“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

The Volvo S80 Parts has been credited as the Volvo S80 has been named the Safest Large Luxury Car by the Arlington Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in its findings today, August 16. The IIHS conducted a series of crash tests for side-impact collisions, comparing five cars in the large luxury category which includes the Acura RL, Mercedes E-Class, Cadillac STS, BMW 5 Series, and the Volvo S80. But due to the impressive features of the Kia Amanti, it was also included in this category even if it has not been out yet.

During the test, each car was hit on the driver’s side by a barrier moving 31 mph, an impact that’s supposed to simulate a sport-utility vehicle striking between the driver and rear passenger. Researchers measured structural damage, as well as possible head injuries to the driver and rear passenger. They then assigned each car a rating of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor.

The Volvo auto parts have proven its quality again as it prevailed among two other cars: the Acura (HMC) RL, and Kia Amanti. No car maker received the lowest rating, but the Mercedes E-Class and Cadillac (GM) STS were rated acceptable. In perhaps the biggest shocker of the test, the BMW 5 Series was deemed marginal. In an ironic twist, BMW, known for its engineering prowess, was the first car maker to introduce head-protecting side-impact air bags, in the 5 Series in 1998.

According to IIHS President Adrian Lund, the purpose of the crash tests was to give companies like BMW the chance to better themselves. “When they make improvements, the automakers can request a retest,” says Lund in an interview. “And we do update our ratings whenever there’s a design change.”

In the 12 years that the IIHS has conducted frontal crash tests, this carrot-on-a-stick approach has been effective: Nearly all cars have a good rating, as opposed to about 50% in 1995.

Lund and his team of researchers hope to do the same for side-impact safety, which has become a greater issue of concern since the roads have become populated with more SUVs and other taller vehicles.

Kia (KIMTF) may be celebrating its victory over three luxury cars, but the real winner of the test was the Volvo S80, which has now received a good rating in front, side, and rear-impact evaluations, earning it the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. What is more, the Volvo S80 will save customers more money while having a better chance at saving their life, compared to spending money with a Mercedes or a BMW 5 Series.