All New Volvo S80 & XC90 Executive Models

Safety features are abundant in the car - after all, it comes from Volvo which is known the world over in their effort to provide safety for their car's users. It employs the Whiplash Protection System of the company which allows the seat to move back with the occupant to absorb much of the energy in cases of rear collisions.

Aside from the standard airbags, which are the most advanced being employed by any car in the market, there are a lot more of the safety features that Volvo is known for. Take for instance, the blindspot warning device which is a set of cameras that alerts the driver if any vehicle has entered his blindspot. The car also has swiveling headlights which can enable the driver to see better when turning.

The car itself is designed to react during a collision so as to protect the passengers and the driver inside - it is made up of four different grades of strength of steel used in different zones that have different reactions during crashes. To protect the vehicle, it has a personal safety system that allows the owner to check from afar if the doors are locked or unlocked and can even detect the presence of a person inside the car by sensing the person's heartbeat

For the 2009 model year, Volvo is enhancing its most exclusive line-up, the S80 and XC90 Executive models with the addition of massage and ventilation functions in the front seats along with a range of improved materials and trim details.

Though it would have been nice if Volvo offered a nice tall Swedish blonde gal to do the massage, the front seats are actually equipped with five built-in inflatable pockets built that pump and drain sequentially to create a wave-like motion (adjustable at two hardness levels) that massages the lower back. -Continued

Other upgrades on the S80 and XC90 Exclusive models include new upholstery in perforated soft hide; new lumbar support setting that uses the same inflatable cushions for adjusting the massage function; centre console cover in soft leather; 8" wide VGA LCD screens integrated into the rear of the front seat headrests instead of the previous 7" units and a new analogue clock set into the wood inlay in the instrument panel.

Furthermore, S80 Executive gets additional ambient lighting in the door panels and storage compartments, and in the front cup holders and along the floor by the front seat, aluminium sliding cover in the front console and updated crystal glasses with an engraved Executive emblem. Finally the XC90 Executive features new hand-sewn leather in the door handles.

REd color The Volvo XC90

Sleek Exterior Styling

On the outside, the unmistakable Volvo grille emblem is placed just above an attractive skid plate that gives the crossover its unique look. Sweeping lines from the nose to the A-Pillar suggest the crossover's sporty flair while rounded styling from the B- C- and D-Pillars give the crossover a constant "in motion" look. A generous sized hatch moves up and out of the way, giving easy access to the storage compartment.

The latest XC90 model incorporates quite a few standard features that were at one time offered optionally. Leather seating surfaces, rear park assist, power glass moonroof, third row seat with climate control, and upgraded multimedia package are now included. Blind Spot Information System and Dual Xenon Active Bending Lights are now stand alone options, which means that either one can be offered separated from an expensive add on package. Thus, the latest edition of the Volvo XC90 offers more features and better value than ever before.

Lots of Safety Features

Like all Volvo models, safety is what the XC90 is all about as it offers dual-stage frontal airbags, side impact airbags and air curtain bags for passengers, roll-over protection system, whiplash protection, energy absorbing interior and much more. Clearly, when a car is defined by it safety, the Volvo XC90 meets that definition.

Fully loaded, a Volvo XC90 can be had for under $50,000 with well equipped models retailing for just over $40,000. Priced right and offering the amenities customers want, this Volvo is sure to please especially with people needing seven passenger seating at an affordable price.

Volvo is adding a more sporty version of it’s supposedly already Sport-Utility-Vehicle (...) the XC90 SE Sport which will be available with 4.4 V8, 3.2 6cylinder and D5 diesel engines. Changes include dynamic sport chassis, stiffer anti-roll bars, firmer shock absorbers, a sport-tuned, speed-dependent steering system and larger, 19in wheels etc. For more specific information read the press release bellow.

Dynamic driving characteristics with stiffened chassis settings: The chassis settings for the new Volvo XC90 SE Sport have been refined and specifically developed on UK roads to increase genuine driving pleasure. The shock absorbers have stiffer rebound rates and the anti-roll bars are stiffer (front +0.5mm; rear +1.0mm) to offer a high level of stability when cornering. The speed dependent steering has also been adapted to offer quick steering response. Furthermore, Volvo’s self-levelling system, Nivomat, has been fine-tuned to offer great stability and driving control.

Sport interior and upholstery: The interior design is customised with a more dynamic and exclusive feel. Figure-hugging sports seats, offering additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering, give a more sporty character together with a sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather. The leather seats use a combination of two different grades of leather with contrasting piping, while the instrument dials feature metal chronograph watch-style faces with a shimmering blue lustre.

Distinctive and sporty exterior: The Volvo XC90 Sport is distinguished by double chromed exhaust pipes and the addition of a unique paint colour, Passion Red. Extended body coloured wheel arch extenders emphasise the distinctive, larger five-spoke 19in Vulcanis alloy wheels – available in silver bright or diamond cut with contrasting effect – which are fitted with 255/50 R19W Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres. In addition, exterior trim will have a satin silver finish, rather than the standard chrome, with the lower skid plate also in satin silver. The unique sill mouldings are in brushed stainless steel.

To accentuate the car’s sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, roof rails are not fitted – although they will be available as a no cost option, if required.

V8 and 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engines, or D5 five-cylinder turbodiesel: There are two petrol and one diesel available for the XC90 SE Sport - Volvo’s V8 (315PS) and its new 3.2-litre (238PS) six-cylinder petrol engines, plus the latest generation, 2.4-litre D5 (185PS) five-cylinder turbodiesel. All three are very powerful and energy-efficient engines that contribute to the driving enjoyment. The engines are extremely compact and are transversely mounted in the engine bay for the best possible safety and to maximise cabin space. All three engines are available with six-speed Geartronic transmissions, while a six-speed manual is offered with the D5.

As a midsize luxury crossover vehicle, the Volvo XC90 is in a competitive segment which includes some of the top models produced by Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura and Volkswagen. But what the XC90 has going for it is its renowned Volvo quality, reliability and safety, features the crossover has in abundance.

First introduced in 2002, the Volvo XC90 has recently completed an important makeover, incorporating important changes to keep the crossover relevant as well as appealing to buyers. Should you consider the Volvo XC90? I'll let you decide that after we take a closer look at this important model.

Plenty To Like About This Crossover

So what does the Volvo XC90 have going for it? First of all, it is Volvo's top-selling vehicle in the United States. The crossover is based on the same platform underpinning the S80 sedan, the flagship Volvo model. Second of all, the crossover offers seven passenger seating and has a very competitive starting price of about $37,000. Lastly, the XC90 features a design that is attractive inside and out.

In the cabin, the XC90 offers good looks plus all of the amenities expected to be found in a luxury crossover model. Easy to read displays, an uncluttered dash, premium sound system, dual zone air-conditioning, bolstered seating and a sensible center stack are just a few of the XC90's attractions. Offering a smooth ride, good handling and a safety cage environment, the XC90 performs well in all road conditions thanks to its all wheel drive technology.

No German car for Pope Benedict XVI as the Catholic church leader received a new Volvo XC90 that has been custom tailored for his personal use. During a June 28 ceremony at the Vatican, the Pope was presented with the keys to the SUV. The V8 version vehicle is dark blue with a light interior and Volvo officials say the car, like every Volvo XC90, is designed for safety with features like ROPS (rollover protection system).

Press Release

Volvo Cars presented His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, with one of its Sport Utility Vehicles. The keys of the car have been delivered to the Pope in the Vatican, on Wednesday June 28th, with a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.

On Wednesday June 28, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has received the keys of the Volvo XC90 that Volvo Car Corporation has presented him with. The delivery of the keys to the Pope has taken place in the Vatican, during a short ceremony after the Papal Audience.

To represent Volvo Cars, Gerry Keaney, Vice President Volvo Car Corporation, Marketing Sales and Service, Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia, and Michele Crisci, General Manager Volvo Auto Italia attended. The Volvo XC90 delivered to the Pope – and fitted for His personal use – is a V8 version. It is a dark blue XC90 with light interiors.

"We are absolutely happy and proud of the opportunity we had to give a car to the Pope. Safety has always been a no-compromise must for Volvo; no doubt, our strong commitment to safeguard lives could not get a higher and more touching recognition", said Pascal Bellemans, President Volvo Auto Italia.

New 2011 The Volvo XC90 comes R-Design Package

The Volvo XC90 comes in different trim levels so as to suit the need of any costumer. The choice of engines starts with the base model which employs a 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine to the Sport version which offers a V8 engine. This engine is the first V8 engine that the company has employed in its long history. The six-cylinder engine gives out 235 horsepower and to increase its fuel economy, it employs a variable cam timing and cam-profile switching which allows the intake valves to open at different heights depending on the power demand while the 4.4-liter V8 engine produces 311 horsepower. All these power from the engine, be it from the in-line or the V8 engine, gets through to all the wheels via a wide array of high performance Volvo XC90 parts that are known to be precision engineered and also much popularized because of their reliability.

The sports utility vehicle has amazing off-road driving credentials that make it a top choice for the generation that would like to trek the outdoors onboard their SUVs. While a large part of the American car buyers are turning their back on the SUV market due to the increasing prices of petroleum products, the Volvo XC90's fuel economy is not so bad compared to other vehicles in its class. That fact and the safety and comfort that the vehicle offers makes the XC90 Volvo's top seller in the US market with a young buyer base at an average of 44 years old.

Volvo’s Detroit Show stand will host the premier of the XC90 R-Design package which promises to enhance the SUV’s appearance with a range of sports-inspired interior and exterior details. These include sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel, 19-inch alloy wheels as standard with an option to upgrade to 20-inch, dual exhaust pipes, skid-plate, the R-Design badge in the grille and rear view mirror caps in silk matt finish while the car is not fitted with roof rails, although these are still available as an option.

Inside, the R-Design Package adds sports seats with a combination of two different grades of leather, enhanced by contrasting cream-colored leather lining, sport leather-trim steering wheel with R-Design logo, aluminum pedals, aluminum center stack and door inlays, gear selector and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting leather piping. -Details and high-res pics after the jump

Press Release:

Spice up your Volvo XC90 with R-design - the choice for customers with a refined taste

Volvo Cars' R-design programme - a sporty factory-fitted option package - is now also available for the Volvo XC90. R-design is tailor made for customers who want a car with refined attributes. The package is also available for the Volvo C30, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50.

"The possibility of tailoring one's car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars," says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

The R-design package for the Volvo XC90 is an extension of the XC90 Sport version that was introduced in the end of 2006. New R-design features are the optional 20-inch wheels, the dual exhaust pipes, a unique skid-plate and the R-design badges in the grille, on the steering wheel and on the seats as well as rear-view mirror caps in silk matt finish.
Features remaining from the XC90 Sport version are:

• Sport chassis
• Details and trim in a silk-matt finish rather than the standard chrome.
• Unique sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel.
• Sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather and sports seats with additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering.
• Seats with a combination of two different grades of leather, enhanced by décor piping in different colour shades.
• Instrument dials with metal chronograph watch-style faces and a shimmering blue lustre.
• Sport carpets with accent-coloured décor piping.

To accentuate the sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, the vehicle is not fitted with roof rails - although they will be available as an option for customers who need them.

R-design for C30, S40 and V50
The R-design package for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 includes a choice between 10 exterior colours and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.
Exterior features include a silk matt-finish grille, colour co-ordinated bumpers and lower side mouldings, rear or roof spoiler, silk matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminium wheels (17 inches, 18 inches available as option). There is also a deco trim on the trunk lid of the S40 and tailgate on the V50.

Contrasting seats
Inside the car there are seats in off-black Flex-Tec with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-coloured leather. The R-design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the seats' sporty appearance.
Other R-design interior details include the leather-trim steering wheel with its R-design logo,
the unique combi instrument, aluminium pedals, specially designed aluminium centre stack and door inlays, gear selector with aluminium inlay and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting light leather piping.
A selection of R-design features will also be available as accessories.

Emotional and extrovert
"R-design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models," says Steve Mattin, Senior Vice President and Design Director at Volvo Cars.