Geneva show: Volvo releases full S60 details

VOLVO’S new-generation S60 prestige sedan remains on track for a launch in Australia in December, following its long-awaited world debut at the Geneva motor show next month and, during the second quarter, its shift in ownership from the Ford Motor Co to Chinese manufacturer Geely.

Although images of the production version were released last November, the Swedish marque has this week issued full details and more images of the medium-sized sedan ahead of its premiere in Switzerland on March 2.

There are few surprises, but much to look forward to, with confirmation that the sleek new Belgium-built S60 will be the first Volvo fitted with a new 2.0-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine – first details of which were released late last month – and should be competitive in terms of design, packaging, new technologies and performance.

As GoAuto has reported previously, Volvo’s most significant new model to appear in 2010 will be offered in Australia with its world-first pedestrian collision prevention system, which uses radar and camera technology to detect objects on a crash course with the vehicle.

“We are truly proud of our success in making our technology so reliable that we can offer a complete system that can avoid a collision with a pedestrian by detecting, alerting and applying full braking,” said Volvo Cars senior safety adviser Thomas Broberg.

“It’s a world first, to the best of our knowledge. With this technology we have increased the braking force in our automatic braking system from 50 percent to full stopping power.”

The S60 will also be the first Volvo sedan with ‘Advanced Stability Control’ (ASC) that includes a new roll-angle sensor designed to detect a loss of traction at an earlier stage. According to Volvo, this means the standard Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system can step in earlier and with greater precision.

Corner Traction Control (CTC) also debuts on the sedan, which is a further refinement of DSTC and uses torque vectoring to improve cornering and reduce understeer. CTC allows the inner wheel to be braked during cornering at the same time as power is transmitted to the outer wheel.

These handling electronics form part of what Volvo describes as “the most dynamic” vehicle the Swedish brand has ever produced.

Unsurprisingly given its new Chinese ownership and US market aspirations, Volvo has created two chassis set-ups for the all-new S60 – Comfort (for the US and Asia), and Dynamic (for Europe and Australia), with a sport variant available as an option.

While Volvo claims all versions of the S60 have improved steering, stiffer springs and bushes and more damping than any model the Swedish marque has ever built, the two set-ups differ in their damping and front and rear subframes.

The steering gear ratio is 10 per cent faster than the current model to give better feel and a sharper response. The steering column’s thicker tubing and stiffer bushes are also claimed to have increased torsional rigidity by 100 per cent, which in turn contributes to heightened steering feel.

The front spring struts have thicker pistons compared with the sports set-up in the larger S80. According to Volvo, a resultant 47 per cent increase in stiffness means the body structure is better able to absorb lateral loads.

The springs themselves are shorter and stiffer than before and, at the front end, spring strut mounting stiffness has increased 50 per cent.

The front and rear subframe bushes are up to twice as stiff than in previous models. The link arm bushings have also been optimised for sportier driving and greater control, while the damper mountings at the rear are made of polyurethane instead of rubber to provide better balance between comfort and dynamic control.

In all-wheel drive variants, Volvo engineers have also modified the software in the Haldex 4WD system for sportier characteristics, while the optional Four-C active damping system has been modified and refined for “better control and more comfortable feel” compared to previous models.

"This project has been about pure passion for the task of driving Volvo's chassis development expertise to its very pinnacle,” said S60 chassis development chief Stefan Sallqvist. “We've crossed into territory where we've never been before.

"The spotlight was on giving the concept of comfort a whole new dimension. The dynamic chassis has an alert, quick-responding architecture that puts the focus on the driving experience, yet without diluting the impression of a comfortable ride.”

The Australian line-up is still to be finalised, but Volvo Car Australia has confirmed that at least two models will be available from launch – an AWD T6 with a 224kW/440Nm 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, and a D5 diesel with a 151kW/420Nm 2.4-litre inline-five engine (offered with either front-drive or AWD drivetrains).

Combined with a second-generation version of Volvo’s Geartronic six-speed automatic gearbox, the revised T6 engine enables the all-new S60 to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, on its way to a 250km/h top speed. Fuel consumption has also been reduced to 10.2L/100km, which is an improvement of about 10 per cent.

The twin-turbocharged D5, meanwhile, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds with either the six-speed manual or six-speed auto, reaching its maximum speed at 235km/h (manual) or 230km/h (auto). Fuel consumption for the manual is 5.9L/100km on the EU combined standard.

The new 2.0-litre direct-injection GTDi four-cylinder turbo is due here in 2011 and, known as the 2.0T, will become the entry-level model for the S60 range, offering 149kW and 300Nm (the latter from 1750rpm).

Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.7 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox, and 8.2 seconds with the Powershift six-speed automatic. Top speed is 235km/h (manual), or 5km/h less for the auto. Preliminary economy figures place the S60 2.0T manual at 7.9L/100km.

The other engine option available from launch in Europe is a D3 118kW/400Nm 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel – the same basic engine as the current 2.4D but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke (to optimise fuel consumption) – while several other powertrains will be introduced during the first 12 months of production.

These include a higher-output version of the GTDi – a 176kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four (T5) – and smaller-displacement 1.6-litre versions in two states of tune: 132kW (T4) and 240Nm (T3), both with 240Nm.

A 1.6 D DRIVe variant with an 85kW/270Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel will also be introduced.

The S60 cabin has a plethora of driver-oriented details, including a new infotainment system presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen and offering full control via the steering wheel.

The latter also includes the option of a “world class” Premium Sound system with class-D digital 5x130W amplifier and 12 speakers.

The S60 was also developed with hi-tech climate-control air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and a grille-mounted camera with a 180-degree field of vision to help negotiate blind exits and park with increased safety.

The centre-rear passenger is said to be provided with “welcome side support” due to the sculpted outer rear seats, while knee space in the rear compartment has increased 30mm compared to the current model.

A 60/60 split-fold operation is also provided for access to the boot, with the aperture 107mm wider than in the current model.

Beige and black are the main trim colours, with the new highlight shade of Beechwood Brown – a tan leather that “traces its proud roots back to classic Volvo models such as the P1800 ES and 164”.

“The interior of all-new S60 is all about innovative design in two areas: form and technology,” said S60 project director Tomas Ahlborg.

“The design is characterised by sporty freshness down to the smallest detail. The technological aspect includes all those smart solutions that contribute to a driving experience unlike that of any other Volvo – from collision avoidance safety and comfort systems to infotainment and audio excellence of absolute world class.”

Volvo has set an annual sales target of 90,000 cars for the new-generation S60, with Europe (including Russia), North America and the rest of the world each accounting for about a third of total sales.

The five largest single markets are expected to be Sweden, China, Russia, the US and the UK.

"The sporty design delivers a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 truly lives up to that promise,” said Volvo Cars president and CEO Stephen Odell.

“Its driving properties are better than those of any previous Volvo. What is more, the car's innovative new technologies help you become both a better and a safer driver.

“The competition is razor-sharp and the customers know exactly what they want. The emphasis is on emotional stance, sporty design and dynamic driving properties.

“Success in this segment means a lot for the brand's image and we are convinced that the all-new S60 will be one of the strongest contenders.”