Volvo announces new 2007 S80

Volvo has unveiled photos of its new S80 luxury sedan.  This is the second generation of the company’s ground-breaking flagship sedan with its dynamic design, firm focus on premium comfort, smooth driving properties and world-class safety.

The new S80 will make its debut at the international motor show in Geneva on Feb. 28. On April 12, North Americans can view the sedan at the New York International Auto Show.  The S80 is expected to go on-sale in Canada in the second half of 2006 as a 2007 model.

This edition of the S80 will feature a V8 engine, a new in-line 6-cylinder engine, and a highly evolved all-wheel-drive system as part of its appeal to buyers.

“The new S80 is entering an immensely tough segment where the competition is razor-sharp and the customers have very high expectations,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.  “We are now challenging the best in the segment with a very special car. It radiates what we call ‘Scandinavian luxury,’ clean and elegant lines and intelligent functionality where every single detail has been designed with the user’s well-being in mind.”

For the new Volvo S80,  that “Scandinavian luxury will be expressed through a simple yet elegant design with technology that gives the user practical benefit or sheer enjoyment in every single detail. Furthermore, there is a sense of responsibility in the form of world-class safety and environmental care.

“The new S80 is about evolutionary design,” explains Steve Mattin, Volvo’s director of design. “All the shapes and materials represent a continuous development of our design language. On the outside, we have given the S80 a more youthful and dynamic stance. Inside, we have created an even more inviting atmosphere with refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology.”

The second-generation S80 will be the first sedan model available with the company’s compact, transversely-mounted V8 engine. With four catalytic converters and advanced electronics, this engine, which was first introduced in the 2006 Volvo XC90, is one of the cleanest eights on the market. The engine produces 311-horsepower and 325 ft.-lbs. of torque.

The new S80 will also offer a new, naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine, a unit so compact that it is about the same size as Volvo Cars’ existing 5-cylinder engines. It can be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission since the camshaft drive mechanism and the ancillaries have been relocated and partially integrated into the engine block itself.  The new in-line six has a displacement of 3.2 litres, producing 232 horsepower and 221 ft.-lbs. of torque.

The second generation of the largest Volvo sedan model will feature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment in Canada, regardless of engine choice. The new S80 can be equipped with an optional Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (Four-C) active chassis. Four-C, which was introduced in 2003 with the S60 R and V70 R, automatically adjusts chassis settings to better suit the current driving conditions.

For additional control, performance and safety, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) is fitted as standard equipment.

The new S80 will move the model further upmarket to compete with other European and Japanese luxury models. For the first time Volvo will make, for one of its sedans, the highly refined 4.4 litre 311 HP V8 powerplant . Another option will be an all new 3.2 litre in-line 6 cylinder engine. Although the new motor is almost the same size at the outgoing 5 cylinder model it will produce 232-horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 41-horsepower and 30 lb.-ft over the 5 cylinder unit.

In keeping with Vovlo’s reputation for safety, several new features will be added to the S80 including Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and brake support, active Bi-Xenon headlights that follow your steering direction to provide better visibility.

Hi-Tech goodies such as an advanced PCC (Personal Car Communicator) remote control unit will be available, featuring a number of new functions. A driver will be able to check the vehicle’s security status to determine if, for example, the car is still locked or whether the alarm has been activated. A heartbeat sensor will warn if someone is hiding inside the car.

Look for the 2007 Volvo S80 in showrooms this fall.