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2007 Volvo S80 Preview

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Khatir Soltani
Bold new S80 to Debut at Geneva Show

It's evolution time: this is Volvo's new S80 sedan and what a sight it is
The new Volvo S80: set to do what the original S80 did back in 1998. Again. (Photo: Volvo Cars Canada)
to behold! As with its two latest creations, the C30 Design Concept and the stunning folding hardtop C70 Convertible, the new S80, introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Auto Salon, is yet another vehicle set to change the face of the modern Volvo.

This latest interpretation of a full-size luxury sedan will be the vehicle to help Volvo get back on track in pursuit of a the premium high end segment, offering more appealing looks, new, highly advanced engines, a dynamic chassis, and, of course, true Volvo attributes, comfort and safety.

As you
The new S80 takes many of its styling cues from the very popular S40. (Photo: Volvo Cars Canada)
can clearly see in these photos, this latest sedan takes many of its styling cues from the very popular S40 sedan, particularly in its profile and proportions, mating them to the bold shape of the original S80. But, with so many new models on the way, the S80 strives to make an identity within the Volvo range and the premium market through a more aggressive nose treatment, with upwards-tweaked headlamps, while the styling of the rear end, such as the rear window and tail lamps retains the now famous 'coke-bottle' flow.

Inside,
Larger interior now has that great ultra-thin centre console from the S40. (Photo: Volvo Cars Canada)
Volvo continues to define true Scandinavian luxury through simplicity, soft curves, and warm tones paired with high quality materials. Yet, at the same time, this different perspective on luxury is very cool; it's impossible to ignore the wafer-thin centre console that houses the digital climate controls and the Dolby Pro-Logic II/Dynaudio surround sound system. As with the current car, the optional navigation system is housed in a pop-up screen, however, the new car will feature a 'Head Up Display' projected onto the windsheild, to help keep the driver's eyes on the road.

Like
Like the first S80, the new one achieves high standards for performance, safety and environmental friendliness. (Photo: Volvo Cars Canada)
the first S80 and the latest XC90 V8, high standards for performance, safety and environmental friendliness have pushed Volvo to evolve its powertrains, leading to the launch of a totally new engine lineup for the second-generation S80. The car will feature a total of four motors, a 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 185-hp, and a base 200-horsepower inline-five, both of which are exclusives for European markets. For North America, the range consists of the new Yamaha-designed 4.4-litre V8 engine for the top-of-the-line model, and an all-new 3.2-litre naturally aspirated inline-six for more economically minded luxury buyers.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada