Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Volvo makes the XC60 disappear into art]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/06/17/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



For the last few years, Volvo has set up an art display in the Zurich, Switzerland central train station called the Volvo Art Session, allowing select artists - both established and up-and-coming - to create temporary exhibits with one of Volvo's products acting as the centerpiece. This year, six artists from across Europe converged in Zurich to turn a 2014 Volvo XC60 into a work of art.

Each started with a blank white canvas, creating a massive display in what Volvo says is one of the busiest covered public places in Europe, and after each was done, it was all erased for the next artists to come in and do his or her thing. While some made the XC60 a focal point in the art, others made the crossover seemingly disappear. We have a gallery of all six finished pieces, but if you want to see background of the artists or time-lapse videos of their works, head over to VolvoArtSessions.com. This site also shows the exhibits from the prior two years, and a press release can be found below.

Continue reading Volvo makes the XC60 disappear into art

Volvo makes the XC60 disappear into art originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 volvo xc60art carvolvovolvo art sessionvolvo xc60zurich central train station Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20624123/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/17/volvo-makes-the-xc60-disappear-into-art/20624123/article-detail.xml 20624123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/volvo-xc60-art-cars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/volvo-xc60-art-cars.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Polestar talk about the development of its super Volvo S60]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-polestar-talk-about-the-development-of-its-super-s60/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-polestar-talk-about-the-development-of-its-super-s60/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-polestar-talk-about-the-development-of-its-super-s60/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Polestar is getting ready to deliver its first production car, the Volvo S60 Polestar. Letting the S60 stretch its legs, Polestar Racing driver Robert Dahlgren took the blue sedan from Barcelona, Spain to Jokkmokk, Sweden - stopping for wet-weather testing in Germany along the way.

Dahlgren narrates the journey of the "pilot project" that has 350 horsepower and around 368 pound-feet of torque, and will perhaps be the first in an era of hardcore Volvo production cars. It will go on sale in Australia this Summer, with other markets "under investigation." While we non-Aussies wait with fingers crossed, there's a video below to enjoy.

Gallery: 2014 Volvo S60 R-Design: New York 2013




Continue reading Watch Polestar talk about the development of its super Volvo S60

Watch Polestar talk about the development of its super Volvo S60 originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> polestarrobert dahlgrens60videovolvovolvo s60volvo s60 polestaryoutube Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20557753/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/watch-polestar-talk-about-the-development-of-its-super-s60/20557753/article-detail.xml 20557753 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/polestar-s60-journey_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/polestar-s60-journey.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Volvo has been experimenting with flywheel propulsion systems since the eighties, but only recently has technology caught up with the possibility of real-world applications. In 2011, the Swedish carmaker was granted 6.57 million Swedish kronor (about $1M) by the Swedish Energy Agency to work on a kinetic energy recovery system with Swedish bearing company SKF. Before it began trials, Volvo expected the fuel savings to be as high as 20 per cent. After trials conducted last year on public roads the results were even better, Volvo finding that a KERS-equipped four-cylinder turbo performs like a six-cylinder turbo but gets up to 25 per cent better fuel economy. It calls KERS "a light, cheap and very eco-efficient solution."

The test vehicle was an S60, its ICE driving the front wheels while the KERS - weighing six kilograms, measuring about 20 centimeters across and using a carbon fibre flywheel - was attached to the rear axle. Under braking, the four-cylinder engine is shut off and the KERS gathers rotational energy, spinning at up to 60,000 revolutions per minute. The stored energy is then used to get the car going again or to assist at cruising speeds. It's the same kind of vacuum-sealed flywheel design used by Audi in its R18 etron quattro, but with the opposite arrangement - in the Audi the diesel V6 drives the rear wheels, the KERS drives the front wheels.

Like the units in Formula One, it provides an additional 80 horsepower. When working with the four-cylinder ICE, the S60 with KERS can do the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash in 5.5 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds faster than the S60 with the 3.0-litre T6 engine and all-wheel drive.

As we expect with hybrids, the greatest fuel savings came in urban environments with a lot of braking, Volvo suggesting that the combustion engine could be shut down "about half the time" on the New European Driving Cycle. A press release below has more details, along with a video Volvo released in 2011 to show how its system works.

Gallery: 2013 Volvo S60R T6






Continue reading Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video]

Volvo testing F1-style KERS system, cites 25 per cent fuel economy bump [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fuel economyhybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemstudyvolvo s60 Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20551658/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/volvo-testing-f1-style-kers-system-cites-25-per-cent-fuel-econo/20551658/article-detail.xml 20551658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-kers-cf-flywheel.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo promises new direct-injected diesels, 8-speed auto]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/volvo-promises-new-direct-injected-diesels-8-speed-auto/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/volvo-promises-new-direct-injected-diesels-8-speed-auto/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/volvo-promises-new-direct-injected-diesels-8-speed-auto/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As a part of eliminating its dependence on Ford platforms and powertrains, Volvo has previously announced information about its Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) and Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), but now we're finally getting some details about what will power some of the Swedish automaker's next-generation products.

The biggest key to VEA on the diesel engines is a new technology Volvo calls i-ART. This system uses unique injectors at each cylinder capable of monitoring fuel pressure and adjusting accordingly to maximize fuel economy and performance and reduce emissions. Looking ahead, Volvo says its four-cylinder engines will be able to offer the power of a six-cylinder and eventually, mixed with some sort of electrification, will be able to rival the performance of a V8 and "turn V8s into dinosaurs."

More details about the new diesel injection technology is posted in the press release below, and you can also watch a video showing Volvo technology by clicking through.

Gallery: 2014 Volvo S60 R-Design: New York 2013






Continue reading Volvo promises new direct-injected diesels, 8-speed auto

Volvo promises new direct-injected diesels, 8-speed auto originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dieseldirect injectionvolvovolvo 8-speed automaticvolvo dieselvolvo engine architecturevolvo i-art technology Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20534778/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/volvo-promises-new-direct-injected-diesels-8-speed-auto/20534778/article-detail.xml 20534778 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-engine-architecture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-engine-architecture.jpg <![CDATA[First production Volvo S60 Polestar shown off]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/first-production-volvo-s60-polestar-shown-off/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/first-production-volvo-s60-polestar-shown-off/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/first-production-volvo-s60-polestar-shown-off/#comments Filed under: , , ,



With the Volvo S60 Polestar going on sale in Australia this June, Volvo has finally released images and specs for the production version of the performance sedan. While no official build number has been announced, one image of the car's steering wheel shows a serial number plaque that says "No. 000/100" indicating that production will likely be limited to just 100 units in Australia. The press release states that the Australia run of Polestar-tuned S60s is a "pilot project" and that other potential markets are "under investigation."

Although it looks very similar to the S60 Polestar Concept we first saw at the LA Auto Show last year, the production version of the car sports a few changes. Visually, the front and rear fascias have been slightly modified from the concept car, as have the matte-black wheels. Inside, we see a different steering wheel that adds the aforementioned build sequence plaque but loses the suede leather accents, and there is also a sportier looking shift lever with a chrome handle that features a Polestar logo.

As for performance figures, rather than the 508-horsepower of the S60 Polestar Concept, the production version will be limited to 350 hp and more than 368 pound-feet of torque, which is still an improvement of about 25 hp and at least 14 lb-ft over a 2013 S60 R-Design. Polestar also tuned the six-speed automatic transmission and Haldex all-wheel-drive system for optimal performance leading to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds. The production S60 Polestar will still get suspension, brake and aerodynamic upgrades.

For the full list of vehicle specs, scroll down for the official press release, and while pricing has yet to be announced, it will likely be far less than the $300,000 someone reportedly paid for the S60 Polestar Concept.


Gallery: Volvo S60 Polestar Concept: LA 2012

Continue reading First production Volvo S60 Polestar shown off

First production Volvo S60 Polestar shown off originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> polestarvolvovolvo s60volvo s60 polestar Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20544955/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/first-production-volvo-s60-polestar-shown-off/20544955/article-detail.xml 20544955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-s60-polestar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvo-s60-polestar.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo S60 Polestar entering limited production in Australia [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The Volvo S60 Polestar Concept may be entering limited production in Australia and, depending how the Aussies take to this Swedish super sports sedan, could then be made available worldwide. The news comes from Austrlia's GoAuto, which claims to have received early info from its sources inside Volvo and its tuning/motorsport arm, Polestar.

Polestar released a short teaser video this week (watch it below) of what appears to be the S60 Polestar Concept clipping the snowy apex of an ice track's turn. The only information given with the teaser were the words "Limited Edition. Soon in Australia." Unveiled last June, the S60 Polestar concept has since made the rounds at auto shows, visited Jay Leno's Garage, played on the track with its future competition, and even secured a home for itself with a buyer who reportedly is paying Volvo some $300,000 to own it.

The S60 Polestar Concept is about the meanest machine one can imagine making out of Volvo's sports sedan. Packing 508 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque from its heavily modified T6 engine, then routing those revolutions through a six-speed manual transmission to all four wheels, the S60 Polestar is said to cover the sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. A lower and wider body, brakes by Brembo, suspension bits by Ohlins and a diet to delete some weight make this car a serious issue for M3 and C63 AMG owners everywhere. GoAuto's sources say the production version's performance will be dialed back a bit from the concept's, but we'll have to wait until Volvo and Polestar make this sedan's production official to find out by how much.

Click here for the teaser video and additional images of the Volvo Polestar S60.


Gallery: 2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition: Review

Continue reading Volvo S60 Polestar entering limited production in Australia [w/video]

Volvo S60 Polestar entering limited production in Australia [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australiavolvovolvo 260 polestar conceptvolvo s60volvo s60 polestar Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20536546/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/volvo-s60-polestar-entering-limited-production-in-australia-w-v/20536546/article-detail.xml 20536546 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-volvo-s60-polestar-concept-la-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-volvo-s60-polestar-concept-la-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Dangerous driver crashes Volvo after passing motorcycles on shoulder]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/dangerous-driver-crashes-volvo-after-passing-pack-of-motorcycles/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/dangerous-driver-crashes-volvo-after-passing-pack-of-motorcycles/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/dangerous-driver-crashes-volvo-after-passing-pack-of-motorcycles/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Safe cars don't make safe drivers, as the reckless person seen behind the wheel of this Volvo (pictured above) takes a dangerous stab at passing a pack of motorcycle riders on the shoulder of a highway.

The failed attempt to overtake the group of bikers becomes a double dose of driving karma when the speeding Volvo sedan loses control, skids across the road (nearly hitting several motorcyclists) before it eventually crash landed into the grassy ditch.

Let this be a lesson to all of you shoulder-passing hot shots out there, the gravel covered side of the road is not a lane. Luckily, no one seems to have been hurt in what could have been a very scary crash.

Click here to watch the driving karma unfold.


Gallery: Top 25 Strangest Crashes

Continue reading Dangerous driver crashes Volvo after passing motorcycles on shoulder

Dangerous driver crashes Volvo after passing motorcycles on shoulder originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bad drivercrashcrash videodangerours drivingfailmotorcyclemotorcyclespassingpassing failvideovolvo Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20534534/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/dangerous-driver-crashes-volvo-after-passing-pack-of-motorcycles/20534534/article-detail.xml 20534534 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/biker-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/biker-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Happy April, everyone. And we all know what this first day of the month means: April Fools' Day. Today is a national holiday for pranksters with the Internet acting as a serious enabler, and it's always fun to see what kind of vivid imaginations exist out there in the automotive world. The abundance of fake news gets a little old as the day rolls on, but we did manage to get in a few chuckles thanks to a handful of major automakers and automotive news outlets that got into the pranking spirit this year

Some of our favourites this year includes Subaru showing what happens when you combine a bunch of rumours, a Corvette some may have already thought was a joke or Honda providing some in-car innovation circa the late 1980s. Honestly, we're still waiting for official confirmation from Mitsubishi that the recently introduced 2014 Mirage is an elaborate April Fools' joke using a failed design intended for the 1995 Geo Metro. We dug up as much "official" OEM foolishness we could find, as well as some of our other favourites, and posted them all below.

Click here to see each prank for yourself.


Gallery: Top 10 worst car names of all time

10) Subaru Brat9) Toyota MR28) Ford Escort7) Volkswagen Thing6) Ford Probe

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> april foolsApril Fools Daybmwhondajokeminiprankstage 3 motorsportssubaruthink geekvolvo Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20525596/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/20525596/article-detail.xml 20525596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hondahair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hondahair.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo uncovers widespread cheating by its Chinese dealers]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/volvo-uncovers-widespread-cheating-by-its-chinese-dealers/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/volvo-uncovers-widespread-cheating-by-its-chinese-dealers/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/volvo-uncovers-widespread-cheating-by-its-chinese-dealers/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Volvo dealer sign

According to a report in Reuters, the findings of an internal investigation conducted by Geely-owned Volvo is that its Chinese dealers vastly over-reported their sales numbers in 2011, then even more vastly under reported their 2012 sales figures. About "half the dealers" out of the 151 total outlets gamed the system in order to get incentives for reaching volume objectives, falsely recording about 7,000 more units sold than was actually the case. Instead of 47,140 cars sold in China in 2011, the real number should have been 39,871.

Volvo corporate books a sale once it ships a car to a dealer, so that meant there were 7,000 more cars in inventory than there should have been. To restore the balance, the dealers under reported their 2012 sales while they unloaded those extra cars since, naturally, they couldn't claim the sale again. That made it look like sales declined by 11 per cent in 2012, even though they actually increased year-on-year. The adjusted sales number for 2012 totaled 45,896.

Volvo has met with its dealers and told them to stop the deceitful practice. The discrepancies weren't so great that the company plans to restate its historic numbers, but from now on, it apparently plans to occasionally check inventory to make sure the numbers match and that it has a true picture of how individual models are selling.

Scroll down to watch a quick Volvo technology video.

Gallery: 2014 Volvo S60 R-Design: New York 2013





Continue reading Volvo uncovers widespread cheating by its Chinese dealers

Volvo uncovers widespread cheating by its Chinese dealers originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car dealershipcar dealershipschinacrooked dealerdealer scamdealershipsalesscamvolvovolvo china Sun, 31 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20519053/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/volvo-uncovers-widespread-cheating-by-its-chinese-dealers/20519053/article-detail.xml 20519053 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volvo-dealer-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volvo-dealer-sign.jpg <![CDATA[Volvos will brake for bicyclists with new detection technology]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/volvos-will-brake-for-bicyclists-with-new-detection-technology/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/volvos-will-brake-for-bicyclists-with-new-detection-technology/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/volvos-will-brake-for-bicyclists-with-new-detection-technology/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Anyone who pedals a bicycle knows that one of the biggest dangers to riders is a motorized vehicle - Volvo estimates that nearly 50 per cent of all cyclists killed in European traffic have collided with a car. In the United States alone, 618 riders lost their lives in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes in 2010, and the number of injuries surpassed 52,000.

To help drop those numbers, Volvo has just announced Cyclist Detection with full auto brake - a technology that detects and automatically applies a vehicle's brakes when a cyclist swerves in front of a moving car. The basic components of the system include a radar unit integrated into the front grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror and a central control unit. The radar is tasked with seeing obstacles in front of the vehicle and calculating distance, while the camera is responsible to determine what the object is. The central control unit, with rapid processing capabilities, monitors and evaluates the situation.

The technology, which will be sold bundled with its Pedestrian Detection and called Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, will automatically apply full braking when both the radar and camera confirm a pedestrian or cyclist are in the immediate path of the vehicle. According to the automaker, the technology will be offered on the Volvo V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models from mid-May in 2013.

For more info and a video showing Volvo safety tech, scroll down.

Gallery: 2014 Volvo V70: Geneva 2013







Continue reading Volvos will brake for bicyclists with new detection technology

Volvos will brake for bicyclists with new detection technology originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cybersecuritypedestrianvolvovolvo cyclist detectionvolvo pedestrian and cyclist detectionvolvo pedestrian safety Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20495091/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/volvos-will-brake-for-bicyclists-with-new-detection-technology/20495091/article-detail.xml 20495091 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-xc60-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-xc60-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo rolls out new R-Design versions of S60, XC60 and new V60 at New York Auto Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volvo-s60-xc60-v60-r-design-new-york-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volvo-s60-xc60-v60-r-design-new-york-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volvo-s60-xc60-v60-r-design-new-york-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Volvo S60 R-Design

Volvo has put together R-Design packages for its newly facelifted S60, V60 and XC60 models, and for those who want more bark to go with them, there's a power upgrade for the S60 and V60 courtesy of Polestar performance. The aesthetics start with new front and rear fascias, the grille going frameless and Tech Matte Black with a silk metal diagonal bar, the back end getting a finned diffuser and round R-Design tailpipes. On top of that, the S60 and V60 are lowered 15 millimeters and can be fitted with 19-inch versions of the company's Ixion wheel pattern.

The R-Design sport chassis stiffens things up, items like the rear dampers get 20 per cent stiffer while front bushings get a whopping 400 per cent stiffer. Inside there's a black headliner, perforated leather mixed with nubuck and contrasting stitching on the sport seats, or a full leather option for those who love their cow, and the Adaptive Digital Display gets a blue hue when set to the Elegance appearance theme.

Buyers of the 3.0 litre T6 engine can add the Polestar performance option, which cranks things up to 329 horsepower instead of the standard 304 hp, and an exclusive accelerator pedal comes with it.

To watch the new Volvo V60 debut at the Geneva Motor Show and to read more details from the press release, scroll below.

Gallery: 2014 Volvo XC60 R-Design: New York 2013

Continue reading Volvo rolls out new R-Design versions of S60, XC60 and new V60 at New York Auto Show

Volvo rolls out new R-Design versions of S60, XC60 and new V60 at New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 new york auto show2014 volvo s602014 volvo v602014 volvo xc60autoshow2013new yorknew york auto showpolestarr-designvolvovolvo s60volvo v60volvo xc60 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20521521/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/volvo-s60-xc60-v60-r-design-new-york-2013/20521521/article-detail.xml 20521521 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-s60-r-design-ny-1364412732_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-s60-r-design-ny-1364412732.jpg <![CDATA[2015 Volvo XC90 mule spotted testing in the snow]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2015-volvo-xc90-mule-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2015-volvo-xc90-mule-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/2015-volvo-xc90-mule-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The Volvo XC90 was a big step for the Swedish automaker in 2003, but the midsize crossover has changed very little since its introduction. All that's about to change as Volvo starts its initial development on the 2015 XC90, which we see for the first time in these spy shots showing a cobbled-together XC70.

Like the current XC90, the next-generation model will be both longer and wider than the XC70 - judging by the modifications made to this mule's body - which will continue to allow Volvo's flagship crossover and provide three rows of seating. The next XC90 will ride on a new platform that will eventually make up around two-thirds of all Volvo sales, called the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

Our shooter managed to find out the registration number for this mule, which indicated that it was powered by a five-cylinder diesel, but we expect the automaker to start stepping away from its current powertrains with a big push toward smaller engines courtesy of the new Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA). Rumor has it that the future engine lineup for the XC90 will rely heavily on turbocharged four-cylinder engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions, which will likely eliminate or lessen some of the current mills available like a straight-six or V8.

The automaker previously stated that the new XC90 would debut in late 2014, but it sounds like delays could push the launch into early 2015.

Scroll down to watch this mule's predecessor in video action.

Gallery: 2013 Volvo C30 Polestar Limited Edition






Continue reading 2015 Volvo XC90 mule spotted testing in the snow

2015 Volvo XC90 mule spotted testing in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 volvo xc90spy shotsvolvoVolvo scalable platform architecturevolvo xc90 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20513111/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/2015-volvo-xc90-mule-spotted-testing-in-the-snow/20513111/article-detail.xml 20513111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2015-volvo-xc90-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2015-volvo-xc90-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[New York Auto Show to reveal new Volvo for North American drivers]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/volvo-confirms-unnamed-us-model-reveal-for-ny-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/volvo-confirms-unnamed-us-model-reveal-for-ny-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/volvo-confirms-unnamed-us-model-reveal-for-ny-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Tucked into the press release for the "display debut" of the Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid at the New York Auto Show, Volvo snuck in a single line announcing that it will also be introducing a new model for the North American market. As much as we'd love to see the svelte V40 on American roads, we're pretty sure the automaker is looking to fill its US station wagon void with the V60.

The 2014 Volvo V60 is part of a comprehensive lineup update that was unveiled earlier this month in Geneva, and it would give Volvo dealers a conventional wagon (not including the XC70) for the first time since the V70 and V50 were killed off. We'll still be keeping our fingers crossed for the stylish V40 hatchback or the fuel-efficient V60 diesel hybrid, but we have to wait until next week to find out for sure.

Click through to watch 'the world's safest car' get smashed in crash testing.

Gallery: 2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition: Review




Continue reading New York Auto Show to reveal new Volvo for North American drivers

New York Auto Show to reveal new Volvo for North American drivers originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 volvo v60autoshow2013new yorknew york 2013new york auto shownyiasnyias 2013volvovolvo v60 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20512889/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/volvo-confirms-unnamed-us-model-reveal-for-ny-show/20512889/article-detail.xml 20512889 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-v60_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-v60.jpg <![CDATA[Polestar says goodbye to Volvo C30 in video tribute]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Volvo C30 was put to its eternal bed a few months ago, but the tuners at Polestar have a little more eulogizing to do. The Swedish house of speed that has raced and reworked the little hatch since its introduction in 2006 wants the world to know what they've been through together, so it has encapsulated seven years of around-the-world action into three minutes and 28 seconds of track footage and champagne.

We're still waiting on word of a replacement for the funny little hatch, and while we lament what could have been, the video below proves that the C30 provided plenty of thrills for race fans. And as you can read in our recent review of the Polestar-enhanced road-going C30, it provided a decent amount of fun for consumers, as well.

Click here to watch the touching video tribute.


Gallery: 2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition: Review

Continue reading Polestar says goodbye to Volvo C30 in video tribute

Polestar says goodbye to Volvo C30 in video tribute originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 volvo c30c30polestarvideovideosvolvo Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20499635/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/polestar-says-goodbye-to-volvo-c30-in-video-tribute/20499635/article-detail.xml 20499635 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volvoc30polestartribute_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/volvoc30polestartribute.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo V60 Wagon to cross the pond bound for Canada?]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/volvo-considering-offering-v60-wagon-in-the-us/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/volvo-considering-offering-v60-wagon-in-the-us/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/volvo-considering-offering-v60-wagon-in-the-us/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,




Canadians love wagons, particularly Volvo wagons. The Swedish beasts of burden have a polished, classy flair to them that appeals to our rather developed automotive tastes - if we might say so ourselves.

Those who pine for the new Volvo V60 wagon sold overseas may be in luck; according to Automotive News, Volvo is rethinking its decision to not sell the V60 wagon in the North America. The automaker had originally decided to not offer the V60 in our market but rumour has it Volvo may be changing their minds on the matter. A decision is expected to be made sometime in the next quarter, and if approved, sales of the V60 could begin in Canada within the next year.

Scroll down to watch video footage of the new V60 on display in Geneva, then read more on what's in the pipeline for Volvo Canada.

Continue reading Volvo V60 Wagon to cross the pond bound for Canada?

Volvo V60 Wagon to cross the pond bound for Canada? originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 volvo v60v60volvovolvo v60 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20499008/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/volvo-considering-offering-v60-wagon-in-the-us/20499008/article-detail.xml 20499008 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-2014-volvo-v60-1363104549_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-2014-volvo-v60-1363104549.jpg <![CDATA[Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In an attempt to help push vehicle safety to a higher level, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a stricter Top Safety Pick+ rating last year, which incorporates a brutal small overlap test and requires cars to get Good ratings in four out of the five categories (and no less than Acceptable in the fifth). Joining the list of the safest cars of 2013, the 2013 Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKZ, Honda Civic (sedan and coupe) and the 2014 Mazda6 have all received the coveted TSP+ rating.

The Mazda6 and Lincoln MKZ have both been completely redesigned, and both received Acceptable ratings in the small overlap test. The Honda Civic, coming off its emergency refresh for 2013, is the first small car to be subjected to the small overlap test, and IIHS says that one of the car's many upgrades includes a stiffer front structure allowing it to receive Good ratings in all categories. Similarly, the XC60 gets all Good ratings thanks to, according to IIHS, Volvo updating the airbag software allowing the side airbags to inflate during the small overlap test.

The 2014 Subaru Forester has not yet been subjected to the small overlap test, so it must make do with just a Top Safety Pick rating until the IIHS tests small utility vehicles, which is expected to happen later in the spring.

Continue reading Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ

Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 honda civic2013 lincoln mkz2013 top safety pick+2013 volvo xc602014 mazda6hondaiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylincolnmazdasafetytop safety picktop safety pick+tsptsp+volvo Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20495354/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/20495354/article-detail.xml 20495354 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-honda-civic-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-honda-civic-review.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo brings an whole new 2014 showroom for Geneva's approval]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2014-volvo-lineup-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2014-volvo-lineup-geneva-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/2014-volvo-lineup-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: ,

2014 Volvo S60

Sometimes it takes smaller automakers a bit longer than the industry average to rotate and freshen their product lineups. Volvo has taken a big swing for the 2014 model year in that regard, and has brought along a full product portfolio of new cars.

In the main, this means that the Swedish brand has fast-tracked facelifts for its already-attractive assemblage of sedans, wagons and crossovers. Volvo mainstays S60 and S80 have both gotten appearance modifications to freshen them for dealer lots, as well as added features inside the car. We're particularly happy to report that the spirited "60 cluster" models - S60, V60, XC60 - can now be had with optional paddle shifters on new, three-spoke steering wheels.

Below you'll find a whole bunch of image galleries of the revised Volvos, live and in person from the show floor in Geneva. For a bit more background on the Volvo updates, feel free to read our original announcement of the news or scroll down to catch the press release.

Continue reading Volvo brings an whole new 2014 showroom for Geneva's approval

Volvo brings an whole new 2014 showroom for Geneva's approval originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 volvo lineupgenevageneva 2013geneva motor shows60s80v60v70volvoxc60xc70 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:40:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20490948/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/2014-volvo-lineup-geneva-2013/20490948/article-detail.xml 20490948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-s60-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-volvo-s60-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo to shake off Ford ties with new platforms, engines]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/02/volvo-to-shake-off-ford-ties-with-new-platforms-engines/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/02/volvo-to-shake-off-ford-ties-with-new-platforms-engines/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/02/volvo-to-shake-off-ford-ties-with-new-platforms-engines/#comments Filed under: , ,

Volvo Emblem

It would seem Volvo is finally getting around to throwing all of Ford's things out of the apartment. Automotive News reports the Swedish automaker is preparing to unleash a range of new engines as well as a fresh platform designed entirely in house. The powerplants include an all-new four-cylinder engine set to bow before the end of this year before arriving in North America by 2014. Shortly thereafter, the world should get its first glimpse at the next-generation XC60, which will be the company's first model to make use of the Volvo scalable platform architecture (SPA). North American buyers can expect to see that machine on their roads by early 2015.

For more details and to watch a Volvo tech video, click past the jump.

Continue reading Volvo to shake off Ford ties with new platforms, engines

Volvo to shake off Ford ties with new platforms, engines originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fords90v90volvoVolvo scalable platform architecturexc60 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20476359/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/02/volvo-to-shake-off-ford-ties-with-new-platforms-engines/20476359/article-detail.xml 20476359 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/volvo-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/volvo-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo to unveil permanent high-beam headlamp technology [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/volvo-to-unveil-permanent-high-beam-headlamp-technology-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/volvo-to-unveil-permanent-high-beam-headlamp-technology-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/volvo-to-unveil-permanent-high-beam-headlamp-technology-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Volvo will be showing off its Active High Beam technology at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The system will allow drivers to use their high beams all the time and adds another responsibility to the cameras mounted by the rearview mirror, making them detect traffic ahead, whether it be another car or a truck or motorcycle and in the same lane or oncoming. When a vehicle is detected, a special projector in the Xenon lamps can block out only the portion of the high beam that would impair the other driver. Volvo says the system is accurate down to a 38 mm (1.5-inch) margin around another object.

Active High Beam will be fitted to the Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 and we have to assume they mean the non-NA versions of those cars. Audi has a similar technology that it calls "matrix beam lighting."

The Swedish brand also plans to present a collision-avoidance technology it's calling a "world-first." The press release below has more information and the accompanying video demonstrates the lighting tech.

Continue reading Volvo to unveil permanent high-beam headlamp technology [w/video]

Volvo to unveil permanent high-beam headlamp technology [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> active high beamgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showlightvideovideosvolvoyoutube Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:27:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20484247/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/01/volvo-to-unveil-permanent-high-beam-headlamp-technology-w-video/20484247/article-detail.xml 20484247 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/volvoactivehighbeam_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/volvoactivehighbeam.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Last Hurrah Comes and Goes In A Hurry

2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition

It isn't very often that we drive a new car that's already out of production, but that's exactly what has happened with this 2013 Volvo C30. After years of sluggish sales in the North American market, the last C30 quietly rolled off the assembly line back in December. But before that happened, Volvo decided to send its compact hatchback out on a high note with a little added performance and exclusivity courtesy of this R-Design Polestar Limited Edition model currently being offered exclusively in the US market.

The term "hot hatch" is admittedly tossed around a lot these days, but the combination of an R-Design styling package coupled with a good number of extra ponies under the hood should be more than enough to put the C30 in the mix with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and its not-too-distant rival, the Mazdaspeed3. The chief problem with the Polestar Limited Edition, though, is that it's price position will be against sportier all-wheel-drive compacts like the Golf R and Subaru WRX STI, so we decided to spend a week with the Polestar to how its exclusivity and performance really measure up.

Continue reading 2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video]

2013 Volvo C30 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 volvo c302013 volvo c30 polestar limited editionc30c30 r-designc30 r-design polestar limited editionpolestarreviewreviewsvolvovolvo review Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20483057/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-limited-edition-review-video/20483057/article-detail.xml 20483057 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-volvo-c30-r-design-polestar-review.jpg -1 2