Tuner HEICO SPORTIV has created a new tuning package for the facelift Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe. The tuner claims a strong base is already in place from the stock car which has eco-friendly technologies like stop/start with a brake-energy recovery system and a fuel consumption of only 3.9 litres per 100km.
“This is our basic starting point for proving that ecologically friendly action and the pleasure of driving don’t need to be mutually exclusive,” said general manager Holger Hedtke. He continued, “In doing so, aerodynamically optimised components such as the radiator grille or under-floor intentionally remain untouched.”
Power and torque increase from 109 bhp and 240Nm to 125 bhp and 280Nm respectively. The 0 - 100km/h sprint time is set at 9.2 seconds. HEICO SPORTIV claims theirs is 2.1 seconds quicker than the factory car. It also has a 200km/h top speed.
The car features some additions by the tuner on both interior and exterior. On the inside of the car these include aluminium or leather-covered handbrake, door pin set and gear lever grip.
The car’s exterior features a HEICO SPORTIV front spoiler, sport rims in 18 and 19-inch size in three colours, and a stainless steel double and quad pipe exhaust system. Performance enhancers include a differential lock and a sports suspension lowered by 30mm.
Volvo will introduce four new DRIVe models at the Geneva Motor Show in one week. The company began production of the fuel efficient, low emissions vehicles late last year following a successful introduction at the 2008 Paris Auto Show.
The DRIVe tag will now also be seen on the Volvo V70, S80, XC60, and XC70. It already appears on the C30, S40, and V50 models. The C30 DRIVe even managed to slip into the European Union’s cleanest band of vehicles by producing less than 105g CO2 per km.
Perhaps most impressive is Volvo’s ability to get the XC60 and XC70 crossover SUVs below 160g CO2/km. The DRIVe models use a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 175 hp and a spectacular 420Nm of torque. Gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy, but the torque increase helps keep a somewhat sporty feel, according to the company. Combined fuel economy is rated at 6.0 l/100 km for each vehicle, which corresponds to about 39 mpg (US). If that seems a little less impressive, then consider this: the current Volvo XC70 would get 6.2 l/100 (38 mpg US) if you only drove it on the highway.
Expect Volvo to reveal their fuel economy advances at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. All seven vehicles, including the new Volvo V70 DRIVe, S80 DRIVe, XC60 DRIVe, and XC70 DRIVe will be shown off on 3 March 2009.
As a preview for the tyling of the 2010 production model, Volvo revealed the Volvo S60 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show today.
Designers call the exterior design dynamic and full of character, and state that their inspiration came from Scandinavian design and the Swedish coastline. These influences are the reason behind the double-wave design that runs along the profile of the car.
Like any other Volvo, safety plays an important role in the design and functioning of the car. Volvo engineers have equipped the S60 Concept with several new systems such as Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection, a heads-up display warning system and an updated version of Adaptive Cruise Control.
Volvo will show this S60 Concept at the Auto Show in Detroit in January 2009. This is a show model of the car that will replace the current S60 in 2010. The concept car has officially been revealed by Volvo, ahead of Detroit, with this video.
Stephen Odell, President & CEO of Volvo cars, said, “The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you … that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car’s technology will help you to be a better and safer driver.”
Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin continues to say that “In forthcoming models, you will see more and more of our ‘racetrack’ design cues. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead forge a continuous flowing pattern inspired by the fast sweeps of the racing track. In the concept car, this is particularly visible at the rear.”
Ford is actively considering to sell Volvo, and says the review could be finished in a couple of months. For the time being, Volvo’s operations and activities will continue as planned.
Cash strapped Ford has announced plans that it intends to re-evaluate their relationship with Volvo, which in non-PR speak translates into a possible sale of the brand. If the company were to sell Volvo, it would mark the end of the last remaining member of the company’s once strong Premier Automotive Group which included Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Jaguar.
Given the downturn of the global economy and strong declines in sales, especially in the last three months, Ford considered the review of Volvo brand necessary. Ford’s CEO, Alan Mulally, stated that “Volvo is a strong global brand with a proud heritage of safety and environmental responsibility and has launched an aggressive plan to right-size its operations and improve its financial results. As we conduct this review, we are committed to making the best decision for both Ford and Volvo going forward.”
Volvo has been quite active lately. The car company currently features a fresh product lineup that includes the new XC60 and recent redesigns of the XC70, V70 and S80. The company is scheduled to show a new S60 concept at the North American International Auto Show and has also announced plans to introduce seven low-emission models in 2009. - Read the Press Release after the break -
- click picture to see the Volvo S60 teaser images -
The first S60 was a radical departure from previous Swedish bricks, and Volvo is looking to make another statement with its newest model along those same lines. Volvo’s shoulder-like design trademark will be slightly modernised with a “double wave” accent over each wheel instead of just a straight shot from front to rear. For the interior we see that the console gets a real crystal update, but we don’t think that will survive through to production. - Read the Press Release after the break -
The S80 Long Wheelbase aims to be a true flagship for the brand and enhance the perception of Volvo in China. In 2006 the Swedish car company started to build S40’s in China and after the success of that sedan, Volvo felt confident in promoting a strategy of local manufacture for the Chinese market.
The new sedan is a full 14 cm longer than a standard S80 and builds on Volvo’s commitment to safety and quality. It features larger more comfortable rear seats and boasts high levels of standard equipment. - read Volvo’s Press Release after the break -
- click picture for the Heico Sportiv XC60 gallery -
Dedicated Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv has turned its attention on the new XC60 with new upgrades for the compact crossover. The German-based firm’s exterior package is limited to the body colored bumpers and the addition of a front lip spoiler and a rear skirt that incorporates a new set of tailpipes. Also available for the XC60 are custom alloy wheels in different styles and sizes and a sport suspension kit that that brings the crossover 30mm closer to the ground.
Heico Spotiv has developed a new ECU for both diesel and petrol variants of the XC60. The reprogrammed ECU helps boost output of both the diesel units to 210HP, while the 285HP T6 turbocharged gasoline engine gains an extra 30HP for a total of 315HP.
Wouldn’t you be surprised if you found out you’re using a Volvo key to start the engine of your $120,000 V8 Vantage? While under the ownership of Ford, Aston Martin was able to use the Blue Oval’s parts bin to cut costs. Save for some switchgear and nav systems, only a few items were visible to the customer. Until now…
Edward Legge, general manager of Rio Prestige hire, was perhaps the first to find out when he received the damaged key-fob back from a client. The person borrowing the luxury GT somehow damaged the rich leather covering the fob, revealing a Volvo logo underneath. ‘Our reaction was amusement and slight horror. We all know they share parts, but you would have thought someone would have invested a tenner to rub the name off,’ he says.
Aston Martin is now owned by a consortium headed by Prodrive boss Dave Richards, but Ford still have a £40m stake in the company. The firm points out it is moving from old-tech keys to new ‘Emotion Control Units’, the glass-block keys you’ll find in a DBS.
Volvo has announced that it will give us our first taste of the next generation S60 saloon at the Detroit International Motor Show in January 2009 with the unveiling of the S60 Concept car. Although No exterior photos were revealed, the Swedish automaker did release a 3D impression of the concept car’s cabin. This will features a 1.6 meter (5.2 feet) long floating crystal center stack, which has been developed in cooperation with world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors.
While no other details were released, our sources say Volvo’s next generation mid-size sedan will be loosely based on the underpinnings of the new Ford Mondeo with the production version slated to hit showrooms in 2010.
