Volvo cars

2013 Volvo XC40

Volvo is intensely testing their brand new XC40 - a new compact crossover built on the V40 architecture. The vehicle was just recently spotted in Norway during a photo shoot, but now our spy photographers have caught clearer images of the future crossover in Southern Europe. The XC40 has been prepped to be a direct competitor to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

As you can see in these images, this "brand new" XC40 is essentially a higher-riding version of the V40, so it will most likely adopt everything, from its design up to its engine line-up. This means that the XC40 will look exactly like the V40, expect for the obligatory tweaks here and there to make it look like a crossover. Under the hood, we will see the same engine line-up as in the V40, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol engine and a 2.0 liter engine with power ranging from 150 to 240 HP. Diesel fans will get a 155 HP engine. Volvo will also add an all-wheel-drive system to the new XC40 which will be available on high-grade models to improve the car’s off-road capabilities.

Expect to see the new Volvo XC40 launched in September at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. Sales will begin in early 2013.

Updated 07/23/2012: Today we have a very cool rendering for you of the upcoming XC40. We hope you like it!

2013 Volvo XC90

Volvo has brought onto the market the XC90 SUV back in 2003 and since then no major updates have been made. But for the 2013 model year the company has announced "the most significantly updated XC90 since its launch a decade ago."

For the 2013 model year the XC90 has received a bold new look along with an enhanced roster of standard features inside and out. Exterior changes include new body-color bumpers, side skirts and wheel arches and of course new LED daytime running lights for the R-Design models. The list of updates continues with a new bumper bar, silk matte mirrors and 18-inch "Thalia" alloy wheels. The interior gets sanded silver aluminum inlays, white instrumentation lighting and a leather strap on the tailgate.

No changes have been made under the hood though, as the American version gets the usual 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that delivers 240 HP and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2013 Volvo XC90 ha already been put on sale with pricing starting at $39,500.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Volvo XC90.

2012 Volvo XC60 Inscription

Do you remember the Volvo C70 Inscription unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show? Now Volvo has applied the same treatment to the XC60. The new XC60 Inscription will add an extra luxurious, personal touch to the dynamic XC capability and is now available for order, even though an official public debut won’t be made until late June at the 2012 Leipzig Auto Show.

Just like the C70, the new XC60 Inscription will be fully upholstered in fine semi-aniline quality leather and will add a charcoal headliner, special effect paint, and a new set of 20" wheels.

"Many consumers we talk to have very exclusive, individual tastes. The Inscription version is designed around their preferences, by offering the opportunity to give the XC60 a highly personal touch," says Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Corporation.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Volvo XC60 Inscription.

2013 Volvo V40

With just a few days before the car’s official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo has finally decided to reveal the official details on the new generation V40. The new V40 will be replacing two existing models - the S40 and the V50 - and will compete with models like the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series.

"The all-new V40 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The new five-door hatchback’s engine line-up starts with the brand’s very first diesel engine that boasts CO2 emissions of 94g/km. The lineup then extends to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254 HP and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

UPDATE 02/28/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the Volvo V40.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Volvo V40.

2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Volvo will come at the Detroit Auto Show with an innovative petrol plug-in hybrid: the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept that previews a production version vehicle set to be offered in both Europe and North America. The concept combines a 280 HP four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor producing 70 HP.

The concept offered three modes of operation: Pure, Hybrid or Power, with the Hybrid one offering a fuel economy of over 100 mpg. This system will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds

"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.

Volvo design chief sketches "modern-day" P1800 Coupe

There are few Volvos in this world that you can consider iconic cars, but if there ever was one, the old P1800 definitely tops that list. Unfortunately, the classic Swedish coupe has been lost in time, discontinued long ago with only memories serving proof of its existence.

This year, the P1800 is celebrating what would have been its 50th anniversary, and even if there’s no direct successor to the model, Volvo’s chief designer at its Monitoring and Concept Center, Chris Benjamin, has produced a visual sketch of what a modern-day P1800 could look like.

As a reminder of what-could-have-been, the "new" P1800 is certainly a car that would look pretty darn good in today’s world, but seeing as the Swedish company is currently in flux with drastic changes expected to be made in the coming months, there’s no telling if this sketch will even see the light of day - even as a concept.

Then again, the auto industry has proven time and again that you can never count out anything. If a modern-day P1800 is to be developed, we certainly wouldn’t hold back Volvo - and Geely, for that matter - from attempting to do so.

After all, it wasn’t that long ago when a couple of Korean brands were considered as mere afterthoughts. Now, Hyundai and Kia have become two of the biggest brands in the world.

So yeah, if there’s a model that deserves to have it’s silver anniversary celebrated, it’s the Volvo P1800. Cross your fingers that this "new-look" sketch comes to life in the near future.

2012 Volvo C70 Inscription

The 2011 SEMA Auto Show is over so now it’s time to focus on the next motor show of the month: the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show starting November 16th. Just a few days ago, Subaru announced the BRZ STI Concept’s scheduled appearance in California, and now Volvo has announced a special edition C70. Called the C70 Inscription, this new edition will be offered worldwide and will be limited to 2,000 units a year.

The new C70 Inscription will be offered in only three exterior colors: Black Stone (Solid), Black Sapphire (Metallic), and Ice White (Solid). It will be distinguished by 18-inch wheels painted in black with polished spokes and outer perimeter, a high-gloss paint on the grille, and LED Daytime Running Lights.

For the interior, the model will add an exclusive leather-covered dashboard with contrasting stitching and Sovereign Hide upholstery in Off Black or Calcite with the same contrasting stitching as on dashboard, handbrake lever, and carpets. A sporty feeling will be added with a new set of aluminum pedals, a steering wheel and gear shift knob with aluminum inlays. Because this is a special edition, it will also feature "Inscription" logos on the front headrests, carpets, and handbrake lever.

UPDATE 12/15/11: Volvo has officially released the pricing details for the C70 Inscription package. If you’re interested in getting one, you’re going to need to shell out $3,900 for the opportunity to have one put into your C70. Add that to the $40,450 cost of the car itself and you’re looking at a price of around $44,350.

2013 Volvo V30

A couple of years ago, it was rumored that Volvo would be expanding its 30 family with a new crossover version called the XC30. This may still be the case, but it looks like we’ll be getting another addition before the XC30 ever makes it to the table. These recent spy shots show a new V30 model that is being considered a 4 door version of the current C30. The vehicle was caught testing in Holland for its first time and, strangely enough, it was driving around in Amsterdam where it was seen at McDonalds during a break. Hey, the drivers need to eat too.

The XC30 prototype caught testing was wearing heavy camo, but you can easily notice that the front end is sleeker and more like the S60 then the current C30. Rear lights also look very sculptured.

As for the engine line-up, it is rumored that the V30 will be the first car to get Volvo’s new range of modular four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engines, but with capacities no bigger than 2.0 liter.

Expect the V30 to debut in late 2012 or early 2013 as a competitor for models like the Volkswagen Golf.

2011 Volvo Concept You

Earlier this year Volvo unveiled the Concept Universe that gave customers an inside look at what we can expect from Volvo’s next large sedan. Now, Volvo has brought the new Concept You to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show that refines the future of Volvo’s future model.

The new Concept You is powered by a four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels and is combined with the Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) fitted to the car’s rear axle. This system offers an additional 80 HP and also helps to improve fuel economy.

"Concept You gives a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan. The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Hit the jump to read more about the Volvo Concept You.

2011 Volvo S60 R-Design

While it’s probably a title that Volvo doesn’t want to get rid of, the car brand known for being one of the safest in the world is taking a step in a new direction with a pretty good aesthetic and performance upgrade for the S60.

Under its performance line, R-Design, the Swedish automaker gave their resident sedan a welcome change on both its looks and engine output. Together with the XC60 R-Design, the S60 R-Design made its debut at the New York Auto Show and is set to go on sale later this summer.

"The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.

"Along with styling and suspension features that set them apart from other versions, our two newest R-Design models will have a higher ’fun-to-drive’ quotient. I see that as a positive thing, and so will car buyers."

You don’t need to convince us that the S60 R-Design just became a more interesting flagship sedan. How that translates to sales will be another matter, but the early returns are looking very promising.

Details on the Volvo S60 R-Design after the jump.