NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Global Launch of New Volvo XC90
.. Award-winning SUV Refined and Restyled for 2007
NEW YORK (April 12, 2006) - The 2007 Volvo XC90, shown for the first time at the New York International Auto Show, features a more car-like design, a restyled interior, an all-new Volvo 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, and of course enhancements to the legendary Volvo safety.
The Volvo XC90 rolled onto the SUV scene in 2003 with a range of innovations previously unseen in the premium SUV segment. Now, four years later, Volvo Car Corporation is introducing an enhanced XC90 with its sights firmly set on taking the segment to the next level.
“We are moving deliberately upward in the premium segment. In order to make the highly successful XC90 even more attractive, we have elevated the vehicle's luxury quotient and passenger car-like comfort,'says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
The new 2007 XC90 is intended to strengthen Volvo Cars'position in an SUV market that received the vehicle with rave reviews, quickly becoming "The Next Generation SUV."
“We have listened keenly to our customers and refined the vehicle to boost our competitive position, on both sides of the Atlantic. We already have a winning concept, so the aim was to fine-tune rather than make major changes,'says Arp. “Enhanced lines, more sophisticated materials and a better driving experience without compromising the demands for safety and good environmental properties in the powertrain,'continues Arp.
Continuing Success
The Volvo XC90 has been, and continues to be, an enormous sales success for Volvo Cars. From its original projected annual volume of 50,000 units, production was successively increased to meet demand. In 2005 production of the XC90, at the Torslanda manufacturing facility in Sweden, approached 90,000 units.
The new, enhanced Volvo XC90 will start production in spring 2006, arriving to U.S. showrooms during the summer. The United States will continue to be the model's largest single market, accounting for 50 percent of total sales.
New, Advanced In-Line Six Engine
Since introduction, XC90 powertrains have been gradually refined, resulting in entirely new engine variants.
Replacing the 208-horsepower, turbo-charged five cylinder engine will be a new in-line 3.2-liter six cylinder engine. The new engine utilizes the latest technology to maintain the same exterior dimensions and fuel consumption as a five-cylinder unit.
The engine, primarily comprised of aluminium, produces a power output of 235-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2007 XC90 will also be available with Volvo's compact and energy-efficient V8 (311 hp, 325 lb/ft of torque). Both the in-line six and V8 will be mated to a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and the Volvo All Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction.
“With state-of-the-art six- and eight-cylinder engines in the USA, we will appeal to a far broader customer segment,'says Hans Wikman, Vice President Vehicle Line Large Cars at Volvo Car Corporation.
Alert Response and High Performance
The new inline-six cylinder engine is designed to provide excellent throttle response and performance across a broad range of conditions, key factors for the driving experience of a premium SUV. At the same time, the engine delivers good fuel-efficiency. For reasons of collision safety, the engine has been designed with extremely compact dimensions and installed transversely in the engine compartment.
The valve train features Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and Cam Profile Switching (CPS) to control valve lift and duration on the inlet side 'two key elements in providing the engine with excellent flexibility. CPS determines valve lift; the VCT system controls duration over a wide range of operation.
With CPS, the camshaft lifts the inlet valves to two different heights, depending on engine speed and load. In normal driving with modest throttle openings and low engine revs, fuel consumption is moderate yet torque is sufficient to provide good drivability.
The Variable Intake System (VIS) allows for adjustment of the intake manifold to suit the current driving situation, making it possible to extract maximum possible power throughout the engine's entire rev range.
Compact Format Contributes to High Collision Safety
Despite the engine's 3.2 liter displacement, it is also extremely compact. Its compact dimensions allow the engine to occupy a minimal amount of space under the hood, helping to reduce the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment in the event of a collision.
The engine's compact dimensions were achieved by positioning ancillary components, such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor, behind the engine and above the transmission. The alternator is direct-driven and fitted on the engine block. Furthermore, a vibration damper, which compensates for vibration in the six-cylinder's relatively long crankshaft, has been integrated inside the engine block.
Exterior with Slimmer, More Scandinavian Lines
The primary aim for the design changes to the 2007 XC90 was to create a more modern, elegant uniquely Scandinavian appearance. This was achieved through a number of modifications including a new grille with more chrome and bumpers with a greater degree of color coding. The tail lamps have been redesigned and the reflectors in the bumper are recessed within chrome trim surroundings.
All versions of the XC90 now have color-coded side trim mouldings and door handles. Optional new wheel-housing moldings are partly painted in the car's body color. The door mirrors are partly color-coded and now feature built-in turn indicator repeaters. At the same time, a new turn indicator function is being introduced: a quick push on the indicator stalk flashes the turn indicator three times. This feature first appeared in the current-generation S40 and V50.
Two new body colors, Electric Silver metallic and the XC90-unique Shadow Blue, provide added choice, as do the new Camulus 18-inch aluminium wheels (also unique to the XC90). All aluminium wheels now feature the classic Volvo emblem in the center.
As an alternative to black roof rails, brushed aluminium can be specified as an option.
Interior with an Elegant Touch and Wider Range of Choices
A number of changes have been implemented, giving the interior a more exclusive aura. There are new color combinations and a wider range from which to choose.
For example, enhancing the interior for with a high-quality feel, new upholsteries added to the design repertoire. The most exclusive alternative is the new perforated soft-leather Sovereign Hide with contrasting seam stitching.
The center console has been upgraded with a new display and aluminium-effect trim. New trim panels, with Sapeli Wood as an added option, give the customer a wider choice and impart an elegant Scandinavian touch to the interior.
Additional options come in the form of a combined instrument panel with a watch dial-inspired design and an interior rear-view mirror featuring an integrated compass.
Upgraded Navigation System and World Class Audio System
The navigation system has been further enhanced for faster performance, ease of use and provides more information about the cities and locations than before.
The top-of-the-line Premium Sound now includes a digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine and loudspeakers from Dynaudio. The new amplifier and loudspeakers further enhance the effectiveness of the Dolby Pro Logic II Surround sound processing for a truly world-class audio experience.
In the High Performance and Premium Sound systems, it is now possible to play CDs with music in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) format. All audio systems will be equipped with an extra input (AUX) to connect external equipment, such as an Ipod.
An SUV Offering Unique Levels of Safety
“When the Volvo XC90 was initially developed, our aim was to offer exceptionally high safety levels to all occupants in the car,'says Wikman. “All the test results indicate that we have succeeded.'
The Volvo XC90 is a modern SUV, built like a passenger car with a monocoque body, effective deformation/energy absorbing zones, a low center of gravity and advanced systems to minimize the risk of personal injuries, irrespective of the situation or collision. Further, the XC90 was equipped with several advanced systems to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.
“With the launch of the restyled Volvo XC90 for 2007, preventive safety is the primary area for further enhancement and we have focused on driver control,'says Wikman.
Active Bi-Xenon Light
In order to contribute to the best possible visibility when driving in the dark on twisting roads, Active Bi-Xenon Light manipulates the headlight beams to follow the curvature of the road. A microprocessor is used to measure and analyze a number of parameters (speed, steering angle, etc.) and optimize the light pattern to suit those conditions. The headlamps can be rotated up to 15 degrees in either direction. To reduce power consumption, the system is automatically disabled in daylight.
BLIS Contributes to Better Driver Control
The Volvo XC90 is also equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Using cameras integrated into the door mirrors, BLIS registers whether another vehicle has entered the XC90's offset rear blind spots. If so, a light is illuminated in the relevant mirror to alert the driver and help them make the right decision to avoid a collision help the driver gain better control of the driving situation.
Park Assist Camera 'an Extra Eye to the Rear
Helping to protect someone standing behind the vehicle and to aid in parking, Volvo Cars is introducing the Park Assist Camera. The system not only gives the driver an extra eye to the rear, it also shows the vehicle's planned track when reversing.
A wide-angle camera shows the area behind the XC90. The image is displayed in the navigation screen above the instrument panel and displays the widest area possible without excessive distortion. The picture, also displays the intended path the vehicle will take in the reversing maneuver, changes with the steering wheel movements. Park Assist Camera is a fully-integrated function in the XC90 and is expected to be ready for delivery to customers in autumn 2006.
“The changes we have made to the new Volvo XC90 can be regarded as precision tuning designed to increase the vehicle's appeal further,'says Wikman. “We are aiming at a highly discerning group of buyers and we want to give them an even better premium experience.'
Descriptions and specifications in this press material relate to the Volvo Cars international model range. Car specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.