been getting cars and bikes from Honda for decades, and is now on a team with fashion designer Akira Isogawa, Geoff Cox and Suzie Wilks."We get good value for money from our celebrities," said Honda's Mark Higgins.But Mazda has also wound back and only has Olympian Michael Klim, surfer Serena Brooks and radio personality Andy Lee on its books."It's very low-key. Everyone knows it's a commercial relationhip but we don't tend to use our celebrities like other car companies," said Mazda spokesman, Glenn Butler. CAR COMPANY BRAND AMBASSADORS:AUDI:Collette DinniganJennifer HawkinsShannon BennettAlisa CamplinJohn EalesCathy FreemanSarah MurdochAdam GilcristGeorge GreganGrant HackettMatt MoranZali SteggallSandra SullyIan ThorpeSteve WaughTodd Woodbridge BMW:David Hayes CADILLAC:Laura Csortan FORD:Andrew SymondsMatthew HaydenMichael HusseyMitchell JohnsonStephanie Gilmore HOLDEN:Deborah HuttonAustralian netball team HONDA:Geoff CoxSuzie WilksSir Jack BrabhamAkira Isakawa  MAZDA:Andy LeeSerena BooksMichael Klim MERCEDES:Mick Doohan SAAB:Sigrid ThorntonGeorge Calombaris VOLVO:Matt ShirvingtonDavid IrelandMatt GiteauJim Stynes