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Volvo S60/V70/XC70 - Sharper performance and active chassis

25 May 2004

• T5 engine with higher performance
• Transmission from the R-models
• 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds
• Faster gearchanges with automatic transmission
• Active chassis also on the S60, V70 and XC70
• Second-generation FOUR-C
• Chassis settings tailored to suit each car’s character
• Park assist both front and rear

The new features for the Volvo S60, V70 and XC70 models are not limited to design. "Now we can offer our customers more of driving pleasure as well as ride comfort," says Hans Folkesson, Senior Vice President, Research and Development. "For instance, the sporty T5 models get a more efficient turbo engine. What is more, we can offer an active chassis on the standard versions of the S60, V70 and XC70. Previously, this was only available on the Volvo S80 and the advanced R-models.

More efficient T5 engine
The turbocharged engine for the sporty T5 models (Volvo S60 T5 and V70 T5) has undergone further development to meet tougher new emissions requirements (Euro4 and LEV2/EVAP2). At the same time, these improvements have made it possible to get more power out of the engine. The expertise gained from the development of the advanced R-models has played a highly significant role. Power output has been increased by ten horsepower from 250 to 260 bhp. Torque, previously 330 Nm, has now risen to 350 Nm. The main benefit of the performance boost comes in the form of immensely enhanced torque at low engine revs. Even from as little as 1800 rpm, there is no less than 305 Nm on tap as against the previous 240 Nm. This translates into faster throttle response, safer overtaking and sportier road manners. The improvements have been achieved with a variety of means. For instance, the engine has variable inlet valve timing too, instead of only variable exhaust valve timing as before. What is more, cylinder displacement has increased from 2.3 to 2.4 litres. And last but by no means least, the engine now has a new turbocharger – taken straight from the R-models. The result is a highly competitive and potent combination of high performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions.

Rapid acceleration with six-speed transmission
The T5 engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic. The manual M66 gearbox comes from the Volvo S60 R/V70 R, but it has been reworked for front-wheel drive in the T5 model. This gearbox has been developed and built specially to handle high torque levels, up to 400 Nm. The Volvo S60 T5 with M66 gearbox is a very sporty combination with the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. In automatic T5 cars, the electronic control systems have been modified to provide faster communication between engine and transmission – and a more immediate reduction in engine torque prior to gearchanges. This promotes faster gearchanges and a sportier driving experience.

Larger brake discs at the front
In order to match the car’s high performance, the Volvo S60 T5 and V70 T5 feature larger brake discs and larger callipers at the front (on EU-market cars). Disc diameter has increased from 286 to 316 mm.

Active chassis also on the Volvo S60, V70 and XC70
The active chassis was first launched in the advanced four-wheel drive Volvo S60 R and V70 R. It was then modified to suit the front-wheel driven Volvo S80 which puts the emphasis more on comfort. Now the range is being broadened still further, with the system becoming available as an option on the rest of the S60, V70 and XC70 models. "With the active chassis, we can get more out of the car," says Hans Folkesson. "The technology provides better driving properties in all situations – both safer and more entertaining." The chassis setting adapts automatically to suit the current driving situation, which considerably improves both handling and ride comfort – in one and the same car. If the driver is more active when steering, accelerating or braking, the system responds at lightning speed to increase damping force and thus control the car body’s movements. In more sedate progress, damping action is much less frequent in order to better isolate the car’s occupants from irregularities in the road surface. This approach combines the best of two worlds – maximum control and thus safety, and at the same time the best possible comfort.

Second-generation FOUR-C
The active chassis is based on Volvo’s FOUR-C technology in combination with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). This is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the shock absorbers are reset to suit the current situation. "What we are now unveiling is the second-generation FOUR-C," says Hans Folkesson. "During the process of tailoring the technology to suit the S60, V70 and XC70 models, we improved both the hardware and the software, gaining smoother damping control in the bargain. This makes for a more harmonious experience for driver and passengers alike." FOUR-C adjusts chassis settings to suit the car’s speed. The faster the car is travelling, the greater the damping. This makes the car easy to control even at high speeds. This technology also reduces the car body’s tendency to kneel at the front, squat at the rear or roll sideways during hard braking, sudden acceleration or fast avoidance manoeuvres respectively. The Volvo S80 and the R-versions of the S60 and V70 also benefit from the second-generation FOUR-C.

Two choices
All models fitted with an active chassis feature two alternative chassis settings (three in the R-models). At the touch of a button, the driver can alter the car’s driving behaviour to suit personal preferences. SPORT gives more controlled body movements, faster steering response and more road contact. COMFORT gives a suppler, more comfortable ride with calm, harmonious body movement. In an emergency situation, however, the setting selected makes no difference – FOUR-C is programmed to always help the driver out of the situation by automatically stabilising the car.

Modified chassis properties
The active chassis gives the car better driving properties in all situations. The car is more stable and consistent in its behaviour and response. "Everyone in the family benefits from the active chassis," says Hans Folkesson. "The car is both safer and more comfortable to ride in." The advanced FOUR-C technology has also made it possible to modify chassis properties to suit each respective car model.
• In the Volvo S60, the chassis has a stiffer setting in Sports mode to provide enhanced road feedback and sportier driving properties. At the same time, the Comfort setting provides greater comfort than the standard chassis can offer.
• The Volvo V70, the family car of choice, has been tailored to provide high ride comfort while at the same time retaining its excellent ride and roadholding properties when the car is loaded. In Sports mode, the car offers a firmer and livelier ride.
• The Volvo XC70 crossover model with active chassis has become stiffer and firmer, with increased steering feel and enhanced road feedback. The car is easier to control and more comfortable to ride in on both good and poor road surfaces.

Parking assistance at the front too
As before, Volvo cars can be equipped with a Park Assist system. Sensors in the rear bumper alert the driver when the car is too close to an object at the rear. This makes the driver’s job easier when parking in congested areas. The function is now fully integrated in the car’s electronic system, making it possible to install parking assistance in the front bumpers as well. This is an entirely new feature in the Volvo range.

PARK ASSISTANCE REAR is available as:
• An accessory – with fully faired-in sensors
• A factory-fitted option

PARK ASSISTANCE FRONT is only available as an accessory (provided the car is also equipped with Park Assistance Rear).

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