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
to behold! As with its two latest creations, the C30 Design Concept and the stunning folding hardtop C70 Convertible, the S80 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 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,
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 center 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 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-liter 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-liter V8 engine for the top-of-the-line model, and an all-new 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six for more economically minded luxury buyers.
Though the inline-six in the first generation S80 was
dropped several years back, it returns 300 cc larger and with 232-horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Volvo has gone all-out with this engine, implementing variable valve timing, variable cam profile shifting and a variable-length intake manifold to improve performance and efficiency. All engines will drive through a six-speed automatic, and the latest version of Volvo's all-wheel drive system, which works in conjunction with Volvo's DTSC stability control system.
Seeing as the S80 is Volvo's flagship model, it is not only a luxurious place to be, it's also a demonstrator of Volvo's latest safety technology. After mastering passive safety (airbags, WHIPS, SIPS, etc.), they brand's engineers set their sights on preventing accidents altogether. The S80 is the first Volvo to feature adaptive cruise control with Collision Warning and Brake Support designed to warn the driver and lessen the severity of an impact in a collision.
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 of North America) |
As you 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 center console from the S40. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America) |
Like 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-liter 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-liter V8 engine for the top-of-the-line model, and an all-new 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six for more economically minded luxury buyers.
Though the inline-six in the first generation S80 was
 |
| Volvo returns to the inline-six layout with the new 3.2-liter engine. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America) |
Seeing as the S80 is Volvo's flagship model, it is not only a luxurious place to be, it's also a demonstrator of Volvo's latest safety technology. After mastering passive safety (airbags, WHIPS, SIPS, etc.), they brand's engineers set their sights on preventing accidents altogether. The S80 is the first Volvo to feature adaptive cruise control with Collision Warning and Brake Support designed to warn the driver and lessen the severity of an impact in a collision.