Model Overview: 2011 Volvo S60
06/02/2010
Volvo
The all-new S60 T6 AWD is designed to move Volvo in a new direction - straight into the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts everywhere. As the sportiest Volvo ever, the S60 delivers breathtaking performance, superb driving dynamics and innovative technology. It also introduces significant advancements in safety systems, offers state-of-the-art luxury and debuts new infotainment solutions.
Emotionally charged styling sets the tone for the promise of a great drive. Often described as the "Volvo with an attitude," the all-new S60 stands out from the crowd with a revolutionary design that creates a strong sense of motion. The S60's profile radiates the look of a four-door coupe with a new twist. The slim roofline is accompanied by a distinctive contour on the shoulders of the lower body, creating a "double wave" that stretches from the headlights to the taillights.
When viewed from the front, the all-new S60 makes a powerful impression. The dramatically shaped grille flanked by V-shaped position lights sports a large Volvo iron mark. The S60's unmistakable profile is even visible in the dark. Volvo designers strategically applied LED technology to create distinctive yet fluid light streams front and rear. The front position lights, side marker lights, turn signal indicators mounted in the rearview mirrors and taillights use LEDs for increased visibility and nighttime drama.
Beauty continues beneath the S60's sinuous flanks with a standard 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is achieved from just 2,100 rpm and remains available throughout the rev range. As a testament to the powerplant's efficiency, this is the same torque output as the 4.4-liter V8 in other Volvo models.
The muscular engine is matched with a standard six-speed "Geartronic" transmission that offers completely automatic shifts or allows the driver to shift manually for an added sense of control. Also standard is Volvo's signature electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM for improved traction on wet, slippery or completely dry roads.
Driving dynamics have been fine-tuned on the all-new S60 with a choice of three unique designs. The standard Dynamic Chassis places the focus on optimizing control and agility without diluting the impression of a comfortable ride. Those who place the greatest emphasis on comfort can select the Touring Chassis, available as a no-charge option. The major difference between the two is in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Both offer exceptional ride and handling qualities, yet the Touring Chassis has been tuned to provide a smoother ride on poor road surfaces.
Volvo's FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis, available as an option, has been modified for improved control and comfort. The system employs sensors that continuously monitor the car's behavior and adjust the dampers in fractions of a second to suit the current driving situation. The driver can select from three different settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.
Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) has been refined with a suite of electronic systems to help optimize handling and control. Advanced Stability Control uses a roll angle sensor to detect and react to oversteer at an earlier stage and understeer in situations such as slip build-up. These situations may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator while steering, such as when leaving a highway slightly too late. It also improves handling in evasive maneuvers. DSTC gains a new Sport Mode setting to allow controlled rear wheel slip for performance driving.
Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring is another new technology to help improve handling by redistributing torque to the outer wheel to help "steer" the car around a turn. This feature operates on both the front and rear wheels since the S60 is equipped with AWD. Enthusiast drivers will immediately notice a significant reduction in understeer as the system seamlessly applies the appropriate amount of power to the outside tires.
Among the other driver assistance systems offered on the all-new S60 is the debut of Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This world-first technology actively helps the driver avoid accidents. Volvo's radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if anyone walks out into its path, then automatically activate the S60's full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time. The system can avoid a collision at speeds up to 22 mph. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact.
Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is part of the S60's optional Technology Package that also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with new Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The S60's standard safety systems include City Safety, another world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.
Volvo has equipped the S60's luxurious cabin with an all-new infotainment system. A new standard Driver Control Interface (DCI) manages information from the audio unit, navigation system (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a seven-inch high definition color monitor in the upper part of the center console. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit their needs. All functions can be operated by a thumb-activated rotator located on the right steering-wheel spoke or via buttons on the center control panel located below the screen.
A standard high-performance multi-media system includes a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, AUX and USB inputs, MP3 capability, 160-watt amplifier and eight speakers. Also included is Bluetooth hands-free phone interface with audio streaming and SiriusTM Satellite Radio with a complimentary six-month subscription.
Selecting the optional Multimedia Package nets the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II(R) Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier and 12 premium speakers. The package includes the Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, DVD map data and remote control, and a rear park assist camera.
The new S60 is one of two cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories' MultiEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theater markets, like IMAX. Included with the Premium Sound System, MultiEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin's acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage effects for everyone in the car.
Sport front and rear seating is standard on the S60, along with a sport leather steering wheel, leather seating surfaces and Shimmer Graphite aluminum inlays. Those who desire the warm look of wood can select the Urbane Wood inlays option. This veneer is made from real wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is certified by the Forest Steward Council. The wood is dyed and artfully layered together, creating a pattern inspired by the exotic grain of the African Zebrano, which is a threatened species.