Being conscious of the environment is something Volvo Cars has been doing for quite some time now. From the design of their cars up until the production stage, Volvo strives to keep on being committed to the environment. For car makers all over the globe, one of the greatest challenges they are still facing is how to keep up with helping in solving the environmental problems of today. Reducing fuel consumption is an example. When fuel consumption is lessened, then the emissions of greenhouse carbon dioxide are reduced as well.

Volvo Cars has gone through great care to help in alleviating the problems that climate change imposes. They have been able to produce cars which are powered by alternative fuels. Their Volvo S40, Volvo V50, Volvo C30, Volvo V70, and Volvo S80 are operated by FlexiFuel, which makes use of bioethanol. Aside from that, Volvo has targeted this year to release to the public market a C30 Efficiency which would have a fuel consumption of 4.5 liter per 100km with carbon dioxide emissions of 119 g/km.

Volvo Cars also makes use of hydropower (green electricity) in their manufacturing plants located in Sweden and Belgium. This use of green electricity is their recent addition to their environmental awareness. Volvo has also managed to provide a wide range of alternative fuels. Back in 2005 in Sweden, they have launched the Volvo FlexiFuel cars. These cars are powered by bioethanol, which are able to release lower emissions of fossil carbon dioxide. This year, it is expected that the V70 and S80 will also have 2.5-liter turbo FlexiFuel engines.

Investing money in environmental research and development, which would run for five years, would aid Volvo in their aim for decreasing fuel consumption and emissions of their cars. When they launched the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor more than thirty years ago, Volvo has managed to cut down the harmful emissions by ninety percent. The engines found in Volvo cars comply with the strict requirements for exhaust emissions. This includes their V8 and new six-cylinder. Not only that but for the sake of the “green” states in the united States of America, they also made available engines which comply to one of the toughest emission control standard – the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle emission control standard.

The conscious effort to help the environment does not stop with Volvo engines. The interiors of their cars are always tested to assure the public that it has passed the requirements set by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.The advanced Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) of Volvo Cars diminishes the amount of particularly harmful gases.

Involved with a certain number of environmental projects and preserving the lifecycle impact of their cars, Volvo’s commitment to the environment is made clear.

source: Auto Spectator

The planning of the 2009 Volvo XC60 started early in the summer. The brainstorming of this new model included the hatching of interesting details, innovation ideas and inspiring designs to be used. The upcoming Volvo is a mixture of the different types of cars. Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars’ Design Director, has said that this Volvo has a “very bold, muscular XC feel” to it but at the same time is “very sleek… charismatic lines of almost a coupe.” The design innovation of the anticipated Volvo XC60 will give insight to the way future Volvo cars would look and feel. The elements included in the XC60 will be important, since it will determine some of the factors that the forthcoming Volvo cars will produce. Volvo is expected to bring in the new model to the public some time soon in the market. Although no definite date was given, the Volvo CX60 was already seen in Sweden, on a lake in the Arctic Circle. It already went through a test drive.

This model is supposedly based on the Land Rover LR (Freelander 2) and would utilize the same DOHC 3.2-liter six-cylinder. The 2009 XC60 was spotted to have LED rear tail lights and a deep rear window, which possibly helps in terms of visibility. Its lower body was reported to be wide, with the upper section giving off a sporty yet stylish design. The tail lights are located at the corners of the roof with the glass tailgate. The glass tailgate can be opened in three various ways. It can open fully, just on the top section or the lower section.

The interior of the vehicle is made up of tanned leather and aluminum. It also has the so-called “floating” center (the console and dashboard) that it is popularly known for. The controls do not become visible. Not until the vehicle had started. It is made to be spacious, able to have a five adult-seating with plenty of space for the luggage.

This new XC model has an electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system. This certain type of Volvo sports a 230 hp at 6,300 rpm. It also has a 234 lb.-ft of torque at 3,300 rpm. Its 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine runs on a fuel which is emission-reducing bio-ethanol.

Source: Left Lane News

“Scandinavian luxury” is what this new Volvo S80 is all about. Manageable and well-designed, it is about the same length as its previous model, only a bit more spacious and higher. The legroom has also been increased, both in the front and rear seats. Optional ventilated seats which come equipped with heating and cooling capabilities are also offered. Its body structure is all about sophistication, added with high torsional rigidity. This new S80 now has a new option for its engine, which is an efficient and robust turbocharged six-cylinder. This produces a 281 horsepower (hp).

Combined with the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), it gives a smooth and reliable performance. The All Wheel Drive system provides an excellent grip on the road. On the other hand, its DSTC reduces the hazards of slipping or skidding. When necessary, it cuts down the torque of the engine and applies a braking force which is measured precisely so it would aid in avoiding skidding. There are also other features which add safety for the passengers. There is the new collision warning system which alerts the driver when there is a possible collision. The alert comes in the form of a row of red lights located at the edge of the dashboard, making the lights reflect on the windshield.

The 2008 S80 is brilliant when it comes to safety. It merited the Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is not surprising that there are optional safety devices available. The cameras mounted on each side mirror are one of them. It alerts the driver when there is a car within a blind spot. This device can be turned off when desired. This vehicle performs well even when under a snowy condition.

Source: The Car Connection