New Volvo XC70 will feature better off-road capability

Although not an off-roader in the real sense, the all-new Volvo XC70 still offers significant cross-country capability comparing to the outgoing model. The vehicle is powered by a 185 PS D5 turbo diesel delivering 400 Nm of torque, or even more powerful 238 PS 3.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, enough for a family estate, which will never see the real mud.



The D5 turbocharged oil-burner, for instance, features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder technology, an electronically controlled turbocharger, a maintenance-free particle filter, a more advanced multi-point injection system and an enhanced engine management system. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine pushes the 2008 Volvo XC70 from zero to 60 mph in just 8.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph. It can also be ordered with Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with an option of manual shifting.



The 3.2-liter gasoline engine delivers impressive 320 Nm of torque. The straight-six engine features aluminum block and head with twin overhead camshafts and 24-valves as well as Volvo's patented CPS (Cam Profile Switching) system that features two completely different intake cam profiles machined onto the same camshaft.



It's even more energetic than the diesel, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in only 8.1 seconds and achieving a top speed of 134 mph.



The Volvo XC70 features really impressive for a wagon effective ground clearance of 210 mm, wading depth of 300 mm and amp angles of 19.2° approach, 19.8° breakover and 24° departure, beating the outgoing model (16°, 18° and 20° respectively) in all three areas. Its off-road abilities are further enhanced by a hill descent control system and all-wheel drive system with Volvo's own Instant Traction electronic torque distribution system.

Its price is yet to be announced in June and the first cars will reach their buyers only in October.

Picture: Volvo Cars

See also: Peugeot Holland & Holland 4007 Concept SUV

Technorati tags: Volvo, XC70, cross country, D5, diesel, Geartronic

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Heico HS3 THOR_2 "pseudo SUV" based on Volvo C30

Heico Sportiv tuners continue their experiments with the latest Volvo C30 hatchback and its "off-road" HS3 THOR variation. Built exclusively for the upcoming Essen Motor Show in Germany, the new Heico HS3 THOR_2 is almost a replica of its predecessor except for the all-wheel-drive system.

Nevertheless, the HS3 THOR_2 still comes with its "XC off-road look" body kit, 30mm raised suspension, VOLUTION X. "Titan" paint 8x18-inch wheels, and custom made TOYO TIRES R888 semi-slicks featuring the HEICO SPORTIV famous helmet logo. There is also original THOR's distinctive seven-stage paint scheme in urban warfare camouflage style.



The HS3 THOR_2 comes with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, pumped up from 220 hp to 250 hp and from 320 Nm to 360 Nm, but it can also be fitted with upgraded 2.0D and D5 oil-burners.

See also: Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

Technorati tags: Volvo, C30, Heico, Sportiv, HS3 THOR, tuning, hatchback, SUV, diesel, car, automotive

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2008 Volvo XC70 SUV spy photos

First undisguised photos of the premium segment mid-size SUV show that the next Volvo XC70 will get significantly more powerful and masculine appearance. It will look more like a scaled-down version of the range-topping Volvo XC90 rather than a more brutal variant of a V70 station wagon as it is now. The 2008 Volvo XC70 seems to employ some design clues, first shown on the 2005 Volvo XC70 AT (All Terrain) Concept.

The SUV features an off-road style non-paintable front bumper, fog lights in a silver frame and a cool-looking rail system, which is "starting at the bottom of a windshield following the A-pillar all the way over the roof".

The 2008 XC70 will probably feature a cruise control radar, park-distance control, mirrors with integrated indicators, and tail-pipes hidden beneath the rear bumper. Vehicle's interior will mimic that of the current S80 / V70 with some 'off-road' changes.

The SUV will come with a choice of engines, including the 2.5T with 210 bhp, the 3.2 liter 6-cylinder with 238 bhp and the Yamaha-built V8 with 315 bhp. The engines will supply their power to the latest Haldex 4-wheel drive system.

See also:
Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

Technorati tags: Volvo, XC70, XC90, V70, S80, SUV, Haldex, Yamaha, wagon

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Volvo XC90 V8 Sport "redefines the SUV segment"

With the new Volvo XC90 V8 Sport SUV Volvo has made an attempt of winning hearts and pockets of customers who want more driver-oriented 'ute. So, with a set of interior upgrades, the vehicle also comes with more dynamic chassis settings, sport tuned suspension and more responsive steering.

The Volvo XC90 Sport features 311 hp, transversely mounted V8 engine mated to an automatic gearbox. The seven-seater comes equipped with stiffer shock absorbers and anti-roll bars and standard Nivomat self-leveling system.



Inside, the vehicle features sport leather seats with additional lateral cushioning, instrument dials with chronograph watch styling, Dynaudio Sound System, and Sirius Satellite radio.

Outside, there are Active Bi-xenon GDL Headlamps, body color-matched wheel arch extenders, double chromed exhaust pipes and a set of alloy 19-inchers.



See also:
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander tuned by DAMD

Technorati tags: Volvo, XC90, SUV, sport, Nivomat

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