2010 Volvo S80 Makes U.S. Debut at New York Auto Show Elegant Refinements E
04/08/2009
Volvo
What does Volvo do for an encore when it already has a superlative entry in the premium luxury sedan arena? It adds even more elegance and luxury to the flagship S80 for 2010. The enhancements are designed to make the S80 an even stronger contender in an increasingly competitive class.
"Customers in this segment are often very brand loyal," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell. "In order to appear on the radar of customers currently driving competitor cars we have to offer something that is truly extra. We do this by offering exclusiveness, comfort and driving properties of absolute top level."
Volvo Cars design director, Steve Mattin, and his team, have enhanced the exterior's charisma with a number of modifications that give the S80 greater road presence. Up front, a new grille wears a larger Volvo iron mark, part of the elevated Volvo design DNA that graces the newest members of the family, including the recently introduced XC60 small premium crossover. Bright trim has been applied to the S80's lower front air intakes, side skirts and beneath the rear combination lamps for increased radiance.
Inside the sumptuously appointed cabin the emphasis is on rewarding the driver and passengers with advanced levels of comfort and luxury. The soft, leather-trimmed seats with matching stitching are accompanied by door panels echoing the same motif. Volvo's signature super-slim floating center stack is upgraded on the S80 with a silk metal frame finish that enhances its exclusive appeal.
Instrumentation includes standard aluminum dials surrounding the gauges. A new steering wheel gains decor trim with silk metal finish on its four spokes, matching the newly added trim on the gear selector and around the starter button.
Volvo engineers have enhanced the S80's ride and handling dynamics to deliver greater driving pleasure. Models equipped with the new sports chassis offer crisper response via shorter and firmer springs, enhanced shock damping ability, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings. Those fitted with the standard chassis now offer a smoother ride via somewhat softer springs and less damping. Thus long-distance ride comfort comes closer to limousine quality, especially apparent to those riding in the back seat.
The S80's model lineup continues unchanged with the normally aspirated S80 3.2, the turbocharged S80 T6 AWD fitted with Volvo's renowned all-wheel drive with Instant TractionTM and the top-flight S80 V8 AWD - the first and only Volvo sedan equipped with a powerful yet remarkable and highly efficient V8 engine.
Based on the S80's compact 3.2-liter 235-horsepower inline-6 cylinder engine, the T6 version has a displacement of 3.0 liters, producing 281 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 1,500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in remarkably quick acceleration and smooth drivability. Volvo's first V8-powered sedan continues to put out a normally aspirated 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of toque. All S80s feature a standard six-speed "Geartronic" transmission.
Volvo's unswerving commitment to providing the utmost in passenger safety is something else that hasn't changed. The S80 is designed to be one of the safest cars in its class with a sophisticated network of interacting safety systems. Innovations include a side airbag with dual chamber construction for enhanced hip and chest protection. Clever structural design employs four different grades of steel for predictable crash energy absorption. The S80 also features the next generation of WHIPS rear impact protection.
"I would like to give those who know about the Volvo S80 but who have never driven one, a sound piece of advice," says Odell. "Take a closer look at this car and take it out for a thorough test drive. You'll be amazed at what we have achieved."
Pricing for the 2010 Volvo S80 will be released closer to its introduction date in the second half of 2009.