Beijing 2010: Geely Gleagle GS

The first time we saw something that could roughly be equated to a sport coupe from Geely was a few years ago at the Detroit Auto Show. That red car had some enormous panel gaps and dubious styling. My, how times change. The star of Geely's new midrange Gleagle brand (we're pretty sure it doesn't come across as oddly in Chinese as it does in English) was the GS coupe.

Similar in size to Scion Tc, the GS is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline four producing 127 horsepower. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual clutch unit. If any Chinese automaker is going to make it to the U.S., Geely seems the most likely and its purchase of Volvo could even give it access to a sales network.

Volvo V50 2.0 Powershift Test Drive Report

Estates, or station wagons as they’re more commonly known here, appeal to a very small segment of buyers in Malaysia. Most associate them with hearses, but there are fans. I for one, love the idea of wagons even though I’m not married with kids or involved in business that requires lugging around goods; favourites include the B5 Audi RS4 Avant and Alfa 156 Sportwagon, cars which shapes I admire more than their saloon sisters.

Not many choices in this market if you’re after one, so the locally assembled Volvo V50 stands out as a sporty and classy European estate that’s relatively affordable. New for 2010 is a 2.0-litre engine and Powershift double-clutch gearbox replacing the old 2.4-litre five-pot. No change in price, but your RM185,950 will buy you more equipment than before. We see if it’s a compelling package.

Geneva 2010: Volvo S60

American automakers are streamlining, big time. But we're looking at a Swedish car. In Switzerland. So what does this have to do with Detroit? Well, a lot. But not for long. Volvo's about to change hands from Ford to China's Geely, and (like fellow Swedish automaker Saab now under Spyker's wing) if it's going to survive, it'll need a solid product. This could be it.

Previewed in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the production version of the new Volvo S60 made its debut here at the Geneva Motor Show. A few details inevitably had to change on the bumpy road from concept to production, among them the anteater nose of the show car which was thankfully reshaped due to pedestrian impact requirements. And when it comes down to it, that's what Volvo's all about: safety. So it comes as little surprise that the new S60 also debuts the company's new Collision Warning system that will, if necessary, fully engage the brakes.

The S60 makes its debut in T6 guise, packing a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. More engines will be on offer worldwide once new S60 car reaches the market over the course of the coming months.

[Source: Volvo]

ALL-NEW VOLVO S60 MAKES ITS WORLD DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

• All-New Volvo S60 makes its international debut at Geneva Motor Show 2010
• New Dynamic chassis tuned for an active drive
• Features the ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake technology

Today, Tuesday 2 March 2010, the all-new Volvo S60 made its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It launches into one of the automotive world's most competitive segments backed by an elegant new coupé-like design, dynamic driving characteristics and ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection safety technology.

In its overall shape, the all-new S60 is a coupé; sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo. In its design, it promises excellent driving characteristics, even before you get behind the wheel. To deliver the highest levels of driving enjoyment, the chassis team have refined every single detail that influences a car's driving properties and fine-tuned the driving experience to offer the most dynamic ride ever seen before on a Volvo.

The all-new S60 range will be available from launch with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine, including an uprated high-performance 3.0-litre T6 petrol version with 304bhp, a 2.4-litre 205bhp D5 and a 2.0-litre 163bhp D3 powerplant. A DRIVe version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with CO2 emissions of approximately 115g/km and fuel economy of up to 65.7mpg (combined cycle, preliminary figure) will join the range later in 2011.

DESIGN
In its overall shape, the all-new S60 is a four-door coupé - sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo.

The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches all the way to the tail lamps – and the slim coupé -like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body. This creates a gentle double wave in the line from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

The S60's athletic stance is accentuated by a sculpted bonnet and short overhangs front and rear, plus what Volvo's design team calls the "racetrack" design. The car's lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.

This sporty appearance can be further enhanced with an exterior styling kit that incorporates front and rear skid plates, two frames in the lower valence, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo's designers have also used LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create distinctive, signature lights at the front and rear that make the car clearly identifiable as an S60, even in the dark.

The all-new Volvo S60 is being introduced with a range of exterior colours including two new shades: Vibrant Copper and Electrum Gold.

NEW DYNAMIC CHASSIS
The new Volvo S60 is the most sporting Volvo ever built and during the development process, the chassis team refined every single detail to fine tune the driving experience. The result of their labours is a newly-developed Dynamic chassis, standard on every new Volvo S60.

The steering gear ratio is 10 per cent faster than in previous models to give enhanced steering feel and sharper response. The steering column's thicker tubing and stiffer bushes have increased torsional rigidity by 100 per cent. This also contributes to the increased feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.

The front spring struts have thicker pistons compared with the sports chassis in the Volvo S80. The resultant 47 per cent increase of stiffness means that the body structure is better able to absorb lateral loads. The springs themselves are shorter and stiffer than before and the Eigen frequency has increased by 10 per cent. At the front, spring strut mounting stiffness has increased by 50 per cent. The front and rear subframe bushes are up to twice as stiff compared with previous models. The link arm bushings have also been optimised for sporty driving and full control.

The damper mountings at the rear are made of PUR (polyurethane) instead of rubber to provide better balance between comfort and dynamic control.

Stefan Sällqvist, responsible for the S60 chassis development explained: "We spent many weeks fine-tuning the dampers out in the English countryside. We drove on old Roman roads that have only ever received a few layers of tarmac over the centuries – a perfect environment for finding the right damping qualities."

Advanced Stability Control
The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) in the all-new S60 has a number of sophisticated features to improve driving pleasure and safety. The S60 is the first saloon on the market with Volvo's Advanced Stability Control. With a new roll sensor, it's possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving that involves considerable lateral forces.

New Corner Traction Control for smoother curves
The dynamic new chassis is backed up by a range of electronic systems that further sharpen the sporty driving experience. Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car takes corners more smoothly. This technology is a further refinement of the DSTC system. When taking a curve, the car's inner driven wheel is braked at the same time as more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to take the corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

Advanced, integrated braking functions
A highly advanced braking system is an important part of the dynamic driving properties of the all-new S60. A number of features interact to provide the shortest possible stopping distance in all scenarios. Technology includes:

• Ready Alert Brakes can predict when emergency braking is needed. The brake calipers are applied lightly to the brake discs even before the driver presses the brake pedal.
• Hydraulic Brake Assist helps the driver brake in the shortest possible distance. In an emergency situation where the driver does not press the brake pedal fast or hard enough, Hydraulic Brake Assist can help utilise the ABS system optimally and thus shorten the overall braking distance.
• Optimised Hydraulic Brakes is a system that amplifies braking ability during firm braking by using hydraulics to compensate for low vacuum pressure in the brake servo.
• Fading Brake Support uses the hydraulic system to gradually build up brake pressure during long, hard braking. This helps reduce the risk of brake fade and maintains pedal feel.
• The all-new S60 is equipped with an Electronic Parking Brakeas standard.

FOUR-C as an option
All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the FOUR-C active chassis, which has been modified and refined for better control and comfort. This is an advanced, self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the dampers are adjusted to suit the current driving situation.

With three alternative chassis settings, all it takes is for the driver to press a button to alter the car's character: Comfort, Sport or Advanced.

ENGINE RANGE
At launch, the S60 range will be available with a choice of two diesels and one petrol engine. All the engines have been developed to meet the highest demands on sporty, dynamic driving with competitive fuel consumption.

All-new Volvo S60 engine programme from start of production:

Petrol engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
T6 AWD 3.0 6-cyl in-line 304 bhp 440 Nm
Diesel engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
D5 2.4 5-cyl in-line 205 bhp 420 Nm
D3 2.0 5-cyl in-line 163 bhp 400 Nm
Two five-cylinder turbo diesels
The high-performance twin turbo D5 produces 205 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 146mph (manual) and 143mph (automatic). In the most recent D5 version, introduced in spring 2009, the performance and driveability requirements have been met by fitting two turbochargers of different sizes, one taking over from the other and providing added power within a broader rev range. The result is alert response and rapid acceleration at all speeds, with seamless transfers in the turbo rev range between the two turbochargers. The complementary properties of the two turbos combine high performance with lower fuel consumption of 47.9mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

Advanced fuel injection technology using piezoelectric fuel valves gives exact distribution of fuel in the combustion chamber, with efficient combustion and low emissions as a result.

Smaller displacement lowers fuel consumption
In addition there is the newly-developed 2.0-litre D3 engine producing 163hp and 400Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic) and top speed is 137mph (manual) and 134 mph (automatic).

The new five-cylinder 2.0D is, in principle, the same engine as the present 2.4D, but cylinder capacity has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. With a manual gearbox fuel consumption is now up to 54.3mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine has been optimised to offer reduced fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectrical fuel valve compared with the D5 engine. These valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in far more efficient combustion.

In order to give the car better driving properties, the turbocharger has been fine-tuned for high torque from low revs.

Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. A maintenance-free particulate filter that traps about 95 percent of the soot particles is fitted as standard in both engines.

High-performance T6 petrol engine
The 3.0-litre T6 petrol engine generates 304 hp and 440 Nm of torque, enhancing acceleration and smooth progress on the road. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 155 mph. Volvo Cars' engine specialists have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption by about 10 per cent to 27.7 mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure).

The engine's power is delivered to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. New valves and lower friction mean faster gear changes than before. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard on the T6.

Engines to be added during first year of production:

Petrol engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
T5 2.0 4-cyl in-line 240 bhp 320 Nm
T4 1.6 4 cyl in-line 180 bhp 240 Nm
T3 1.6 4-cyl in-line 150 bhp 240 Nm

Diesel engines Displacement Configuration Output Torque
1.6 D DRIVe 1.6 4-cyl in-line 115 bhp 270 Nm
DRIVe diesel below 115 g/km
During the first year of production a DRIVe version of the all-new S60 will be introduced, featuring a new 1.6-litre diesel engine. Fuel consumption will be an impressive 65.7mpg (EU Combined, preliminary figure), corresponding to CO2 emissions approximately below 115 g/km. The uprated engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque, and will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Later during the first year of production, the all-new S60 will also become available with a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240 hp and torque of 320 Nm. Furthermore, there will be a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions: 180 hp (T4) and 150 hp (T3) with torque of 240 Nm.

All the GTDi engines will be available in combination with Volvo's optional automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The Powershift concept works like two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, giving quick and fuel-saving gearchanges.

Further information on these engines will be communicated at a later date.

PEDESTRIAN DETECTION WITH FULL AUTO BRAKE
The all-new Volvo S60 features the ground breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system. Pedestrian Detection consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar's task is to detect any object in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.

The full auto brake part of the technology also responds to vehicles in front that are at a standstill or that are moving in the same direction as the car fitted with the system.

The newly developed dual-mode radar's much wider field of vision ensures that pedestrians about to step into the roadway can be detected early on. The camera has higher resolution than the previous-generation auto brake which makes it possible to detect the pedestrian's pattern of movement.

"The auto-brake system requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to the advanced sensor technology used, it is now possible to increase to full braking power," explains Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

"Detecting pedestrians with sufficiently high reliability has been a complex challenge. Our innovative technology is programmed to trace a pedestrian's pattern of movement and also to calculate whether he or she is likely to step into the road in front of the car. The system can detect pedestrians who are 80 cm tall and upwards, that is to say including children."

New technology permits full braking force
In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. In order to generate an immediate, intuitive reaction, this warning resembles a brake light. At the same time, the car's brakes are pre-charged. If the driver does not react to the warning and an accident is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.

This technology has the same limitations as the human eye, and just like us it "sees" less well in the dark and in poor weather.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 21mph if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact. The speed reduction is up to 21mph.

Statistics reveal that the car's speed has considerable importance for the outcome of the accident. A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced. For instance, if speed is cut from 30mph to 15mph, Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is expected to reduce the fatality risk by as much as 20 per cent and in certain cases by up to 85 per cent.

City Safety
The all-new Volvo S60 also features City Safety as standard, as seen on its bigger brother - the XC60. The system can reduce or even entirely avoid low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 18mph.

Additional safety systems available:

• Driver Alert Control (DAC). A unique technology to alert tired and distracted drivers. This function monitors the car's progress between the lane markers and warns the driver if his or her driving pattern changes in a random or uncontrolled way.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) helps detect vehicles in the rear blind spot on both sides of the car. A warning lamp beside the relevant door mirror comes on to alert the driver to the danger.
• Active Bi-Xenon Lights are articulated headlights that follow the curve of the road. For best possibility illumination when driving in the dark on twisting roads.
• Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the car runs across the lane markers without the turn indicator being used.
• Advanced Side Impact Protection System
• Seat-mounted side airbags
• Improved Inflatable Curtains
• Whiplash Protection System

INSIDE THE CABIN
Drivers and passengers can experience the agile new chassis in complete comfort thanks to the spacious and refined cabin. The interior of the new S60 has been designed with driver-oriented details, but is still a five-seater car offering comfortable space for all its occupants. The sculpted outer rear seats give the passenger in the middle welcome side support. Knee space in the rear seat has increased by 30 mm compared with the previous-generation S60.

The designers also took the exterior's racetrack inspiration into the interior of the car. "Every detail looks like it's in motion. All the lines 'embrace' the driver's cockpit. The instruments and centre stack are angled towards the driver to create a sensation of focus and control. The new dynamic three-spoke steering wheel and the new sports seats with extra side supports are standard. There isn't any compromise anywhere in the dynamic approach we adopted from the very beginning," says Jonathan Disley, head of interior design in the all-new Volvo S60.

Easily accessible storage space is another important part of interior comfort and convenience. The all-new Volvo S60 has a storage compartment behind the centre stack and another in the centre console armrest, while in the door pockets there is space for books, maps, soft-drink bottles and cans. Both the front and rear seat occupants have seat pockets within easy reach. The rear seat splits 40/60 and the boot opening has been made 100 mm wider than in the previous-generation S60.

Beige and black are the main colours of the upholstery range, which is spiced up with the new highlight shade of Beechwood Brown – a tan leather upholstery that traces its proud roots back to classic Volvo models such as the P1800 ES and 164.

Clean Zone Interior gives enhanced comfort
The Electronic Climate Control system, (ECC), offers automatic control of both temperature and ventilation. The all-new Volvo S60 can be equipped with IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) which prevents particles and unpleasant odours from entering the cabin. To offer highly-sensitive passengers even better climate comfort, the system has also been equipped with Clean Zone Interior, a system based on ECC and IAQS. When the car is unlocked using the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.

The all-new Volvo S60 also features:

• Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, automatically maintains a set gap to the vehicle in front and operates at speeds below 18mph, all the way down to standstill.
• Optional front and rear parking sensors and a rear Park Assist camera.
• Optional camera in the front grille with a 180-degree field of vision that can 'see around the corner' to help drivers negotiate blind exits and park with greater safety.

New Infotainment system
The all-new S60 also gets a new Infotainment system that integrates information from the audio unit, navigation system, mobile phone and other functions into a five- or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. The screen is in a high position to make it easy for the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

All the functions can be controlled from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen. In addition there is a separate remote control for passengers to use. Integrated navigation with voice control is available as an option, as is the possibility of using Bluetooth to connect the driver's own mobile phone to the car's infotainment system.

One of the first cars with MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories
The all-new Volvo S60 is one of the first cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theatre markets.

MultEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin's acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound for everyone in the car.

In addition to the top-of-the line Premium Sound, which comes with a seven-inch screen, the all-new Volvo S60 is available with a choice of three other audio systems:

• Performance – with a 4x20 W amplifier, six loudspeakers and a five-inch screen.
• High Performance – with a 4x40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This system also comes with a five-inch screen.
• High Performance Multimedia – with a 4x40 W amplifier and eight loudspeakers. This level is combined with the optional navigation system and the larger seven-inch screen.

GLOBAL SALES
The first-generation Volvo S60 was launched in 2000. It soon became Volvo Cars' most popular model, enjoying worldwide acclaim and peak sales of 110,000 cars in 2002. In total, there are about one million S60s on roads the world over today.

The initial annual global target for the all-new Volvo S60 is 90,000 cars and the car's customer base is spread unusually uniformly throughout the world. Europe (including Russia), North America, and the rest of the world will each account for about one-third of total sales. The five largest single markets will be the UK, USA, China, Russia and Sweden. The all-new Volvo S60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium and first cars will be delivered to customers in early summer 2010.

New Volvo S60 revealed ahead of Geneva

February 10, 2010 at 3:12 am by Danny Tan · 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Volvo

Used to seeing concepts watered down for production, we’re happy to see Volvo sticking to their guns for the new S60. The production version of Volvo’s mid-sized exec, revealed here ahead of its Geneva debut, looks remarkably similar to the S60 Concept the Swedish brand wheeled out at the 2009 Detroit show.

Among the distinctive cues carried over is the XC60 style front end, the wavy signature line on its profile and those inverted L-shaped taillamps, but the basic shape is recognisable as an S60. Volvo says that “the sculpted hood and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasize the sports-car feel.” We’re not sure about the “sports-car feel” but this S60 does have presence. It has grown is size too; longer, wider and with a longer wheelbase, but is less than 45kg heavier than the current car.

Engine choices include a twin-scroll turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with 300 bhp and 440 Nm. Paired to a new six-speed auto (faster shifts) and Haldex AWD, this S60 T6 does 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.5 seconds. Of course following the common trend of ‘engine downsizing’, there will be a new 2.0-litre GDTi engine, which is good for 203 bhp and 300 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

Three suspension setups will be available: Base, Dynamic and Four-C Adaptive. The optional Dynamic uses stiffer springs and bushings, retuned dampers and thicker piston rods, while Four-C adaptive damping aims to provide the best of all worlds.

On the safety front, Advanced Stability Control employs a new roll angle sensor to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. Also debuting is Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, which can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the S60, warn the driver, before automatically apply full braking power if he/she does not respond in time. This system works at speeds up to 35 km/h. This is a development of City Safety, which works the same way, but for vehicles.

Top Luxury Cars - The Volvo XC90

As a midsize luxury crossover vehicle, the Volvo XC90 is in a competitive segment which includes some of the top models produced by Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura and Volkswagen. But what the XC90 has going for it is its renowned Volvo quality, reliability and safety, features the crossover has in abundance.

First introduced in 2002, the Volvo XC90 has recently completed an important makeover, incorporating important changes to keep the crossover relevant as well as appealing to buyers. Should you consider the Volvo XC90? I'll let you decide that after we take a closer look at this important model.

Plenty To Like About This Crossover
So what does the Volvo XC90 have going for it? First of all, it is Volvo's top-selling vehicle in the United States. The crossover is based on the same platform underpinning the S80 sedan, the flagship Volvo model. Second of all, the crossover offers seven passenger seating and has a very competitive starting price of about $37,000. Lastly, the XC90 features a design that is attractive inside and out.

In the cabin, the XC90 offers good looks plus all of the amenities expected to be found in a luxury crossover model. Easy to read displays, an uncluttered dash, premium sound system, dual zone air-conditioning, bolstered seating and a sensible center stack are just a few of the XC90's attractions. Offering a smooth ride, good handling and a safety cage environment, the XC90 performs well in all road conditions thanks to its all wheel drive technology.

Sleek Exterior Styling
On the outside, the unmistakable Volvo grille emblem is placed just above an attractive skid plate that gives the crossover its unique look. Sweeping lines from the nose to the A-Pillar suggest the crossover's sporty flair while rounded styling from the B- C- and D-Pillars give the crossover a constant "in motion" look. A generous sized hatch moves up and out of the way, giving easy access to the storage compartment.
The latest XC90 model incorporates quite a few standard features that were at one time offered optionally. Leather seating surfaces, rear park assist, power glass moonroof, third row seat with climate control, and upgraded multimedia package are now included. Blind Spot Information System and Dual Xenon Active Bending Lights are now stand alone options, which means that either one can be offered separated from an expensive add on package. Thus, the latest edition of the Volvo XC90 offers more features and better value than ever before.

Lots of Safety Features
Like all Volvo models, safety is what the XC90 is all about as it offers dual-stage frontal airbags, side impact airbags and air curtain bags for passengers, roll-over protection system, whiplash protection, energy absorbing interior and much more. Clearly, when a car is defined by it safety, the Volvo XC90 meets that definition.

Fully loaded, a Volvo XC90 can be had for under $50,000 with well equipped models retailing for just over $40,000. Priced right and offering the amenities customers want, this Volvo is sure to please especially with people needing seven passenger seating at an affordable price.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Acura Integra intake and Nissan 240SX Intake
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Top Luxury Cars - The New Volvo C30

This week I officially turned into a grumpy old man. Walking through town on my lunch break I was constantly surrounded by over excitable children, getting more rambunctious by the second thanks to an inordinate amount of e colorings in their bags of sweets. "Why aren't you in school?" I screamed to myself, before the realization that it was summer holiday time again hit me like a punch in the face. Then I remembered that if it was summer holiday time, it meant school reports had just been issued by their teachers who most probably drive used beige Volvos and wear corduroy trousers.

Therefore they had good reason to go crazy. If they are anything like I was, the lead up to the end of year school report was so nerve wracking I'd swear every year I'd developed Parkinson's disease overnight. I'd often stare in the mirror and vow to try harder next year. I'd even beg the teachers to go easy, promising all manner of riches I could never really lay claim to. The fear and anticipation was often far worse than the reality, but as a chatty child who was constantly being sent out of class for distracting others, there was always mention that "if Mark applied himself he could be a high achiever".

Obviously it could have been far worse: "Mark really should stop beating his teachers around the face" or, "Mark claims not to have burnt down the school, but the can of petrol in his bag says otherwise", but being an only child, anything less than perfect wasn't worth reading by my parents. My defense is that in many subjects I really wasn't interested in learning information I knew I'd never use in later life and therefore not learning the subject seemed a far more attractive proposition.

I think everyone is guilty of this. If you don't have a natural flair for something, or fail to enjoy an activity immensely, you'll spend as little time on the subject as possible. That is why I spent roughly two months on my art project and five minutes revising French. I can think of no better example of the correlation of being interested in something and therefore being good at it than driving.


I am yet to see a man who chats about the torque steer at 4,000rpm in his Lancer Evolution X reverse into a shopping trolley. Nor have I seen a girl racer in a heavily modified and much loved Honda Civic plow through the central reservation on a motorway. The reason is that these drivers love being behind the wheel, take great pride in choosing what car gets them from a to b, and throw boring things like fuel economy and practicality out the window.

Compare this to drivers of cheap and/or unstylish cars. How often do you see Kias, Protons and Chevrolets (formally Daewoo of course) in hedges, with gears crunching and more dents than a boxer's forehead? Often is my answer and it's because the drivers have no interest in cars and are therefore rubbish at driving, just like me and the French language.

Historically, Volvos have always been driven by the inept. Despite no styling whatsoever, old Volvos were so safe in a crash that all the rubbish drivers bought one so they knew they'd be OK when the inevitable happened. Yet something has happened in Stockholm. They've made a Volvo that is quite simply stunning to look at - the C30.

The Swedish firm have somehow managed to combine traditional traits like the rectangular front grill and long bonnet with a bonkers rear end that oozes Italian flair and a side profile that looks aggressive and unlike anything Volvo has done previously. It's not all show and no go however. To drive the C30 holds the road ably and provides plenty of feedback through the steering wheel. Engine choices vary, with the top-of-the-range one being the six-speed, 2.5 liter 220 PS turbo T5, which will propel you from standing to 60mph in just 6.3 seconds. It'll roar onto 150mph too.

Where Volvo has been sensible however is their pricing of the C30. The headlining T5 mentioned above is £21,495, however the most popular is likely to be the 1.6 litre petrol version which starts from just £14,750. The car has been on sale for nearly two years so used Volvos should start to appear on forecourts. It's too early to tell the rate of depreciation, but I reckon and will be mouth-wateringly tempting to give the Swede a chance.

Buying the New Volvo C30 will scream to the world one thing - you're not a rubbish driver.
PJ Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. Here he talks about the New Volvo range.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=P_J_Ridgard

Top Luxury Cars - Best Volvo Car Maintenance

What you must do, once in a month, is to check up you car yourself! Fluids are an important part of your Volvo car. Make sure that all the fluids are up to the top line and that the oil is lubricating the car system properly. Take care of the radiator coolant, the brake fluid, the oil levels, the windshield washer fluid, your power steering fluid, your Hydraulic Clutch fluid, and your Automatic Transmission fluid. The last three may not apply to most cars, but for those who do have it, it is important to maintain them properly.

Coolant leaks are common in cars which have weak or old radiator hoses. Locate the radiator hose in your car and make sure that there are no fissures, tears or tattered ends. If there are, you need to change them immediately. Squeeze the hoses, when the engine is cold and see whether they are brittle. Also, check the clamps and make sure the hoses cannot be turned. The hoses should not be wet or damp there either. If they are, either tighten the clamps or replace them.

Check your Volvo belts as well. They are very important, and loose or broken belts are very hard to manage. The belts are generally located at the front of the engine. Usually, the number of belts depends on the car itself. They operate the fan, air conditioner, alternator, water pump and the smog pump. Press down on the longest part of the belt, between the pulleys with your thumb. Check the manual that comes along with the car, to check the tension of the belts. Make sure that the tension is the same. Otherwise, replace them.

Your engine is the most important part of the car and it is equally important to take proper care of it. Every now and then, open the hood of your car, and take a look at your engine. It is possible to find leaks simply by looking over. Make sure that none of the fluids are leaking and if they are repair them. Look under the engine and under the car as well with the help of a flashlight. Make sure that there is no dampness sticking to an area.
There are other things you can do to keep your Volvo in tip-top condition. Examine the battery of the car for cable end for corrosion, make sure that all the lights are in perfect condition and occasionally start your car with the hood up and making sure it sounds all right. Regularly check the windshield wipers, and the tire pressure. Make sure the tires don't have glass, nails or lesions in them.

For info concerning Volvo Cars go to our site at Volvo Cars to locate a bunch more of my articles concerning the evolving car of future generations - the evolvo car.

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2010 Volvo C30 BEV Wallpaper

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Front View

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Wallpaper

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Side View

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Interior

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Action

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Dashboard

2010 Volvo C30 BEV Rear View

Volvo V70 R Design Power with Efficiency

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V70 3 Volvo V70 R-Design

2009 Sporty Volvo V70

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Volvo XC90 Tech Specs

Volvo XC90 Images


Volvo XC90 Photos


Volvo XC90 Pictures


Volvo XC90 Posters


Volvo XC90 Wallpapers

Volvo C30 New Pictures

Volvo C30 Images


Volvo C30 Photos


Volvo C30 Pictures


Volvo C30 Posters


Volvo C30 Wallpapers

Safety Over Beauty for Volvo Cars

Volvo cars aren't flashy. Some may even feature it's boring. Though the cars aren't as cubic as they used to be, in terms of design, they are not as foppish as the Italians, not as posh as some of the arts Cars, not as powerful as the Americans and not as numerous as the Japanese and Korean Cars. But why do you conceive that after so many years, Volvo automobile sales hit been steady, even in the Bridgend area? Why is it that Volvo automobile sale hit throughout the eld maintained its percentages so well? What makes Volvo such a steady brand when it comes to automobiles and not as volatile as its American Counterparts.

Safety. When it comes to the most important aspect of owning an automobile, Volvo leads the way. Volvo cars are safe. After all, they were the company who first came up with seat belts, opposing locking brakes, air bags, and the computerized black box that consistently monitors all the interior processes of the car. A Volvo or SUV is top of nous for couples with newborns and hit the budget to purchase a car. A Volvo is the automobile you would poverty when attractive your spouse and your children on a road trip. It is the family automobile when it comes to country because a Volvo will intend you safely from point A to point B.

If you are in Wales, modify by a Volvo dealership in Bridgend and hit a go wager at the newborn models available. They hit become sleeker and less cubic but ease are the safest rides available. Even the classic Volvo Station Wagon series has had a major stimulate and now is more SUV looking that vegetation panel station wagon, supermarket friendly. Their sedans hit also a better appeal to the male mart and they hit been gaining connector on the coupe mart as well, adding some zing with the speed but ease being innocuous to drive.

Volvo automobiles hit been around for almost 60 eld and it has created a status mart for those who prioritized country over beauty and looks. Volvo has now made headways into the automobile mart by modernizing its design without sacrificing safety. It is ease the automobile of pick for people who like to play it innocuous when sport a car. Volvo Cars are here to stay, evolve, and acquire more connector in its own niche.

At last! Great aggregation about Volvo Car sales Bridgend is available here. If you are in and around Bridgend area, you crapper contact Bridgend Volvo specialists to assist you in buying or servicing volvo cars.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Magill

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Volvo XC60 pictures

Volvo XC60

Detroit 2010: Volvo C30 EV Concept

As expected, Volvo brought along an all-electric C30 hatchback concept to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. While this isn't a production vehicle at this point, Volvo says the car is a fully drivable prototype with a complete interior, full instrumentation, and enhanced battery packaging.

We made our way down to Volvo's area here at Cobo in Detroit to check the battery-electric C30 out for ourselves, and honestly we came away impressed. As Volvo says, the C30 EV is a complete package with little evidence that it's not a production model.

Ford to Sell Volvo?

Ford has been focusing on selling the Volvo name plate as it has been a money loosing venture for them for a while now. They are currently negotiating with U.S. based bidders and are working towards narrowing the talks down to one potential buyer. The Crown Group, which is headed by Michael Dingman, a former Ford director (from 1981 to 2002), his son James Dingman and Shamel Rushwin, who is a former manufacturing and labor executive for the automaker, is currently a front runner to the purchase of Volvo. Ford has succeeded in being the only major U. S. auto manufacturer that has avoided bankruptcy. They are working on making themselves leaner by shedding the international luxury lines in order to focus on its own name badge products, believing it will again become profitable by 2011.

Crown, who entered into negotiations with Ford about two months ago, has offered less than the two billion Geely Holding Group Co, offered. Volvo has not lost favor as a brand, it still has its loyalists and still has a good name, sales have just stalled. This company can and will succeed if it is purchased by a company that allows the people that know Volvo the best to do what they do best. Crown is working towards that goal by trying to attract former Volvo executives as equity partners. Those being sought after include Roger Holtback, who was chief executive officer of the Swedish auto manufacturer in the lat 1980s.

Ford is hoping to finish negotiations and conclude a successful sale during this quarter. They may be narrowing the list of bidders down to one in just a couple of weeks. Geely is currently China's biggest private automaker and they are currently the most likely successful bidder in a bidding war that started more than a year ago. Everyone in Ford, Crown and Geely are being hush hush about the progress of negotiations and which way they might go. Ford will continue to be the supplier of engines and other components for Volvo is working the protection of its intellectual property into the negotiations.

Ford needs to be very careful about intellectual property but that is pretty difficult. It is possible to be so closed mouth about intellectual property that you end up damaging the product and damaging the relationships with the auto makers who take over the Volvo nameplate. Still in negotiation are the responsibilities of liabilities such as pensions. Ford is looking to sell Volvo for approximately 2 billion dollars. This less than a third of what the automaker paid for the nameplate ten years ago. Ford had a 'pre-tax' loss of 231 million in the second quarter compared with 120 million lost in the full year prior.

Investors seem to be happy about Ford's decision, as the Ford stocks rose .21 cents to $7.05 in composite trading on the New York Stock Exchange. I'm sure we'll see some upcoming changes in Volvo after the new ownership takes over and starts investing moneys and ideas in this old standard.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Foray Motor Group offering great deals on Ford Focus in Pool and Ford Ka in Poole.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sangers