In October 2011, four race competing teams under the Volvo->ke188 flag will embark on an eight-month-long adventure traveling around the world in some of the world's most treacherous seas. With such a dramatic event about to take place, it's no wonder Volvo is seizing the opportunity to offer a special edition Ocean Race Edition for four of its models: V60, V70->ke416, XC60->ke3026, and XC70->ke3036.

According to Lennart Stegland, President of the Special Vehicles division at Volvo Cars: "The cars in the Volvo Ocean Race Edition reflect all the values that our customers look for when they choose a car: an active lifestyle, adventure and passion, without compromising safety and environmental care."

"There are many features that in a very subtle way make you think about boats and sailing. The aluminum decor is designed in such a way that the pattern looks like a yacht harbour full of sailing boat masts. The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail-making. The aluminum detailing on the mats resembles clews. And the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's wave."

Hit the jump to read more about the Volvo Ocean Race Edition.

volvo-ocean-race-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: volvo-ocean-race-edition
Pros
Cons

2011 Volvo Ocean Race Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Volvo Ocean Race Edition
  • Horsepower: 203
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

All the models in the Ocean Race Edition will be offered with two luxurious exterior colors, Volvo Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, in conjunction with the sail-inspired leather upholstery in off-black and soft beige.

The models will also be distinguished by aluminum wheels, chromed detailing, and the Volvo Ocean Race emblem gleaming on the front fender. For the interior, the model will add textile floor mats with clew-inspired details in aluminum and the tread plate in aluminum embossed with the text "Volvo Ocean Race."

Engine

The new Race Edition models can be combined with any existing engine in the line-up, including the new four-cylinder 2.0T GTDi with 203 HP and 300 NM of torque; two new 1.6-liter GTDi engines, one with 150 HP and one with 180 HP; two five-cylinder turbodiesels consisting of a D5 with 205 HP and 420 Nm of torque and a D3 with 163 HP and 400 Nm of torque and also a new DRIVe diesel that delivers 115 HP and 270 Nm of torque.

Prices

The new Volvo Ocean Race editions will go on sale in June 2011 and there will be about 7,500 units offered. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

A very serious competitor for the Volvo V60 is the recently launched Saab 9-3 Griffin. The model will be offered with a choice of TTiD engines that deliver 130, 160, or 180 HP, but there will also be two new, more efficient petrol engines offered in 163 HP and 220 HP variants. Compared to the 9-3 model however, the new V60 features a more attractive design and a more luxurious interior, so it has quite an advantage over the Saab model.

The XC60, on the other hand, takes on models like the Acura RDX. The 2011 RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 240 HP at 6,000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and delivers 19/24/21 mpg on the RDX 2WD models and 17/22/19 mpg on the RDX SH-AWD ones.