2009 Volvo XC60

Press release

Here are the first pictures of one of this year’s most exciting new car models - the new Volvo XC60! "It’s not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it’s also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?" says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva on March 4 and the first cars will reach dealers in Europe in autumn 2008.

Volvo Cars’ new crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world’s toughest and fastest-growing segment, boasting an exciting mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, capable XC muscles are pumped up, creating a strong athletic body mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up above, the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We’re elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you’d recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60 model’s special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision," says Fredrik Arp.

The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

"One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car. It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we’re widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle," explains Fredrik Arp.

Equal volumes to Europe and North America

The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 hp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.

"During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 rating of around 170 g/km," reveals Fredrik Arp.

The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.

The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.

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Exterior

Characteristic XC design

Volvo XC60 has a characteristic XC design language, with a blend of passenger- and coupe-like car shapes - including a touch of well-known Volvo design elements. The formula-drive stance, with big wheels "in the corners", lifted visual platform and a very high waistline - all contribute to a sturdy and robust impression. The V-shape design, i.e. front spoiler, LED lamps, bonnet, goes all the way to the rear.

The rear design is characterised by the tail lamps with micro optics and LED technique. The lamps, distributing light in a special way, give a characteristic "Volvo" design impression.

13 exterior colours

There are 13 colours available for the Volvo XC60:

• Black Stone
• Ice White
• Silver Metallic
• Black Sapphire Metallic
• Barents Blue Pearl
• Electric Silver Metallic
• Maple Red Pearl
• Orinoco Blue Pearl
• Cosmic White Metallic
• Chameleon Blue Pearl
• Savile Grey Pearl
• Lime Grass Green Pearl (new)
• Terra Bronze Pearl (new)

Integrated roof rails

The roof rails provide a solid and tight impression. They are available in two versions - Charcoal (standard) or Silk-Metal - and built into the car at the factory.

Exterior styling accessories

The following accessories are provided to bring an extra dimension to the car’s sporty and dynamic appearance.

• Front bumper bars in matt aluminium
• Running boards
• Side scuff plates
• Rear bumper skid plate
• Achilles - 19" aluminium wheel

Body

Strong body structure

The advanced front structure consists of deformation zones of different grades of steel, each one with a certain role in a collision. The structure is designed to help providing increased protection in a frontal collision.

Side structures of different grades of steel and a number of tubes and members are all designed to "move" the body to the side, help reducing the risk of passenger compartment intrusion. Volvo’s Side Impact Protection System helps absorbing the forces in order to maintain an adequate space for the passengers.

Lower cross member

The front structure has been supplemented by a lower cross member that adapts the front to the height of a normal-sized passenger car. This enables the other car’s deformation zones to function as they were intended to provide protection for the car’s occupants.

News - panoramic roof

The panoramic roof is a new detail that replaces the traditional sunroof. It is divided into two sections and gives the interior an airy and fresh feeling. The roof glass is tinted and laminated.

Laminated glass contributes to increased security

Laminated glass can be chosen in all of the car’s windows to make break-in considerably more difficult.

Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS)

Roll Stability Control is an active function that intervenes in situations when the car is exposed to forces that could cause it to roll over. The function helps stabilise the car and reduces the risk of rolling over in an accident.

If a rollover accident should occur the Roll-Over Protection System helps to protect the passengers. An inclination sensor included in the Roll Stability Control continuously reads the cars roll rate. If threshold values are exceeded, the system takes action by for example deploying the inflatable Curtains. The Roll-Over Protection System is a complex system that includes the body’s safety structure as well as the SRS components.

Interior

The interior is driver oriented and designed to create a dynamic feel. The lines on panels and surfaces connect different interior panels with each other to create a harmonious style with "loops." Thick and thin lines contribute to the XC profile.

The characteristic and floating centre console gives a dynamic and sporty impression. The centre console is slightly angled towards the driver to enhance the driver dynamics. The visual "X" in the seats and backrests enhances the dynamic appearance.

Practical loading area

The loading area has a lockable load floor covering two storage areas, one for personal items and another for soiled or wet items. The load cover extends over the entire loading area. The rear door prevents the floor hatch from being opened when the car is closed and locked.

Three interior levels

The following interior levels are available for the Volvo XC60:

• Full textile - a combination of two different textiles and available in Off-Black or Soft Beige.
• T-Tec and textile - available in Anthracite Black/Off-Black or Soft Beige/Mocca.
• Leather in Off-Black or Soft Beige - offered with the accent colours Lemon Green/Off-Black or Soft Beige/Espresso Brown.

Two wood inlays

Two different wood inlays are available: Classic Wood and Nordic Light Oak. The standard base theme is called Charcoal, and another inlay theme is called Brushed Aluminium.

Power tailgate

The optional power tailgate can be opened automatically in three ways - via the remote control, by a button in the light panel or by opening the tailgate with the handle. The automatic opening feature is very convenient if you approach the car loaded down with shopping bags.

Three-section rear seat

The three-split (40/20/40) rear seat and backrest offer two separate seats with an armrest in the middle, or three seats with safety belts for each occupant. The seat cushions are fixed and the backrest(s) can be individually folded.

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 Driveline

Six-cylinder turbo - and two turbo diesels

The new XC60 will initially be available with the six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower and two five-cylinder turbodiesels: the D5 producing 185 and the 2.4D with 163 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants.

"Owing to its compact dimensions - the XC60 is 20 cm shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90 - it continues our range of slimmed-down car models with high energy efficiency. During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 175 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km," reveals Fredrik Arp.

The chassis setting is aggressively sporty without losing anything in terms of comfort. Sitting behind the wheel of the new XC60 is in other words more of a driving experience, while the larger Volvo XC90 focuses more on providing a ride experience.

Six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic

The compact, six-speed automatic transmission has been engineered to handle the high torques developed by engines such as the T6 and the powerful D5 diesel engine. Geartronic enables the automatic transmission to be used as a manual gearbox as well.

Six-speed manual transmission

The manual six-speed gearbox provides good tractive power in each gear in order to combine rapid acceleration with high top speed.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced stability

All Wheel Drive is an electronically controlled system that distributes engine power between the front and rear wheels quickly and automatically, depending on which wheel pair (front or rear wheels) has the best grip at the moment. The system helps enhance stability and reduces under/over steering, and contributes to increased driver control and a comfortable ride.

The system is equipped with PreTension® which improves take-off speed and delivers higher traction on slippery surfaces.

Chassis

Trailer Stability Assist is intended for stabilising the car and trailer. The system detects if the trailer starts "snaking"; a phenomenon that may occur at certain speeds depending on the mass of the trailer and how it is loaded. If Trailer Stability Assist senses snaking tendencies, it brakes the car’s individual wheels to counteract the oscillation. Trailer Stability Assist is activated at speeds between 60 and 160 kph.

Further developed Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)

Volvo’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system has been further developed and registers the car’s roll rate continuously, giving the opportunity to detect slowly built up skids at an early stage. Generally, the system helps stabilise the car in evasive manoeuvres, particularly when the car is exposed to high lateral forces.

Hill Descent Control (HDC) for steep inclines

Hill Descent Control controls the car’s speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. The Hill Descent Control function makes it possible for the driver to focus completely on driving when descending steep hills. The driver can control the speed with the brake pedal or the accelerator when Hill Descent Control is activated.

Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (FOUR-C)

Volvo’s FOUR-C function monitor’s the chassis’ movements and makes it possible to choose a chassis setting that suits a certain driving style. The driver can choose between three settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.

Speed-dependent power steering contributes to easier steering

The Volvo XC60 is equipped with speed dependent and progressive power steering to make steering easier at low speeds. One of three steering force levels can be selected to suit different drivers and driving conditions.

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Comfort and sporty all-road ability

With the new Volvo XC60, Volvo Cars takes yet another step in offering cars that are fun to drive yet comfortable to ride in. The compact format and the precise road attributes mean the new Volvo XC60 can make its way equally elegantly both on city tarmac and along country lanes.

"The new Volvo XC60 is designed for customers who impose high demands on the driving experience. Irrespective of whether the car is used in the city, on the motorway or to negotiate tight curves in country lanes. That is why we have focused on finding exactly the right balance between sportiness and comfort, for the chassis and for the car as a whole," says Lars Blenwall, project director for the new Volvo XC60.

The new Volvo XC60 is sturdily built to handle all operating conditions. The body has extra torsional rigidity (20 kNm/deg) and the sporty chassis setup means the car is precisely controlled and minimises roll tendencies even in demanding driving situations. Weight is optimally distributed between the front and rear axles, which contributes to good balance and traction. The transversely installed engine and Volvo’s All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM from Haldex reinforce the control and smoothness.

Large 17- or 18-inch wheels as standard (19 inches optional) and 230 mm of ground clearance mean the Volvo XC60 is capable of making its way in terrain that is impossible for a conventional passenger car. The rear suspension ensures good comfort and road contact even when the going gets rough. The McPherson front suspension and broad track also contribute to excellent directional stability.

"The car handles sharply and behaves exactly as you would expect whatever the situation. It promotes a feeling of safety and control. But also of relaxed comfort," comments Lars Blenwall.

The Volvo XC60 offers a very high level of active safety. Apart from Volvo’s All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM there is a further developed stability-enhancement function, DSTC, which is fitted as standard. In addition there is a wide range of optional functions, including the all-new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) which offers unbeatable control when towing a trailer.

The braking system in the Volvo XC60 is based on the system used in the Volvo XC90. The powerful brakes in combination with the lower weight of the smaller car means that braking performance is very good indeed.

Engine performance too is of the highest level. At introduction, the Volvo XC60 will be available with a turbocharged 3-litre high-efficiency in-line six producing 285 hp/400 Nm, as well as two powerful and economical 5-cylinder diesel engines.

During 2009, a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 175 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km, will follow.

Four-wheel drive for perfect grip

The Volvo XC60 is equipped as standard with Volvo’s All Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM to guarantee the best possible road grip whatever the situation. With the help of an electronically controlled clutch, the AWD system automatically distributes drive between the front and rear wheels. The Instant Traction function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels at lightning speed, for instance when starting from standstill on slippery or loose surfaces.

Further developed DSTC function

Volvo’s DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) function has been further developed in the new Volvo XC60 in order to help providing even more stable driving. DSTC registers deviations between the driver’s intended direction and the car’s actual direction. As a complement, the further developed DSTC function registers the car’s roll rate as well, giving the opportunity to detect slowly built-up skids. This may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal while steering, for instance when leaving a highway slightly too late. By measuring the roll rate, the DSTC function is able to start the regulation at an earlier stage - and with greater precision. This is highly noticeable in dynamic driving where the car is exposed to high lateral forces.

New Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) offers improved control when towing a trailer

The purpose of the new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) function is to dampen the oscillation tendencies that can arise when towing a trailer or caravan. In certain conditions, the rig runs the risk of swaying from side to side or "snaking" and it can be difficult for the driver to control this movement. TSA steps in and together with the further developed DSTC function helps stabilise the car and trailer by braking one or more wheels as necessary while at the same time reducing the engine’s torque. TSA operates on all road surfaces and can be specified as a separate active-safety option when purchasing a tow-bar.

RSC helps prevent roll-overs

The XC60 is also equipped with Roll Stability Control (RSC) as standard. RSC is an active stability-enhancement system. If the system assesses that there is a considerable risk of a roll-over, the engine’s torque is reduced and some braking power is directed to one or more wheels to help counter any tendency to roll over.

HDC gives added control downhill

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is Volvo’s sophisticated technology for assisting slow progress in first gear when driving on steep gradients, and it is available as an option on the new Volvo XC60. Using the car’s braking system and engine torque, HDC controls the car’s speed and maintains a steady crawling speed. This leaves the driver free to focus solely on steering safely. HDC is activated via a button on the instrument panel. The driver can at any time take over by pressing either the accelerator or brake pedal. Once another gear is selected, HDC is automatically disengaged. All changes take place smoothly and gently.

Active chassis with Four-C and three distinct characteristics

The Four-C option makes the Volvo XC60 extra comfortable. Especially on somewhat poorer roads. Volvo’s Four-C is an advanced, self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour. The dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving conditions in mere fractions of a second. The three chassis settings, Comfort, Advanced and Sport, allow the driver to adapt the chassis to suit road conditions at the touch of a button.

Three-level speed-sensitive power steering

Speed-dependent power steering is an option on the new Volvo XC60. The system allocates more servo assistance at lower speeds, for instance to make steering easier when parking. Servo assistance is reduced as speed rises in order to give the driver the most optimal road feel. The level of servo assistance can be adjusted via a menu in the car’s information system to comply with the individual wishes of the customer. There are three levels to choose between.

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City Safety

The new Volvo XC60 is being launched with City Safety - Volvo Cars’ in-house developed unique technology for avoiding low-speed collisions in city traffic and tailbacks. City Safety in combination with the recently introduced Collision Warning with Auto Brake means that Volvo Cars can now offer functions for auto-braking at all speeds.

Surveys indicate that 75 percent of all reported collisions take place at speeds of up to 30 km/h. In 50 percent of all rear end collisions the driver has not braked at all before the collision, mainly due to distraction. In these cases, City Safety could make a crucial difference. City Safety brakes the car automatically if the driver is about to drive into the vehicle in front. A collision can either thus be entirely avoided or if this is not possible, damage to cars and personal injuries can be reduced.

"City Safety is yet another example of Volvo’s ambition to tackle real-life traffic situations when developing solutions aimed at preventing accidents. It feels particularly satisfying that we can also offer City Safety as standard in the new Volvo XC60," says Jonas Ekmark, manager of Preventive Safety at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

Benefits everyone

A Volvo equipped with City Safety offers a range of benefits both to its occupants and to the occupants of the vehicle in front:

• Protection of the occupants in the own car: Colliding with a vehicle in front of you can be both a physically harmful and an emotionally unpleasant experience. By reducing the speed prior to the impact, City Safety limits the injury risks for the occupants in the rear-ending car as well. Or even eliminates them completely if the car manages to stop before colliding.
•  * Protection of the occupants in the vehicle in front: The best protection for all involved is of course to avoid the accident in the first place and with City Safety this is often possible. However, in those cases where an accident cannot be avoided, City Safety helps reduce the force of the collision. The result is that the occupants of the vehicle in front suffer a less serious impact and may in fact entirely escape consequences such as whiplash injuries.
•  * Reduced owner costs: Even the lowest speeds and smallest bumps can result in significant costs and take time to put right. City Safety helps the owner reduce time-consuming contacts with the workshop and insurance company. What is more, Volvo is currently involved in a dialogue with the insurance companies regarding lower insurance premiums for cars equipped with City Safety, with confirmed reductions of between 15 and 30%.

Active at speeds of up to 30 km/h

City Safety is active at speeds of up to 30 km/h. If the vehicle in front brakes suddenly and City Safety determines that a collision is likely, the brakes are pre-charged. If the driver remains inactive, the car applies the brakes automatically. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 15 km/h then City Safety may help the driver entirely avoid the collision. Between 15 and 30 km/h the focus is on reducing speed as much as possible prior to the impact.

Laser sensor monitors traffic in front

City Safety keeps an eye on traffic in front with the help of a laser sensor that is integrated into the top of the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror. It can detect vehicles and other objects up to 10 metres in front of the car’s front bumper.

City Safety is developed to react to vehicles in front that are either at a standstill or are moving in the same direction as the car itself.

Based on the gap to the vehicle in front and the car’s own speed, the system makes 50 calculations a second to determine what braking force would be needed to avoid a collision. If the calculated braking force exceeds a certain level without the driver responding, the system determines that the risk of a collision is imminent.

City Safety helps either avoid or reduce the severity of the collision by automatically braking the car and reducing the throttle opening. At the same time, the brake lights are activated to warn other traffic.

Certain limitations

City Safety works equally well during the day and night. However, the laser sensor has the same limitations as all optical technologies in that the detection capacity can be limited by fog, snow or heavy rain. It is therefore necessary to keep the windscreen free of dirt, ice or snow. The sensor is covered by the windscreen wipers, but the driver should pay extra attention to keeping the sensor area clean at all times.

"It is important to underline that City Safety does not relieve the driver of the responsibility for maintaining a safe distance to avoid a collision. The automatic braking function does not react until it considers that a collision is imminent. City Safety will help reduce the consequences or completely avoid an imminent collision," says Jonas Ekmark.

New function controls the restraint system in a collision

In order to further boost safety and help reduce the risk of injuries, the laser sensor interacts with other on-board technology and controls the airbags and adaptive seat belt load limiters to suit the severity of the collision. This technology is known as Pre-Prepared Restraints (PRS) and is being introduced together with the new Volvo XC60. PRS forges a unique link between preventive systems (sensors) and protective safety systems. In case of a collision, the Restraint Control Module controls the deployment of the protective restraint systems. With the additional information supplied by the laser sensor the Restraint Control Module controls the adaptive seat belt load limiter depending on the severity of the collision. The potential of the adaptive seat belt load limiter to reduce injuries can therefore be further utilized.

PRS is active at all speeds, unlike City Safety which only operates up to 30 km/h. PRS is activated by means of a pyrotechnical device in the adaptive seat belt load limiter. This means that City Safety can be activated without PRS being activated, if the collision severity is lower than the level required for PRS activation.

Another two new safety functions launched

Volvo Cars is extending its safety offering with two new functions that stabilise the car in critical situations.

Further developed DSTC function
 Volvo’s DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) function has been further developed in the new Volvo XC60 in order to provide even more stable driving. DSTC registers deviations between the driver’s intended direction and the car’s actual direction.

As a complement, the further developed DSTC function registers the car’s roll rate as well, giving the opportunity to detect slowly built-up skids. This may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal while steering, for instance when leaving a highway slightly too late. By measuring the roll rate, the DSTC function is able to start the regulation at an earlier stage - and with greater precision. This is highly noticeable in dynamic driving where the car is exposed to high lateral forces.

New Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) offers improved control when towing a trailer

 The purpose of the new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) function is to dampen the oscillation tendency that sometimes occurs when towing a trailer or caravan behind the car. In certain conditions, there is a risk that the rig might start snaking and it can be difficult for the driver to regain control once this occurs. TSA operates together with the further developed DSTC system to stabilise the rig by braking one or more wheels while at the same time restricting the engine’s torque. TSA is sold as a separate active safety function when purchasing a tow-bar.