2016 Volvo XC90
11-29-14, 10:16 AM
#125
Volvo to boost production in Sweden by adding 1,300 jobs to meet strong XC90 demand
Third shift to be added at Torslanda factory
Volvo has announced plans to add 1,300 jobs in order to boost production as a result of an increasing demand.
Good news coming from Sweden where local automaker Volvo will be adding a third shift at its Torslanda factory in Gothenburg to meet a very strong demand for the second generation XC90. We remind you all 1,927 units of the First Edition were sold in just 47 hours and it seems the regular versions are already proving to be a big success.
Volvo will be hiring no less than 1,300 workers representing an increase of almost 40 percent to 4,600 at the factory where currently the combined production rate stands at 300,000 units per year for various other models such as the S60, S80, V70 and XC70.
In the first nine months of the year Volvo managed to boost sales by 9 percent to 339,200 units and by the end of the year that number is estimated to increase to approximately 470,000 cars which would be a 10 percent increase compared to 2013 and at the same time an all-time record. Volvo's plan for the following years is to continuously increase sales and hit the 800,000 mark by 2020.
Volvo has announced plans to add 1,300 jobs in order to boost production as a result of an increasing demand.
Good news coming from Sweden where local automaker Volvo will be adding a third shift at its Torslanda factory in Gothenburg to meet a very strong demand for the second generation XC90. We remind you all 1,927 units of the First Edition were sold in just 47 hours and it seems the regular versions are already proving to be a big success.
Volvo will be hiring no less than 1,300 workers representing an increase of almost 40 percent to 4,600 at the factory where currently the combined production rate stands at 300,000 units per year for various other models such as the S60, S80, V70 and XC70.
In the first nine months of the year Volvo managed to boost sales by 9 percent to 339,200 units and by the end of the year that number is estimated to increase to approximately 470,000 cars which would be a 10 percent increase compared to 2013 and at the same time an all-time record. Volvo's plan for the following years is to continuously increase sales and hit the 800,000 mark by 2020.
11-29-14, 10:16 AM
#126
Magazine Readers Have Mixed Feelings About Volvo’s New XC90
Now that the novelty of having an all-new Volvo XC90 is starting to wear off, and it’s getting ever closer to hitting the showroom, prospective buyers are checking it out to see if it fits their needs.
WhatCar? set up one of their usual reader previews, and surprisingly not everybody was ecstatic about the car, finding plenty of faults with it.
Firstly, some called the infotainment screen distracting, while most agreed that it wasn’t necessarily the roomiest vehicle in its class – it’s no match for an MPV. However, it does have more pulling power than a people carrier, so for those looking to tow caravans, it’s a much better bet.
Another area people were not so sure about was the claimed economy of the T8 hybrid powertrain. It’s nice that buyers are finally taking a real interest in the discrepancy between claimed figures and what the car actually achieves on the road (it gets mentioned several times in the video); they have the power to get manufacturers to change their slightly misleading ways and it’s nice to see that they’re using it.
http://www.carscoops.com/2014/11/mag...-feelings.html
12-08-14, 01:26 PM
#128
Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid runs 0-62 in 5.9 seconds, will get 59 MPGe*
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-...photo-3180865/
Volvo Cars introduces Twin Engine technology in world's most powerful and cleanest SUV
The first Volvo designed from the ground up for plug-in/electrification compatibility, the XC90 T8 delivers all the performance of a luxury SUV, but with emission levels that even small hybrid cars struggle to match.
When designing the XC90 T8, Volvo Cars chose not to compromise on performance, driving pleasure, efficiency or even luggage space. By building on the new modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and successful Drive-E petrol powertrain, the company has created a uniquely roomy 7-seater SUV that delivers 400hp/640Nm combined with ultra-low emissions (59g/km) and high fuel efficiency (2.5 l/100km). The fuel economy according to the U.S. driving cycle is 59 MPGe.
"The XC90 T8 is a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one," says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. "The Drive-E engines already offer highly competitive performance versus the competition. The T8 takes it further into a leading position."
A driving mode for every need
The XC90 T8 can go from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, delivering all the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from a Volvo SUV. But driving pleasure is only a fraction of what the XC90 T8 offers: the car has five different driving modes that deliver a range of performance and efficiency-enhancing characteristics. Using either a scroll wheel on the center console or a touchscreen on the dashboard, drivers can choose from:
Hybrid: This is the default mode, suitable for everyday use. Here, the vehicle will automatically alternate between drawing power from the 2-liter, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine and the electric motor to deliver the best overall fuel consumption.
Pure electric: In this mode, when the high-voltage battery is fully charged, it serves as the car's sole energy source, powering the electric motor over the rear axle. The XC90 T8 has a range of more than 40km using just electricity, which covers the total distance most people drive in one day. And thanks to the regenerative braking system, this mode is super-efficient in the stop-and-go traffic of city environments. If more power is needed, the Drive-E combustion engine starts up automatically.
Power mode: Here, drivers get the combined performance of the combustion engine and the electric motor. On start-up, the SUV takes advantage of the electric motor's superior response and instant torque curve, while the combustion engine gets up to speed. This combination offers better torque at lower revs, equivalent to that of a large displacement engine like the V8.
AWD: This mode offers constant all-wheel drive on demand. The advantage of being able to select AWD manually is that the driver can use it when needed, or choose to save energy for later.
Save: If the battery is charged, this mode allows the driver to "freeze" the battery level and save it for later use with Pure Electric drive. On the other hand, if the battery is low, the driver can use the combustion engine to charge the battery to a certain level for later use with Pure Electric drive.
Under the shell
Many of the XC90 T8's powertrain features have been optimized specifically for hybrid technology. Here are the main components of the system:
Drive-E engine
A specially modified version of the 4-cylinder Drive-E gasoline engine is under the hood. Already known for its ability to more efficiently deliver the power of an engine twice its size, the Drive-E engine is enhanced in the XC90 T8 by a supercharger and a turbocharger for a total power output of 318hp and 400Nm torque.
Automatic gearbox
The 8-speed automatic gearbox has also been specially adapted for the hybrid: shift-by-wire technology allows drivers to control the transmission electrically (a luxurious touch is the gearshift is made of handmade Swedish crystal). A larger oil pump provides the necessary lubrication during electric drive and enables quicker pressure build-up when seamlessly going from electric to combustion drive.
CISG
The crankshaft-mounted starter generator (CISG), located between the engine and the gearbox, performs three important functions: it is a powerful, 34kW starter motor that allows the car to go from pure electric drive to combination combustion drive seamlessly, so drivers can experience the car's petrol engine and electric motor as one unit; it is also a powerful electric generator; and finally, it acts as an electric engine booster, working with the supercharger and turbocharger when extra power is needed, providing up to 150 Nm of extra torque.
Battery
The high-voltage (270–400V) battery, delivering 65kW of power, is an excellent example of Volvo's success with the XC90 T8. While other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, Volvo has managed to overcome this challenge by placing the battery centrally in the tunnel of the car. There are several advantages to this position. For example, the battery does not impact the amount of available space inside the car. This means that there is room for three rows of seats – plenty of space for people and luggage. Furthermore, the battery placement gives the SUV a low and central center of gravity, making the XC90 T8 easier to handle and safer to drive.
Rear electric motor
Delivering 82hp (60kW) and 240Nm torque, the large electric motor sits on the rear axle and drives the back wheels in electric and power-boost modes. The rear placement is significant because it allows for a larger motor, which is useful for following stop-and-go city traffic rhythms. This placement also makes efficient all-wheel drive possible because each axle has its own power source.
Two-step braking system
The XC90 T8 blended braking system partly uses brake-by-wire technology to recover and transmit energy back into the car, either to recharge the battery or for immediate use. The system is also equipped with a unique stability function that controls the amount of energy that may be safely regenerated.
Unique cooling and climate system
The unique cooling system is composed of two extra circuits. The first cools the CISG and the large electric motor on the rear axle, while the second cools the battery in one of two ways: either passively, via the radiator, or actively through integration with the car's climate system.
Pre-conditioning
For convenience and efficiency, drivers can pre-condition the XC90 T8's drivetrain, battery and cabin, either directly from within the car or by using the Volvo On Call mobile app. This ensures that, whether it's freezing or hot and humid outside, the car will be heated or cooled as necessary and ready to go by the time the driver enters. Pre-conditioning can be done while the car is plugged in, which is beneficial from a CO2 perspective since it ensures that the battery will last as long as possible in Pure Electric Drive mode.
A heritage of innovation
As the world's most powerful and cleanest SUV, the XC90 T8 joins a long list of Volvo Cars innovations designed to create a more comfortable driving experience, a cleaner environment and safer roads.
The data in the press release is based on the NEDC certification cycle used in the EU. The figures are preliminary.
The first Volvo designed from the ground up for plug-in/electrification compatibility, the XC90 T8 delivers all the performance of a luxury SUV, but with emission levels that even small hybrid cars struggle to match.
When designing the XC90 T8, Volvo Cars chose not to compromise on performance, driving pleasure, efficiency or even luggage space. By building on the new modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and successful Drive-E petrol powertrain, the company has created a uniquely roomy 7-seater SUV that delivers 400hp/640Nm combined with ultra-low emissions (59g/km) and high fuel efficiency (2.5 l/100km). The fuel economy according to the U.S. driving cycle is 59 MPGe.
"The XC90 T8 is a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one," says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. "The Drive-E engines already offer highly competitive performance versus the competition. The T8 takes it further into a leading position."
A driving mode for every need
The XC90 T8 can go from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, delivering all the driving pleasure customers have come to expect from a Volvo SUV. But driving pleasure is only a fraction of what the XC90 T8 offers: the car has five different driving modes that deliver a range of performance and efficiency-enhancing characteristics. Using either a scroll wheel on the center console or a touchscreen on the dashboard, drivers can choose from:
Hybrid: This is the default mode, suitable for everyday use. Here, the vehicle will automatically alternate between drawing power from the 2-liter, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine and the electric motor to deliver the best overall fuel consumption.
Pure electric: In this mode, when the high-voltage battery is fully charged, it serves as the car's sole energy source, powering the electric motor over the rear axle. The XC90 T8 has a range of more than 40km using just electricity, which covers the total distance most people drive in one day. And thanks to the regenerative braking system, this mode is super-efficient in the stop-and-go traffic of city environments. If more power is needed, the Drive-E combustion engine starts up automatically.
Power mode: Here, drivers get the combined performance of the combustion engine and the electric motor. On start-up, the SUV takes advantage of the electric motor's superior response and instant torque curve, while the combustion engine gets up to speed. This combination offers better torque at lower revs, equivalent to that of a large displacement engine like the V8.
AWD: This mode offers constant all-wheel drive on demand. The advantage of being able to select AWD manually is that the driver can use it when needed, or choose to save energy for later.
Save: If the battery is charged, this mode allows the driver to "freeze" the battery level and save it for later use with Pure Electric drive. On the other hand, if the battery is low, the driver can use the combustion engine to charge the battery to a certain level for later use with Pure Electric drive.
Under the shell
Many of the XC90 T8's powertrain features have been optimized specifically for hybrid technology. Here are the main components of the system:
Drive-E engine
A specially modified version of the 4-cylinder Drive-E gasoline engine is under the hood. Already known for its ability to more efficiently deliver the power of an engine twice its size, the Drive-E engine is enhanced in the XC90 T8 by a supercharger and a turbocharger for a total power output of 318hp and 400Nm torque.
Automatic gearbox
The 8-speed automatic gearbox has also been specially adapted for the hybrid: shift-by-wire technology allows drivers to control the transmission electrically (a luxurious touch is the gearshift is made of handmade Swedish crystal). A larger oil pump provides the necessary lubrication during electric drive and enables quicker pressure build-up when seamlessly going from electric to combustion drive.
CISG
The crankshaft-mounted starter generator (CISG), located between the engine and the gearbox, performs three important functions: it is a powerful, 34kW starter motor that allows the car to go from pure electric drive to combination combustion drive seamlessly, so drivers can experience the car's petrol engine and electric motor as one unit; it is also a powerful electric generator; and finally, it acts as an electric engine booster, working with the supercharger and turbocharger when extra power is needed, providing up to 150 Nm of extra torque.
Battery
The high-voltage (270–400V) battery, delivering 65kW of power, is an excellent example of Volvo's success with the XC90 T8. While other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, Volvo has managed to overcome this challenge by placing the battery centrally in the tunnel of the car. There are several advantages to this position. For example, the battery does not impact the amount of available space inside the car. This means that there is room for three rows of seats – plenty of space for people and luggage. Furthermore, the battery placement gives the SUV a low and central center of gravity, making the XC90 T8 easier to handle and safer to drive.
Rear electric motor
Delivering 82hp (60kW) and 240Nm torque, the large electric motor sits on the rear axle and drives the back wheels in electric and power-boost modes. The rear placement is significant because it allows for a larger motor, which is useful for following stop-and-go city traffic rhythms. This placement also makes efficient all-wheel drive possible because each axle has its own power source.
Two-step braking system
The XC90 T8 blended braking system partly uses brake-by-wire technology to recover and transmit energy back into the car, either to recharge the battery or for immediate use. The system is also equipped with a unique stability function that controls the amount of energy that may be safely regenerated.
Unique cooling and climate system
The unique cooling system is composed of two extra circuits. The first cools the CISG and the large electric motor on the rear axle, while the second cools the battery in one of two ways: either passively, via the radiator, or actively through integration with the car's climate system.
Pre-conditioning
For convenience and efficiency, drivers can pre-condition the XC90 T8's drivetrain, battery and cabin, either directly from within the car or by using the Volvo On Call mobile app. This ensures that, whether it's freezing or hot and humid outside, the car will be heated or cooled as necessary and ready to go by the time the driver enters. Pre-conditioning can be done while the car is plugged in, which is beneficial from a CO2 perspective since it ensures that the battery will last as long as possible in Pure Electric Drive mode.
A heritage of innovation
As the world's most powerful and cleanest SUV, the XC90 T8 joins a long list of Volvo Cars innovations designed to create a more comfortable driving experience, a cleaner environment and safer roads.
The data in the press release is based on the NEDC certification cycle used in the EU. The figures are preliminary.
12-08-14, 09:05 PM
#129
I have a strong feeling I will drive a Volvo... never in my life thought I would say that but I think it's the best bang for your buck luxury suv out right now. Yes I know that's a bit oxymoronic.
12-09-14, 12:40 PM
#131
Lexus Champion
01-12-15, 03:45 PM
#132
Volvo's 2016 XC90 R-Design Makes North American Debut in a Cool Matte-Blue Shade
Click here to view more photos
After bringing the regular 2016 XC90 over to America and the LA Auto Show last November, Volvo is hosting the North American premiere of the XC90 R Design in Detroit.
The silky blue color on the outside is an eye-catcher and works well with the R Design Package that customizes the new XC90's look with matte silver trim elements, a more aggressive bodykit featuring larger air intakes, two large chrome exhausts and 20-inch or optionally, 22-inch wheels.
Volvo also sets off the interior with a number of updates including sports seats in Nubuck textile and perforated leather, unique floor mats, sports gearshift **** and pedals, and illuminated tread plates.
“R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of Volvo Cars. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design.”
The silky blue color on the outside is an eye-catcher and works well with the R Design Package that customizes the new XC90's look with matte silver trim elements, a more aggressive bodykit featuring larger air intakes, two large chrome exhausts and 20-inch or optionally, 22-inch wheels.
Volvo also sets off the interior with a number of updates including sports seats in Nubuck textile and perforated leather, unique floor mats, sports gearshift **** and pedals, and illuminated tread plates.
“R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of Volvo Cars. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design.”
02-12-15, 06:37 PM
#134
The First Reviews For The New Volvo XC90 Are In
Finally, people are driving the 2016 Volvo XC90. OK, not quite people, but auto journalists at least.
But this much talked-about XC90 is finally on the road and there are a couple tests of it out ahead of its on-sale date this spring. It appears some European journalists, British ones in this case, have tried out the D5 diesel and T6 gas models. Here's a sampling of reviews and thoughts:
Over at Autocar, which also made the video below, the impression is one of relaxation. The Volvo doesn't pretend to be a rival for any of the sportier-driving SUVs, but embraces its practical nature and is probably better for it.
You can get in, relax, sit down, let a few hours pass and get out at the other end feeling none the worse for it, in a car that is one of the most practical, versatile and feelgood on the market.
Top Gear, notably, forgives its lack of sportiness, too.
The XC90 never does big understeer, and controls its roll and body heave very well. But it's not meant to inspire your inner cornerist. It's about brisk, discreet progress.
Then at Auto Express, there was a rave review
However, key to the XC90’s appeal is it’s spacious, upmarket interior and the comfort and refinement on offer – this is a relaxing car to drive due to the plush ride and near silence.
One thing I have noticed is that it doesn't appear any of these reviews are for an XC90 without the optional air suspension – likely a big factor in its comfort and compliant ride.
Still, the journalists make it sound like this is the best Volvo in a long time and a really good addition to the luxury SUV market. I know I can't wait to try it.
But this much talked-about XC90 is finally on the road and there are a couple tests of it out ahead of its on-sale date this spring. It appears some European journalists, British ones in this case, have tried out the D5 diesel and T6 gas models. Here's a sampling of reviews and thoughts:
Over at Autocar, which also made the video below, the impression is one of relaxation. The Volvo doesn't pretend to be a rival for any of the sportier-driving SUVs, but embraces its practical nature and is probably better for it.
You can get in, relax, sit down, let a few hours pass and get out at the other end feeling none the worse for it, in a car that is one of the most practical, versatile and feelgood on the market.
Top Gear, notably, forgives its lack of sportiness, too.
The XC90 never does big understeer, and controls its roll and body heave very well. But it's not meant to inspire your inner cornerist. It's about brisk, discreet progress.
Then at Auto Express, there was a rave review
However, key to the XC90’s appeal is it’s spacious, upmarket interior and the comfort and refinement on offer – this is a relaxing car to drive due to the plush ride and near silence.
One thing I have noticed is that it doesn't appear any of these reviews are for an XC90 without the optional air suspension – likely a big factor in its comfort and compliant ride.
Still, the journalists make it sound like this is the best Volvo in a long time and a really good addition to the luxury SUV market. I know I can't wait to try it.