2007 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 is being further refined, with the sights firmly set on sharpening the sedan model's already sporty profile. We're making the S60 even sportier in every respect,” says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service “We've both spiced up the design and fine-tuned the chassis to create a car with even greater driving appeal.

volvo-s60

Specifications

Make: Array
Model: volvo-s60

2006 Hamann Mini

Specifications

Horsepower: 125@6000
Torque: 4500
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
[do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

When it comes to design, the front spoiler (option) has been redesigned to get a more pronounced and protruding contour at the bottom. On optional variants the entire front spoiler, including the sills and rear lower bumper, are colour coordinated with the car body. The boot lid can also be specified with a sporty new wing spoiler.

The Volvo S60 2007 model also gets a new grille with a larger and more pronounced Volvo emblem in the form of the classic but rejuvenated iron symbol.

The door mirrors feature integrated side indicators. At the same time, a practical new indicator function is being introduced: Press lightly on the lever and the indicator flashes three times.

Three new exterior colours – Electric Silver, Orinoco Blue and Maple Red – give increased freedom of choice, as do the three new aluminium wheels – Nodus (7x16 inches), Tucana (7.5x17 inches) and Eudora (8x18 inches).

Sportier interior with metal decor trim and twin-tone leather upholstery

The interior has a number of new features, including new Grid Aluminium metal decor panels. These panels are optional and have been designed to create a more three-dimensional impression and tactile feeling. On the column stalks, the air intake controls and the steering wheel, aluminium bright work has been added. The bright work is also included on the new three-spoke sports steering wheel in perforated leather (option).

To further enhance the sporty tone, the instrument panel can be optionally specified with the same type of watch-like instruments introduced in the new Volvo S80 and that were previously the exclusive preserve of Volvo’s sportiest model, the S60 R. Another new option is the interior rear-view mirror with built-in compass.

The range of upholstery has been renewed with a sporty leather upholstery option in two contrasting shades and textures topped with contrasting stitching.

Increased driving pleasure with advanced chassis

In order to highlight the car’s sporty nature out on the road, the standard chassis has been further developed in a number of areas. Firmer shock absorbers and springs front and rear increase the car’s torsional rigidity by about 25 percent. The anti-roll bars are also sturdier than before and the bushes are solid, which together promote a harmonious balance between reassuring road manners and supple ride comfort.

The further-developed chassis makes the S60 even sportier and more enjoyable to drive without compromising on comfort,” says Gerry Keaney.

Active Bi-Xenon Light – turning headlights

The Volvo S60 can also optionally be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon Light – the moving headlight beams that follow the curve of the road. A mini-processor is used to measure and analyse a number of parameters and optimise the beam pattern accordingly. The headlight beams can be turned up to 15 degrees in either direction, and can thus illuminate a longer stretch of road even in curves.

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Exterior

A new grille and front bumper lead the way in the Renaissance of changes to Volvo’s sportiest sedan. The available front spoiler has been redesigned for better aerodynamics and a more aggressive appearance. On optional variants, the front spoiler, side sills and rear lower bumper are color coordinated for a more integrated appearance. A rear wing spoiler is another new option.

Redesigned outside mirrors include integrated turn signals. For added convenience, these automatically flash three times with light pressure on the turn signal stalk. Active Bi-Xenon headlights are a new stand-alone option. A mini-processor gathers data to optimize the beam pattern. The headlight beams can be turned up to 15 degrees in either direction. Rounding out the exterior changes are new colors and aluminum alloy wheels.

In order to highlight the S60’s sporty driving character, the standard chassis has been further developed in a number of areas. Firmer front and rear shock absorbers and springs increase torsional rigidity by about 25 percent. Anti-roll bars are sturdier and supported by solid bushings. These changes work together to promote a harmonious balance between reassuring road manners and supple ride comfort.

More trim and more choice

Colour-matched side trim mouldings are now standard and boost the coordinated impression of the Volvo S60. The lower body line (sills, lower door trims and lower part of the bumpers) is black, but can be optionally specified in body colour.

The bumper corners feature decorative and practical protective mouldings. They are colour-matched as standard and can also be specified with a slim chrome-plated decorative moulding. The corner mouldings can easily be replaced in the event of damage.

Harmonized rear design

The Volvo S60 has become sportier at the rear too. The tail lamps have a more technically-inspired design with transparent glass and visible bulbs. The light pattern has also been changed.

“We have made it easier to recognise a Volvo from the rear in the dark,” explains Steve Harper. “At the same time, we have redesigned the bumper so it harmonises better with the boot’s sharply cut-off profile.”

The exhaust tailpipe too has been modified, with a high-gloss finish and proportions that better reflect the engine’s power. The 2.0T, 2.5T and T5 models feature chrome-plated tailpipes. In parallel, the cutout in the bumper skirt has been integrated more smoothly than before.

Bolder front with new headlamps

The front is entirely new, with a more distinct nose with rounder contours. The grille is larger and set somewhat lower to give a more dynamic stance. The grille in the S60 is black, as is the lower air intake, setting the sedan apart from the V and XC models. The dark headlamp surrounds and the round foglamps also help create a distinct profile.

The headlamps too are new, with clear lenses and high performance reflector design (for both the halogen and Bi-Xenon lamps). At the same time, Volvo has switched from glass to plastic, which is lighter and more resistant to stone-chip damage. It is also gentler on pedestrians in the event of a collision. Volvo’s traditional headlamp wipers have been replaced with high-pressure washers set into pop-up nozzles.

The windscreen wipers are of the latest type, featuring integrated flat blades. They have a more modern appearance and produce less wind noise than traditional wiper blades do. What is more, they apply more pressure on the windscreen, which improves wiper effectiveness.

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Interior

Volvo’s designers have focused hard on making the interior comfortable and inviting.

“We have spared no effort to ensure that the quality perception is the best imaginable,” says Steve Harper. “With homogeneous contours, natural materials, flexible functions and new trim alternatives, we aimed at reinforcing the feeling of Scandinavian design at its best.”

For example, the centre console – the car’s central control panel – has a slimmer design with a decorative surrounding frame in materials such as genuine walnut or authentic aluminium (light or dark). Even the panel’s dark-grey shade has been altered to provide better contrast with the controls and make them easier to use.

Smart tunnel console with the emphasis on versatility

The tunnel console is entirely new, with a more homogeneous design and far stiffer construction than before. This considerably boosts the aura of quality. An elegant roller shutter conceals an illuminated compartment for storage that also includes improved cupholders.

The armrest between the front seats is also entirely new.

“My design team and I are particularly proud of this,” comments Steve Harper. “It’s designed for what we consider to be the ultimate, multi-functional armrest. In fact we nicknamed it 'the American Dream'. It has a number of practical features – cupholders, trays and a storage compartment that can be utilised in a variety of ways.”

The rear armrest also has a new, more functional design with fixed cupholders and a higher-quality feel.

New generation of Volvo seats

A new generation of Volvo seats is now being introduced, offering improved seating comfort and more convenient adjustment. The seats have:

added vertical adjustment (+12 mm) – with a new “pump control”
simpler adjustment of seat angle – with yet another “pump control”
improved controls for lumbar support (require less force to turn)
slimmer head restraints, providing better visibility from the rear seat

SOVEREIGN HIDE – A NEW SOFT LEATHER UPHOLSTERY

Sovereign Hide has leather on all the seat surfaces and is made of the finest hide. 5% extra leather and seams with longer stitches create an exclusive effect. Sovereign Hide gives a high-class ambience of Scandinavian craftsmanship at its very best. An extra layer of 10 mm thick foam padding also makes the seat softer and more comfortable.

Sovereign Hide is available in three colours:

Linen White – with darker seams – is Volvo’s most exclusive upholstery ever. It is available in two combinations, with the interior in classic Oak or for attractive contrast in Off-Black.
Off-Black – with light-grey seams – for a sportier touch
Oak/Arena – gives a more classically elegant impression

NORDBORG – A DYNAMIC COMBINATION OF LEATHER AND RUBBER-LIKE TEXTILE

Nordborg is a sporty new upholstery made of rubbery fabric with leather trim. Some surfaces are upholstered in vinyl of high quality, with a printed, leather-like pattern. Nordborg is available in three colours:

Grey
Arena
Light Sand

Accessory Sports Concept

With the new design package – Accessory Sports Concept – the S60 owner can give the car an extra-sporty feel. The package features:

Body kit
Rear spoiler
8x18" aluminium wheels
Sports steering wheel
Sporty textile floor mats
Sporty gearknob and gearchange gate

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Safety

At the start of the year, Volvo Cars presented four new safety systems that will be launched in the company’s car models over the forthcoming period. One of them was BLIS – Blind Spot Information System – which was unveiled on the Volvo stand at the Detroit motor show.

“BLIS is now ready to be demonstrated in roadgoing cars,” says Lex Kerssemakers,
Vice President, Global Marketing.

In addition to BLIS, Volvo Cars is also launching water-repellent glass for side windows and door mirrors – along with a simple and dependable method for switching off the front passenger airbag in Volvo cars.

Despite large window panels and effective door mirrors, there is always the risk of offset rear blind spots while driving. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially when changing lanes or overtaking.

In order to improve safety in such situations, Volvo Cars started fitting wide-angle door mirrors for the driver’s side already back in 1979 – the first car maker to do so. Now the company is taking visibility one step further with a camera-based monitoring system that keeps a watchful eye on the area alongside and offset rear behind the car.

When another vehicle enters this zone, a warning lamp comes on beside the appropriate door mirror. The driver is thus given an indication that there is another vehicle very close to his or her own. The system alerts the driver both to cars approaching from behind and cars that have currently been overtaken. This information gives the driver added scope for making the right decisions in such situations.

The production of BLIS will start in the end of 2004.

The technology behind BLIS

A digital camera is installed on each door mirror and it takes 25 pictures each second. By comparing the pictures taken, the system can register when a vehicle is moving within the BLIS zone, which measures 9.5 metres long by 3 metres wide on either side of the car.

The system is programmed to identify cars as well as motorcycles, in daylight as well as at night. Since BLIS is camera-based, however, it has the same limitations as the human eye does. This means the system will not function in conditions of poor visibility, for instance in fog or flying snow. In such a case, the driver receives a message that BLIS is not in action. It is also configured not to react to parked cars, road barriers, lampposts and other static objects.

The system is active at all speeds above 10 km/h. It reacts to vehicles that are driven a maximum of 20 km/h slower and a maximum of 70 km/h faster than the car itself.

BLIS can be switched off via a button in the centre console.

WRG – Water Repellent Glass

In order to improve safety when driving in the rain, Volvo Cars is launching WRG
– Water Repellent Glass – for door mirrors and front side windows. WRG prevents rainwater from obstructing visibility.

On the windows, the water gathers as pearls of moisture which blow away easily by
the wind speed, leaving a dry glass panel with unobstructed visibility. Since it is more difficult for dirt to fasten on dry surfaces, it is also easier to keep the windows clean and free of ice. WRG treatment requires that the windows be laminated.

On the door mirrors, a different method is used. Here, the water is distributed evenly across the entire glass surface so that it is possible to see through the water. In certain weather conditions, the function can be speeded up if the mirror heater elements are activated.

The water repellent function has been created through special treatment of the glass. On the side windows, the treatment must be renewed after about three years and then every year after that in order to ensure full effect. The door mirrors do not need to be re-treated since they are not as exposed to wear and tear.

PACOS – Passenger Airbag Cut-Off Switch

The findings of Volvo’s safety research are clear:

Children should ride in the rear seat
The safety equipment that is used should be tailored to suit the child’s size
Small children should travel in a rear-facing child seat, preferably in the rear of the car
If a child is placed in the front seat, it is essential that the car is not fitted with a front passenger airbag, or that this airbag is disconnected.

Now it is possible for the Volvo owner to disconnect the front passenger airbag using the ignition key. The lock is integrated into the end of the instrument panel. Disconnection is confirmed by a physical marker on the lock itself and with a text that appears in the interior rear-view display.

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Engine

“Now we can offer our customers more of driving pleasure as well as ride comfort,” says Hans Folkesson, Senior Vice President, Research and Development. “For instance, the sporty T5 models get a more efficient turbo engine. What is more, we can offer an active chassis on the standard versions of the S60, V70 and XC70. Previously, this was only available on the Volvo S80 and the advanced R-models.

More efficient T5 engine

The turbocharged engine for the sporty T5 models has undergone further development to meet tougher new emissions requirements (Euro4 and LEV2/EVAP2). At the same time, these improvements have made it possible to get more power out of the engine. The expertise gained from the development of the advanced R-models has played a highly significant role.

Power output has been increased by ten horsepower from 250 to 260 bhp. Torque, previously 330 Nm, has now risen to 350 Nm.

The main benefit of the performance boost comes in the form of immensely enhanced torque at low engine revs. Even from as little as 1800 rpm, there is no less than 305 Nm on tap as against the previous 240 Nm. This translates into faster throttle response, safer overtaking and sportier road manners.

The improvements have been achieved with a variety of means. For instance, the engine has variable inlet valve timing too, instead of only variable exhaust valve timing as before. What is more, cylinder displacement has increased from 2.3 to 2.4 litres. And last but by no means least, the engine now has a new turbocharger – taken straight from the R-models.

The result is a highly competitive and potent combination of high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions.

Rapid acceleration with six-speed transmission

The T5 engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic.

The manual M66 gearbox comes from the Volvo S60 R/V70 R, but it has been reworked for front-wheel drive in the T5 model. This gearbox has been developed and built specially to handle high torque levels, up to 400 Nm.

The Volvo S60 T5 with M66 gearbox is a very sporty combination with the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

In automatic T5 cars, the electronic control systems have been modified to provide faster communication between engine and transmission – and a more immediate reduction in
engine torque prior to gearchanges. This promotes faster gearchanges and a sportier driving experience.

For detailed driveline information, see the enclosed technical specifications for each Volvo model.

Larger brake discs at the front

In order to match the car’s high performance, the Volvo S60 T5 features larger brake discs and larger callipers at the front (on EU-market cars). Disc diameter has increased from 286 to 316 mm.

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Chassis

The active chassis was first launched in the advanced four-wheel drive Volvo S60 R and V70 R. It was then modified to suit the front-wheel driven Volvo S80 which puts the emphasis more on comfort. Now the range is being broadened still further, with the system becoming available as an option on the rest of the S60, V70 and XC70 models.

“With the active chassis, we can get more out of the car,” says Hans Folkesson. “The technology provides better driving properties in all situations – both safer and more entertaining.”

The chassis setting adapts automatically to suit the current driving situation, which considerably improves both handling and ride comfort – in one and the same car. If the driver is more active when steering, accelerating or braking, the system responds at lightning speed to increase damping force and thus control the car body’s movements.
In more sedate progress, damping action is much less frequent in order to better isolate the car’s occupants from irregularities in the road surface. This approach combines the best of two worlds – maximum control and thus safety, and at the same time the best possible comfort.

Second-generation FOUR-C

The active chassis is based on Volvo’s FOUR-C technology in combination with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). This is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the shock absorbers are reset to suit the current situation.

“What we are now unveiling is the second-generation FOUR-C,” says Hans Folkesson. “During the process of tailoring the technology to suit the S60, V70 and XC70 models, we improved both the hardware and the software, gaining smoother damping control in the bargain. This makes for a more harmonious experience for driver and passengers alike.”

FOUR-C adjusts chassis settings to suit the car’s speed. The faster the car is travelling, the greater the damping. This makes the car easy to control even at high speeds. This technology also reduces the car body’s tendency to kneel at the front, squat at the rear or roll sideways during hard braking, sudden acceleration or fast avoidance manoeuvres respectively.

Two choices

All models fitted with an active chassis feature two alternative chassis settings (three in the R-models). At the touch of a button, the driver can alter the car’s driving behaviour to suit personal preferences.

SPORT gives more controlled body movements, faster steering response and more road contact.

COMFORT gives a suppler, more comfortable ride with calm, harmonious body movement.

In an emergency situation, however, the setting selected makes no difference – FOUR-C is programmed to always help the driver out of the situation by automatically stabilising the car.

Modified chassis properties

The active chassis gives the car better driving properties in all situations. The car is more stable and consistent in its behaviour and response. “Everyone in the family benefits from the active chassis,” says Hans Folkesson. “The car is both safer and more comfortable to ride in.”

The advanced FOUR-C technology has also made it possible to modify chassis properties to suit each respective car model.

In the Volvo S60, the chassis has a stiffer setting in Sports mode to provide enhanced road feedback and sportier driving properties. At the same time, the Comfort setting provides greater comfort than the standard chassis can offer.
The Volvo V70, the family car of choice, has been tailored to provide high ride comfort while at the same time retaining its excellent ride and roadholding properties when the car is loaded. In Sports mode, the car offers a firmer and livelier ride.
The Volvo XC70 crossover model with active chassis has become stiffer and firmer, with increased steering feel and enhanced road feedback. The car is easier to control and more comfortable to ride in on both good and poor road surfaces.

Parking assistance at the front too

As before, Volvo cars can be equipped with a Park Assist system. Sensors in the rear bumper alert the driver when the car is too close to an object at the rear. This makes the driver’s job easier when parking in congested areas. The function is now fully integrated in the car’s electronic system, making it possible to install parking assistance in the front bumpers as well. This is an entirely new feature in the Volvo range.
PARK ASSISTANCE REAR is available as: