Volvo Rolls Out Sportier XC60 R-Design

With the R-series sports cars eliminated from Volvo's line-up, the Swedish firm's R badge lives on as a high-end trim and equipment level that may also include some degree of chassis upgrades as is the case with the new XC60 R-Design. According to Volvo, the R-Design chassis of the XC60 is stiffer than that of the standard model, featuring stronger damping and more distinct driving properties without compromising too much on ride comfort.

Furthermore, the Swedes claim that the steering has been improved on the XC60 R-Design and is now more responsive thanks to the new, "more direct steering gear".

On the outside, the sport package adds door mirror housings, trim mouldings and decor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes plus a set of newly designed 18-inch or optionally, 20-inch alloy wheels. Another unique feature is the color-keyed lower section of the car (instead of the matte black theme of the standard model).

The XC60 R-Design's interior is also upgraded with aluminum trim inserts in the sports steering wheel, door mouldings and the centre stack which also features a different decor with a circular pattern. Other highlights include the sports pedals made of brushed aluminium, the two-tone sport seats and the specific watch dial instruments with blue gauges.

The new R-Design option pack for the XC60 will be officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales expected to start around that time.

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Volvos Issues Recall on S40, V50, S60 and XC60 Models Over Power Seat Problems

A defective front passenger seat power system on certain Volvo models has prompted a recall of 7,420 cars from the Swedish automaker. Federal officials said that the front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly and may permit the passenger to forward the seat beyond the intended maximum, putting them at risk of injury in a crash.

The models affected from the recall are the 2009-2011MY S40 sedan, V50 station wagon and S60 sedan, plus the 2010-2011MY XC60 crossover. Volvo said the company's dealers will inspect the front passenger side seat rails for the presence of an "end stop" and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge.

The Swedish automaker has not yet provided a date for the scheduled recall, but owners can contact the company for more information at 1-800-458-1552 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-458-1552 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

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Cobra Tuning for the new Volvo XC60 SUV

Off-road tuning specialist 'Cobra Technology & Lifestyle' has presented its latest line of aftermarket bling for the new Volvo XC60 SUV. The range includes the 'oh so useful for your typical, city-dwelling XC60 owner' stainless-steel front guards and rocker panels with integrated steps. Ironically, all that shiny protective armor can be complemented with a set of 18, 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels that are available in four different designs. The largest version features Action Sport or Katana wheels shod in 255/45 R20 tires (front and rear).

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Volvo XC60 SUV gets the Heico Sportiv Treatment

Volvo tuning specialist Heico Sportive has released new details and photos on its performance upgrades for the new XC60. Beginning with the cosmetic enhancements, there's a subtle bodykit made of polyurethane-plastic (PUR) that consists of side skirts, front bumper spoiler and rear skirt that houses the new four pipe exhaust system. Furthermore, customers can choose from a variety of alloy wheels that are available in sizes 18'', 19'' and 20''.

For the interior, Heico provides a full leather treatment. The complete set includes door panel inlays, front and rear seat covers, and gear shift knob and bag. Buyers can choose from nine different colors of leather while further leather types or other surfaces are available upon request.

Under the hood, thanks to a newly developed ECU for the XC60's diesel and petrol engines, the 2.4-liter inline 5-cylinder turbo diesels with 163HP and 185HP can both develop 210HP while the 285HP T6 turbocharged gasoline engine gains an extra 30HP for a total output of 315HP.

Finally, Heico Sportiv offers a new set sport springs that are fitted in combination with the series shock-absorbers and lower the vehicle's road height by approximately 30 mm.

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Volvo Extends DRIVe Range, S80 and V70 get 1.6 Diesel, XC60 and XC70 Offered with FWD

At this year's Geneva Salon, Volvo will show off its new, environmentally-friendly DRIVe range that now includes the XC60 crossover, V70 and XC70 estates and S80 executive sedan. Just like the current DRIVe cars, C30, S40 and V50, the new eco-friendly variants of the XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 are equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimized for low fuel consumption. These cars are also tailored specifically for low rolling resistance and reduced air drag.

Starting off from S80 and V70 DRIVe models, both vehicles are powered by the same 109HP 1.6-litre diesel engine and manual gearbox as the smaller C30, S40 and V50. The optimised powertrain helps Volvo's larger cars significantly cut their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 57.6 mpg UK (48.0mpg US or 4.9 lt /100 km) and 129 g/km respectively. Volvo has yet to release performance figures but don't expect to be impressed.

The extended DRIVe range also welcomes the introduction of front-wheel drive and a new 2.4D engine to the XC60 crossover and XC70 crossover estate. Along with a series of other measures, both the FWD XC60 and XC70 2.4 manage to achieve an average fuel economy of 47.1mpg UK (39.2mpg US or 6.0-lt / 100km ) with a CO2 figure of 159 g/km.

The new DRIVe models will be available across Europe by the summer of 2009 with further specification and pricing details being announced closer to the time of launch.

Model	Engine	Power Output	CO2	Cons. UK MPG
C30 Start/Stop	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	104 g	72.4 mpg
S40 Start/Stop	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	107 g	70.6 mpg
V50 Start/Stop	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	107 g	70.6 mpg
V70	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	129 g	57.6 mpg
S80	1.6D	109 hp/240 Nm	129 g	57.6 mpg
XC60	2.4D	175 hp/420 Nm	159 g	47.1 mpg
XC70	2.4D	175 hp/420 Nm	159 g	47.1 mpg

READ MORE - Volvo Extends DRIVe Range, S80 and V70 get 1.6 Diesel, XC60 and XC70 Offered with FWD

2010 Volvo XC60 SUV to Start from $37,200 in the U.S.

Volvo today announced pricing of its all-new 2010 XC60 T6 AWD ahead of the compact SUV's U.S. market launch in March. Available exclusively in the States with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that produces 281HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-wheel-drive XC60 carries a starting price of $37,200. Standard features include leather seating surfaces with a power driver's seat, SIRIUS satellite radio, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio technology with USB and AUX ports. As a special introductory offer, Volvo will equip the first batch of cars with a Panorama moonroof at no charge.

READ MORE - 2010 Volvo XC60 SUV to Start from $37,200 in the U.S.