May 7, 2012

The racing driver Boije Overbrink managed to register two world records for speed onboard Volvo Mean Green hybrid truck. Volvo Mean Green develops 2100 hp and 6780 Nm. Volvo Mean Green, the Swedish manufacturer hybrid truck, made two attempts at a world speed record, both completed successfully. Boije Ovebrink and Mean Green went on the Wendover Airfield track in Utah to perform in two separate tests of acceleration. Volvo Mean Green photo gallery Volvo Mean Green – the World Speed Record The first test, called “flying kilometer” relate to the maximum speed reached during a kilometer (0.62 miles) with a launched start, from a fixed point. In this test, the Volvo hybrid truck reached 236.577 km/h (147.022 mph). The second test is called “standing kilometer”, aimed at the maximum speed reached on a kilometer from a still starting point, where Volvo truck reached 153.252 km/h (95.226 mph). Both world speed record attempts were monitored by the United States Auto Club (USAC), an extension of Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The new world records must be validated and recognized by FIA, requiring between 30 and 60 days. Until then, Volvo can boast with two unofficial acceleration records, both made with a hybrid diesel-electric truck. The real...

May 4, 2012

Volvo tries to make the current XC90 a desirable model, despite its age. The recent 2012 Volvo XC90 Facelift refreshes aesthetically the Scandinavian SUV. Waiting for a new generation of Volvo XC90, the Swedes propose us a new facelift for the current model. This is a discrete revision, operated largely on the exterior, about which Volvo says that is the most complex from the initial launch of XC90. 2012 Volvo XC90 photo gallery 2012 Volvo XC90 Facelift The novelties operated on 2012 Volvo XC90 are not that many. We can only review the bumpers colored as the bodywork, the new bosses and the daytime running LED lights, also used on the taillights. For some versions, Volvo offers a silver bumper, chrome accents, frosted cases for mirrors and a set of 18 inch rims, named Thalia. At the interior, the Scandinavians have prepared for the 2012 Volvo XC90 facelift aluminum inserts, a white illumination for dashboard instrumentation and an accessory for roof attachment. Finally, the standard equipment list now include rain sensors and headlights wipers. On the higher equipment levels Platinum Plus and Premier we find Sovereign leather seats, red wood inserts on the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift knob and custom Executive side skirts. The sportier version, 2012 Volvo XC90 R-Design has new 19-inch...

Mar 13, 2012

Volvo presented at Geneva Motor Show 2012 the feared rival of any premium compact hatchback. The launch of the 2012 Volvo V40 comes with high hopes and new technologies from Sweden. A few years ago Volvo had a questioned fate, but now we see a beautiful rebirth. At the Geneva Motor Show 2012 we had the opportunity to meet one of the models that has the mission to carry forward the story of this beautiful Swedish brand: 2012 Volvo V40. Geneva Motor Show 2012 Live: 2012 Volvo V40 photo gallery 2012 Volvo V40 at Geneva Motor Show 2012 The 2012 Volvo V40 was “baptized” by the press a lot of times as V30 after some spy photos have hit the internet. Some considered this normal as this compact car was seen as the five-door brother of C30. Still, Swedish car’s final name was nothing less than V40. Launched in the same room where Audi unveiled the new 2012 A3 and Mercedes amazed us with the new 2012 A-Class, Volvo has the advantage of being seen as a challenger in this equation, and an eventual market success would bring an important image...

Jan 4, 2012

The Swedes presented today Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept, the eco version of the premium crossover. The propulsion assembly provides 350 horsepower and promises a consumption of only 2.3 litres/100 km (123 MPG UK, 102 MPG US). Volvo will exhibit at Detroit Auto Show 2012 (North American International Auto Show – NAIAS 2012) an innovative hybrid concept based on XC60. Named Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid, the concept comes powered by an assembly comprising a conventional gasoline engine and an electric one. Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept photo gallery Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept Engine & Specs The internal combustion unit, labeled VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture), has four-cylinder, direct injection and is capable of delivering 280 hp (208.8 Kw / 283.9 PS) and 380 Nm (280.24 lb/ft), whilst ensuring an efficiency of at least 35% compared with the same engine power. Resources are channeled to the front axle through a new 8-speed transmission, a first in the Volvo range. For the rear axle, Volvo has installed an electric engine of...

Dec 14, 2011

Volvo V60 D6 diesel-electric plug-in hybrid will make its debut in spring 2012. The model has a 2.4-liter diesel engine, 215 hp and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque and emits just 49 grams CO2 per kilometer (127.2 mpg US, 152.8 mpg UK). Volvo published the official details regarding their new V60 D6 plug-in hybrid and announced that the orders lists will open in spring next year. The model can be recharged from an electrical socket and emits only 49 grams of CO2 per kilometer (127.2 mpg US, 152.8 mpg UK) combined, although it is a mid-range sw. Volvo V60 D6 photo gallery Volvo V60 D6 Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Volvo V60 D6 has a 2.4-liter diesel engine and 215 horsepower that offers 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) for the front wheels, while the rear axle has an electric motor of 70 hp and 200 Nm (149 lb-ft), powered by a 11.2 kWh battery located under the trunk floor. The whole ensemble has a range of over 50 kilometers (32 miles) in 100% electric mode, which covers the needs of many drivers, according to the estimations made by Volvo. The driver has three driving modes...