2011 Volvo S60

Volvo is recalling 6,046 2011 model year vehicles due to potential engine stalling, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2011 model year vehicles include the Volvo S80, S60, XC70 and XC60.

“The software calibration for the fuel cutoff functionality in the engine control module is too sensitive,” said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. “Sudden engine stall could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.”

To fix the issue all the recalled models will get an updated software from Volvo free of charge. Volvo will start notifying owners starting Dec. 10. Owners can call Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

- By: Zain Haq

2010 Volvo S80

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced today that Volvo is recalling 9,746 2010-2011 S80, XC70, model year 2011 XC60 AND model year 2010 V70 vehicles. According to the NHTSA, there may be an intermittent fault in the driver’s airbag clockspring wiring connector for the supplemental restraint system.

“In the even of a crash, the driver’s frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all, and therefore will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries,” NHTSA said.

To fix the issue, dealers will install a metal shim in the driver’s air bag clockspring wiring connector. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to start on or before Oct. 29, 2010. Owners can call Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 for more info.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Volvo S60

As Volvo adapts to its new Chinese owner and a brand new CEO – Stefan Jacoby, former CEO of Volkswagen – the brand is making all sorts of changes to improve its luxury image. First and foremost – Volvo has its sights set on the BMW 1-Series and the BMW X1.

The compact sedan, which will compete with the size of a 1-Series, will be smaller than the S40, according to Doug Speck, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. He said that the S40 will be phased in the next two years since it is to close in size to the new S60 sedan.

“We need enough gap in size to justify small and large vehicles,” Speck said. Volvo wants a small crossover because “there will be more X1 counterparts in the luxury segment.

Speck also said that the S80 sedan and the XC90 crossovers will get their own platforms when they are redesigned in the next two years.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Volvo announced today that it has updated its S80 sedan. The 2010 Volvo S80 gets refreshed exterior styling, an upgraded interior and sharper chassis and an updated engine range.

“We are ready to give the competition a tough match. With the new S80, we’re placing the bar at the very highest level when it comes to exclusiveness, quality and driving properties,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

In the U.S., the 2010 Volvo S80 will be offered with a 3.2L inline 6, the turbocharged T6 3.0L inline 6 and the top-of-the-range 311-hp 4.4L aluminum V8. The T6 and V8 models will come with Volvo’s Instant Traction AWD system as standard.

The 2010 S80 will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week with U.S. sales to start in the second half of 2009. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

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2010 Volvo S80:

Of course good news like this only comes for the Europeans. Volvo is introducing a new 2.4L 5-cylinder diesel engine for its S80 sedan. The new D5 engine will be available in the UK starting mid-2009 and Volvo will soon release pricing and further specification closer to launch.

What we do know right now is that the engine has sequential twin-turbochargers and piezoelectric fuel injectors that allows it to produce a total of 205-hp with a maximum torque of 310 lb-ft of torque. That allows for a fuel-economy figure of 45.6mpg (38 mpg U.S.) and CO2 emissions of 164g/km.

The new D5 engine is also equipped with ceramic glow-plugs, an innovative solution that allows cold-starting properties via a very quick warm up period.