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Adrian Paton2011 Volvo S60
April 14th 2010 18:00
The all-new Volvo S60 unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show enters one of the automotive world's toughest segments backed by its innovative Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake safety feature.
The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo but it is still an unmistakable representative of its Scandinavian roots. The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour at the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave that sweeps continuously from the headlights to the tail lights.
"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," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell. "Its driving properties are better than those of any previous Volvo. The all-new S60's innovative new technologies help you become both a better and a safer driver." With the all-new Volvo S60, Volvo Cars is advancing its position in one of the car world's most competitive segments: CD Premium."
In the U.S., the all-new S60 will be initially offered with a more powerful version of the T6 engine currently offered in the XC60 premium crossover. All T6 models come standard with Volvo's all-wheel-drive system.
The 3.0-litre, turbocharged T6 pumps out 221 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 kmh takes less than 6.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gear changes than before.
Featuring the sporty "Dynamic" chassis as standard in the US, while other markets will be offered with a "Comfort" chassis as standard and the "Dynamic" chassis as an option, the difference in ride and handling between the two chassis alternatives can be found in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. The Comfort variant has a somewhat softer setting to give a smoother ride on poorer road surfaces i.e. Sydney roads.
The S60's headline act, however, is the Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake feature. Regarded as a groundbreaking technological solution, it can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver - and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.
The interior of the all-new S60 is lavish in terms of its driver-oriented details, but it is still a five-passenger car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. The all-new S60 benefits from a nearly 2.5-inch increase in wheelbase, from 106.9 inches to 109.3 inches over the previous-generation S60. This increase has a direct impact on rear seat leg room. Rear passengers will notice a 2.0-inch increase in leg room. Knee space in the rear seat has also increased by 1.2 inches compared with the previous-generation S60. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the trunk is 4.2 inches wider than in the previous S60.
Australian sales of the all-new Volvo S60 will begin later this year.
[Source: Volvo]
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