Volvo launches Ocean Race special editions

VOLVO is celebrating its sponsorship of the gruelling Ocean Race round-the-world yachting event – and the fleet’s recent arrival in Auckland, New Zealand – by releasing special editions of its V60 wagon, XC60 SUV and XC70 crossover.

Representing the fourth time the Swedish brand has released sailing-themed special editions, just 50 Ocean Race editions will be sold in Australia, split across the three models.

The special editions are priced the same as the highly-specified Teknik variants on which they are based and gain cosmetic exterior enhancements including 18-inch two-tone Argus alloy wheels – said to be inspired by the movement of ocean waves – and special blue or silver paint finishes.

Inside are sailing inspired touches including leather upholstery with sail making-inspired cross-stitching and embossed with Ocean Race logos, etched aluminium trim inserts, and Ocean Race-branded metal tread plates and load covers.

The $59,990 V60 Ocean Race edition is available exclusively with the brand’s 2.0-litre turbocharged T5 petrol engine, which produces 177kW of power at 5500rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1800 to 5000rpm.

XC60 ($65,990) and XC70 ($68,450) Ocean Race variants come with the D5 diesel, producing 158kW and 440Nm.

Volvo Car Australia managing director Matt Braid described the Ocean Race editions as reflecting the brand’s customer demographic of “active lifestyle, adventure and passion without compromising safety”.

In contrast to Volvo’s image and reputation for safety, the six crews participating in the gruelling nine month Ocean Race confront high seas, extreme temperatures, icebergs and the threat of pirates diring their 39,200 nautical mile voyage.

The Volvo Ocean Race fleet departed Alicante, Spain on October 29 2011 and is scheduled to arrive at the finish line in Galway, Ireland on July 7 this year.

Stops along the way include Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Sanya, Auckland, Itajai, Miami, Lisbon and Lorient.

Volvo company sold 5272 cars in Australia last year, a 6.6 per cent increase over 2010 and it is off to a flying start so far in 2012, its 1007 sales representing a 30.1 per cent jump.

Top sellers are the XC60 and XC90 SUVs, with 383 and 251 sales respectively.

As GoAuto has reported, stock shortages caused by strong world-wide demand for the brand’s two most popular models throttled Volvo’s sales last year to the tune of about 450 cars, about 8.5 per cent of its total.

Volvo Ocean Racespecials (plus on-road costs):
V60 T5 (a)	$59,990
XC60 D5 (a)	$65,990
XC70 D5 (a)	$68,450