The 2008 Volvo XC70 will also be available with a 6-cylinder in-line engine. The 3.2 liter in-line six cylinder engine that will equip the 2008 Volvo XC70 produces 235 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.
Volvo Press Release:
All New Volvo XC70: New six-cylinder in-line engine - two engines in one
The all-new XC70 is powered by a 3.2-liter in-line six cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. The six-cylinder normally aspirated engine - a first for an XC70 model - offers a high-class driving experience. The main structure of this new
engine (first seen in the All New Volvo S80 and the '06 MY XC90) is made of aluminum and has a larger displacement than its predecessor, with more power and greater torque.
With its advanced valve mechanism called CPS (Cam Profile Switching), the dual cam profile inlet valves can be raised to two different heights depending on engine revs and load.
In normal driving, with normal throttle activation and low engine revs, fuel consumption is
minimized at the same time as there is sufficient torque for good drivability. In sportier driving under full acceleration and high revs, the engine is immensely alert to the throttle and powerful at both low and high speeds.
"In principle two-engines-in-one," explains Thomas Ahlborg, Volvo's XC70 project director. "The I6 satisfies both performance-orientated customers as well as those who prioritize driving comfort and fuel economy." For more enthusiastic driving that involves full throttle opening and high engine revs, throttle response is heightened and provides a massive
thrust of power, both at low and at high speeds.
In addition, the engine features VIS (Variable Intake System) that consists of two throttle valves that adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to suit the current driving conditions and allow the engine's capacity for maximum exploitation throughout the rev range.
Mated to the engine is a six-speed automatic gearbox with Geartronic, which is designed to handle
the power of the 3.2-liter engine. With Geartronic it is also possible to change gear manually.
Compact format contributes to impressive collision safety
Despite the engine's 3.2 liter displacement, it has extremely compact exterior dimensions. The complete engine package is only 1/10th of an inch longer than Volvo's five-cylinder engine. The total engine length is 25 inches.
"A compact format is a matter of safety," explains Ahlborg. "It is particularly important that the engine takes up minimal longitudinal space in the vehicle. The way we see it,
a compact transversely installed engine is the best way of reducing the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment in a collision."
The engine's compact format has been achieved by locating the ancillaries, such as the Power Assisted Steering Pump and Air Conditioning Compressor, behind the engine in the space above the gearbox. Consequently, there is no front-end drive of the ancillaries. Instead they are driven via gears by the rear end of the crankshaft. This engineering solution is known as READ - Rear End Ancillary Drive. The alternator is direct-driven and installed on the engine block. This solution means that the entire engine and transmission package takes up minimum space, particularly in the car's longitudinal direction.
By designing the drive system in the form of a small gearbox with an intermediate shaft inside the driveshaft - known as a Shaft in Shaft design - it was possible to ensure a very short package. The two shafts are driven by different gears that give them different speeds (one speed for camshaft drive and one for the ancillaries). "It's a particularly compact solution that is the result of highly advanced development work," explains Ahlborg.
Engine noise is minimized in the passenger cabin by using a vibration damper, which is integrated into the engine block of the six-cylinder engine's relatively long crankshaft. "All told, the new six-cylinder engine offers a premium experience in every respect," comments Thomas Ahlborg in referencing the engine's performance, fuel efficiency, driving comfort, as well as its sound. The fact that the engine's design also helps enhance safety isn't something the customer usually thinks about but it is naturally a key element in a Volvo product concept," he adds.
All-New Volvo XC70: What's New Inside
Inside, the all-new XC70 model represents Scandinavian design at its best; that is to say every detail has been designed, focusing on clean lines and intelligent functionality. Comfort in the front includes "ortho-posture" supportive seats and ergonomically designed instruments that naturally include an elegant, super-slim center stack and an audio system that is absolute world class.
"One could say that the XC70 has a dual personality," says Jonathan Disley, Volvo's interior designer. "On weekdays it's a sophisticated and elegant vehicle for an active urban life. Come the weekend and it transforms into a rugged partner for all kinds of exciting adventures."
The all-new XC70 is both more spacious and more comfortable than its predecessor. The distance from front to rear passengers has been extended, rear leg room and rear knee clearance have increased and the width at shoulder height has been increased in the front seats.
Volvo's front seats are regarded by many as the very best on the market. The seats (powered adjustable, optional) are designed to offer the best possible support and comfort, even on long trips.
The opposite effect - heating of the front seats when the weather turns chilly - can be selected at a choice of three temperature settings. The rear seat too can be specified with heating, which includes separate switches for each of the two outer seats and, as in the front seats, three temperature settings.
The XC70 driver has a wide range of scope for adjusting the vehicle's comfort functions to suit his or her personal needs and wishes. These settings are altered in the vehicle's information system. The menu includes the seats, rear-view mirrors, climate unit, audio unit, navigation system and to a certain extent the vehicle's driving properties. One of the selectable functions is automatic operation of the rear defroster. When this setting is chosen, the defroster is automatically activated when outside temperature is about 48º F. Another example is the speed-dependent power steering, which can be set at one of three levels via the information system.
"The all-new Volvo XC70 is synonymous with versatility and enhanced capability," says Ahlborg. "Plenty of space, a three-part rear seat and a number of intelligent functions make loading and travel a real pleasure, both with and without luggage."
The rear seat splits 40/20/40, with two very comfortable seats and a convenient armrest in between. The center backrest can be folded to make space for long cargo items or raised to provide an additional seat. The backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor. With the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, the combination possibilities are even greater.
The luggage compartment floor is equipped with aluminum rails and movable anchorage points to secure the load. The anchorage points can be tucked down into the rails when they are not in use so they are entirely out of the way. The side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to keep luggage securely in place. In addition, they can be supplemented with multifunctional rails for a variety of hooks, load-anchoring nets, cargo space dividers and other load-related accessories.
"Volvo's audio systems are among the very best in the automotive world today," says Ahlborg. "And obviously only the best is good enough in a vehicle of the caliber of the all-new XC70. In cooperation with the foremost audio manufacturers in the world, we have developed a first-class sound system with a digital amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and excellent loudspeakers from Danish experts Dynaudio. The result is an audio experience of absolute world class."
World Class Audio Accompaniment
The very latest in digital technology has been used to control and adjust sound reproduction to suit the shape of the passenger compartment and the positioning of the loudspeakers.
Using DSP (Digital Signal Processing), the tone curve has been fine-tuned so it contributes to natural audio quality. Digital technology is also used in Volvo's modern amplifier, developed in cooperation with Alpine. Volvo's amplifier also has a particularly high damping factor thanks to ICEPower® technology from Denmark's Bang & Olufsen PowerHouse a/s. This technology contributes to crystal-clear yet powerful sound all the way down to the deepest bass tones.
All-New Volvo XC70: Safety and Convenience very much in evidence
Characterized by inspired design, added comfort and a high level of safety, the newest- generation XC70 clearly marks Volvo's increasingly strong position in the premium segment.
"We developed the all-new XC70 with the goal that it should be the safest vehicle in its segment," says Ingrid Skogsmo, Director of Volvo Cars Safety Center. "The XC70 model shares the same sophisticated network of interacting safety systems as the all-new Volvo S80. The patented body structure absorbs energy in a highly efficient way. And the interior safety system includes the latest generation of side airbags and whiplash protection. Furthermore, we are introducing a world innovation in the field of child safety."
In a true demonstration of versatility of the family/adventure XC70, Volvo combines a height-adjustable integrated booster cushion - a world's first - with an extended inflatable curtain to provide the industry's best passenger safety system for precious cargo in the rear seat.
Safety innovations do not end there. The latest technological updates include a new, stronger side structure to optimize side-impact protection, not only for children but for all occupants. The body's entire side structure is both stronger and lighter thanks to a well-balanced combination of high-tensile steel of different grades.
In addition, a new type of side-impact airbag - first seen in the all-new S80 model - refines Volvo's patented SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) into an even more effective safety system. The new side-impact airbags have two separate chambers, one for the hip section and one for the chest. Since the hips can withstand greater force than the chest, the lower chamber inflates with up to five times more pressure than the upper section. The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body's network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection.
Volvo's system for avoiding neck injuries - WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) - is one of the most effective on the market. In the event of a rear-end collision, the front seat backrest accompanies the passenger's initial body movement and dampens the incoming force rather like one's hand does when catching a ball. The all-new XC70 features the next generation of WHIPS mechanism, further developed to ensure that the damping motion is gentle and to provide good contact between the head and head restraint throughout the impact sequence.
With the high ground clearance of the all-new XC70, there are relatively high-positioned bumpers which may create a greater risk of damage to an oncoming passenger car with lower positioned bumpers. To reduce the risk of injury in a collision, the front suspension sub-frame is supplemented with a lower cross-member positioned at the height of the bumper in a conventional car. This lower beam is integrated into the XC70's structure and is neatly concealed behind the spoiler. In a collision, the lower cross-member is aimed to strike the oncoming car's protective structure, activating its crumple zone as intended so the occupants can be given the maximum level of protection.
Protection for pedestrians and cyclists has also been further developed in the all-new XC70. The front has been given energy-absorbing properties, not least with a generously dimensioned soft structure in front of the bumper that helps reduce the risk of leg injuries. In addition, the spoiler's lower edge has been reinforced and moved forward, almost on a level with the bumper. The aim is that the area of contact on pedestrians or cyclists should be distributed across a larger area, thus helping to further reduce the risk of injury. The hood lines are raised and a honeycomb structure underneath spreads the load in the event of an impact, thus helping to absorb the energy and reduce the risk of personal injury.
Further protecting the driver and passengers inside the all-new XC70 is the collapsible steering column which, upon deformation, moves horizontally for the best possible interaction with the airbag; pedals that functionally limit the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment; airbags with two-stage function; seat belt pre-tensioners and belt reminders for all five seats; force limiters for the front seat belts; reinforced, transversely fitted tubular beam between the A-posts; strong SIPS tubes in the seats and a sturdy magnesium bracket in the middle of the vehicle; diagonally fitted beams of Ultra High Strength Steel in the doors; and, as with all Volvo cars, a compact transversely mounted engine.
"The best way to protect the vehicle's occupants is to avoid accidents," says Skogsmo. "That's why we've developed a number of advanced driving and support systems that interact intelligently to assist the driver in difficult situations, yet without taking over the driving itself or taking over responsibility for safe progress. The task is to assist the driver to take the right decisions, by alerting him or her and in various ways indicating how best to get out of the situation."
In order to help the driver stay a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, Volvo has developed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This system should be primarily regarded as a comfort function but it does also contribute to more controlled progress if the rhythm of traffic is uneven.
The technology also is used as a basis for several of Volvo's advanced driving and support systems. Using a radar sensor, the adaptive cruise control continually monitors the gap to the vehicles in front and automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to ensure that this gap does not shrink too much. The driver activates the cruise control by setting a desired speed between 18 and 124 mph and then selecting the minimum time gap to the vehicles in front. There are five different time gaps to choose between.
Rear-end collisions are a common type of accident. In many of these cases, the reason is that the driver is distracted and fails to respond in time. Against this background, Volvo has developed a system known as Collision Warning with Brake Support. The area in front of the vehicle is continuously monitored with the help of a radar sensor. If the all-new XC70 approaches another vehicle from the rear and the driver does not react, a red warning light flashes in the windscreen. At the same time, a warning buzzer sounds. In certain situations, this is enough for the driver to respond and take action to avoid the danger.
If the risk of a collision increases despite the warning, the brake support system is activated. In order to shorten the reaction time, the brakes are prepared for action by automatic application of the pads against the discs. In addition, brake pressure is amplified hydraulically which results in good braking effect even if the driver does not press particularly hard on the brake pedal.
"If the road speed is not too high, brake support helps reduce the consequences of a collision," says Skogsmo. "However, it is always the driver's reactions that are crucial to the outcome."
To help drivers maintain better control over the driving situation, the all-new XC70 is equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Using cameras integrated into the door mirrors, BLIS registers whether another vehicle is in the blind spot offset to the rear. If there is a vehicle there, a light illuminates at the relevant mirror to alert the driver and increase his or her chance of making the appropriate decision.
The all-new XC70 has a highly advanced braking system with a number of functions that interact to ensure the shortest possible braking distance under all circumstances. They include Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), a new generation of Volvo's emergency braking support system that utilizes both vacuum and hydraulic reinforcement to help the driver brake in the shortest possible distance in a panic situation; Optimized Hydraulic Brakes (OHB) to reinforce deceleration under hard braking by compensating for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo; Ready Alert Brakes (RAB) that can predict rapid braking and apply the brake pads against the discs even before the driver has time to press the brake pedal; and Fading Brake Support (FBS) that utilizes hydraulics to gradually build up braking pressure during long hard braking, thus helping cut the risk of brake fade and maintaining pedal feel.
In order to contribute to the best possible visibility during night-time driving on curving and twisting roads, the all-new XC70 can be equipped with Active Bi-Xenon Lights -- swiveling headlights that follow the sweeps and bends of the road. A mini-processor is used to calculate and analyze a number of parameters and optimize the light beam to suit the situation. The headlights can be swiveled up to 15 degrees in either direction. In order to save wear and tear on the system, it is automatically deactivated in daylight conditions.
In an increasingly insecure world, control is important even when the vehicle is parked. As a matter of theft-prevention and avoiding situations that may involve personal risks, Volvo's Personal Car Communicator (PCC) provides information aimed at security and safety. This advanced pocket-sized control center can tell the owner if the vehicle is locked or unlocked, and if the alarm has been triggered. In the case of the alarm having been triggered, PCC will indicate whether someone is inside the vehicle via a highly sensitive heartbeat sensor and an advanced calculation process.
Furthering security, the all-new XC70 can be specified with laminated glass in all the windows, including the rear side windows and the tailgate, making break-ins more difficult. This means that the luggage compartment also gets effective protection. The rear storage system under the luggage compartment floor has a capacity of more than 1.62 cubic feet (without spare wheel), and it is now lockable. It is locked automatically and conveniently when the tailgate is closed and locked.
The all-new XC70 packages both security and convenience with its optional power-operated tailgate. With the press a button on the remote control, complete access to the storage area occurs courtesy of the vehicle's hydraulics. In order to reduce the risk of accidentally squashing one's hands or fingers, it is closed from the panel on the tailgate itself. In addition, a dual-stage safety function is integrated into the tailgate, involving a pinch protection molding on each side and an emergency stop. The hydraulic system is equipped with a force sensor, stopping immediately if it senses an obstruction during operation.
All New Volvo XC70: Refining the Package of Success
...Volvo is re-defining the "crossover" segment with next generation luxury, technology and capability
When the first XC model from Swedish auto marquee Volvo took to the American roads in 1997, sales success and an entirely new Cross Country segment soon followed.
Ten year later, the third-generation XC70 makes its North American debut by rolling into the spotlight at the New York International Auto Show. The original recipe is still intact, but now Volvo's crossover vehicle has added luxury as well as even greater capabilities for adventure.
The original XC exceeded Volvo's sales expectations largely based on the vehicle's appeal to consumers in the United States. For them, the XC70 served the functionality of an SUV, while providing the distinctive Volvo feel of a true premium car. The term "crossover" emerged.
The XC70 badge has retained its power of attraction since introduction with the current generation reaching peak sales over 24,000 in the United States. "We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have continuously refined it," says Fredrik Arp, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp. "The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. Additionally, our design team has given the vehicle a more elegant, more luxurious look."
Perfect For an Active Lifestyle
Whether it's picking up the kids from school, navigating city traffic for a night on the town, or negotiating the wilderness half way up a mountain, the all-new XC70 is equal to the task.
With an elevated feel and driving dynamics that are exhilarating yet comfortable, the roomy yet luxurious interior of the all-new XC70 is peerless in functional versatility. Beyond perception and image, the owners of this lifestyle vehicle make their choice of the all-new XC70 because they intend to fully exploit its capabilities.
"The XC70 has primarily been created to get you to the end of the road. But it has also shown its ability to take you further if you want, or dare, to. A couple of years ago, we organized a test-drive in the Baja of Mexico on some of the worse 'roads' imaginable - as close to off-road as you could get. Even the most hardened adventurers were impressed by what the XC70 could handle," Arp recalls.
Flexing its muscles still further, the all-new XC70 is available with a 3.2 in-line six-cylinder engine. In the new model, the electronically controlled all-wheel drive from Haldex of Sweden. Also new in this XC70 is an industry world's first height-adjustable booster cushion further enhancing child safety, a Hill Descent Control feature and a world-class sound system which contribute to a comfortable and pleasurable driving experience. These features clearly illustrate the dual personality, and all-around versatility, of the all-new XC70.
An American Love Affair
In the United States, the XC70 has garnered press association awards including Best All-Weather Wagon in New England, Best in Class wins at the Texas Truck Rodeo, Mudfest honors in the Pacific Northwest, and Best Overall Vehicle of the Rockies.
The all-new Volvo XC70 will reach North American dealers in October of this year.
All-New Volvo XC70: New look and new attitude marks next generation of Volvo's segment defining crossover
The all-new Volvo XC70 rolls out with comprehensive changes inside and out. With new styling cues, improved driving dynamics, inspiring technological applications, added luxury and of course new developments in safety, Volvo ups the ante in taking its popular crossover to the next level.
Styling with a Scandinavian Touch
The traditional cladding from the previous model has been dressed up in the all-new XC70. This, in combination with refined lines and contours and a more dynamic rear section, gives the all-new XC70 a more elegant, more luxurious appearance. But don't be fooled into thinking the XC70 is ready to abdicate its position as the segment's sportiest, most capable models; quite the contrary.
Physically, the contrasting, protective sections along the sides have been supplemented with a chrome molding at the bottom of the doors to emphasize the required stance of a tall, spacious vehicle with elegant lines and rippling muscles. The roof-rail is integrated into the A-pillar molding.
"The framed side windows, the distinct shoulders and the clean lines create harmony between the rounded, sporty front and the spacious rear of a genuine wagon. The raised rear section is also an important element in creating the well-balanced impression," says Stefan Jansson, Volvo's head of exterior design.
The pronounced wheel housings are another important feature of the XC70 model's confident statement that this is a highly capable vehicle.
The rear of the all-new XC70 gives a more dynamic, more sculpted impression with the hexagonal design language taken from the remarkable glass tailgate of the new Volvo C30. The rear glass window also extends further down than the side windows to give the driver better rearward visibility.
"The shape of the outside is now more dynamic without compromising the vehicle's practical properties. With the help of the intelligent overlapping tailgate, which takes the taillights up with it when it is opened, the space inside the vehicle is larger than before and easy to load," says Steve Mattin, Volvo's Design Director.
