Last month, we told you about Volvo's plans to reveal an almost production-ready diesel-electric hybrid version of the V60 at the Geneva Salon in March. Today, the Swedish automaker released a full set of photos and additional information on its Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in the market in 2012.
Pegged as the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, the eco-friendly V60 is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, and it promises to offer low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid's powertrain consists of a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel with 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm that drives the front wheels, and a 70HP-strong electric motor that receives its juice from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motivates the rear wheels. The car also features a six-speed automatic transmission.
The car's battery package can be recharged via a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A), with the charging time depending on the level of the current. A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours. The time is shortened to 3 hours with 16A, while a charge in a 6A socket takes 7.5 hours.
The driver can choose from three different modes via a set of push buttons on the center console: Pure, Hybrid and Power.
In Pure, the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible, with the maximum driving range being up to 32 miles or 51 kilometers with zero emissions of carbon dioxide.
The Hybrid mode, which is the default setting whenever the car is started, makes use of both the diesel engine and electric motor. In this mode, V60 Plug-in Hybrid returns a fuel economy of up to 125 mpg US (equal to 150 mpg UK and 1.9 lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km, and a total driving range of up to 746 miles or 1,200 kilometers.
Finally, in Power mode, the system is optimized to give the car the best possible performance, with the diesel engine and electric motor producing a combined power output of 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. According to Volvo, the station wagon model completes the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 6.9 seconds.
In addition to the three driving modes, there's also an AWD button in the centre stack that activates electric four-wheel drive. In this case, the central control unit manages torque distribution to the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically powered rear axle.
There are some subtle styling differences over the standard V60 such as the modified instrument panel that offers information about diesel and electricity consumption, battery charge level and remaining range, the restyled bumpers and the lightweight alloy wheels wrapped around in low rolling resistance Pirelli tires.
"The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure. To get drivers to think green, we have offered both, in one traditional genuine sports wagon" said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
"The technology is still undergoing development and testing, however, the car already points very clearly to what our customers can expect when the plug-in hybrid enters showrooms next year. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology that allows the driver to choose: zero emissions, high-efficiency hybrid or full-on performance. Just select the mode that suits best," he added.
Volvo said that the added cost of the battery pack and the electric motor system means the plug-in hybrid will be more expensive to buy than a regular V60, but added that fuel costs are expected to be one-third of a conventional combustion engined V60. Pricing and market availability will be announced nearer the 2012 launch date
Pegged as the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, the eco-friendly V60 is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, and it promises to offer low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.
If you're searching for a...really naughty version of the 2011 Volvo S60, then look no further than to this race-spec model that's being readied for track by K-PAX Racing to defend the team's 2010 World Challenge GT Manufacturers′ and Drivers′ champion titles. The K-PAX team is preparing two all-wheel drive S60s, which will make their debut at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, in late April, for the fourth round of the World Challenge schedule.
"For the first three races, we′ll run the body style that took us to last year′s championships," said Jim Haughey, Team Owner of K-PAX Racing. "Once fans see the new cars, I think they′ll be very impressed."
K-PAX Racing has not yet revealed any details on the S60's specifications.
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* Standard 2011 Volvo V60 shown in photos
The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will host the world premiere of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, a near production-ready model that is said to return a very impressive 125 mpg US (1.9 lt/100 km), with CO2 emissions under 50 g/km. In order to achieve this, engineers entered a new variable into the plug-in hybrid equation: a diesel engine.
The V60’s front wheels are driven by a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel powerplant capable of 215HP and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. At the back, there's a 70HP electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
According to Volvo, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid “features the very best properties from three different car types in one sports wagon”, including an all-electric driving mode with a range of up to 32 miles (52 km).
“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology”, said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
Jointly developed by Volvo and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is scheduled to enter series production in 2012.
* Standard 2011 Volvo V60 shown in photos
The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will host the world premiere of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, a near production-ready model that is said to return a very impressive 125 mpg US (1.9 lt/100 km), with CO2 emissions under 50 g/km. In order to achieve this, engineers entered a new variable into the plug-in hybrid equation: a diesel engine.
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Volvo's US division has dropped prices for the S60 T5 FWD model, which starts at $30,795, excluding an $875 destination fee. That’s $450 less than the previous base price. The updated offer is also accompanied by a special introductory lease rate plan of $299/month, available until February 28, 2011.
The T5’s standard equipment includes among other things, power driver seat with memory, power folding rear head restraints, front and rear sport seats, leather steering wheel with metal inlays, dual-zone air conditioning, infotainment and 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, T-Tec textile upholstery and 17-inch alloys.
There’s no shortage of safety systems as well, such as Corner Traction Control by torque vectoring, Advanced Stability Control, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) and a host of airbags.
Furthermore, the S60 includes Volvo’s Safe+Secure Coverage Plan, which means owners pay nothing to repair or maintain their vehicles for 5 year or 60,000 miles, minus when replacing the tires.
The coverage plan specifically comprises:
5 years/60,000 miles of New Car Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance
5 years/60,000 miles of Wear and Tear Coverage
5 years/Unlimited miles of Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance
The S60 T5 is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, delivering 250HP and 266 lb-ft (361 Nm) of torque – or 295 lb-ft (401 Nm) in “over boost” mode. Power is sent to the front wheels through Volvo’s second-generation 6-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. The 0-to-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint takes just 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h).
According to the promo event's organizers, it took Reid more than one try but in the end, he managed to return a lap time of 1:28 with a top speed of 193km/h (119 mph). "He was guided only by the feel of the car, his knowledge of the track, and co-driver Earl Bamber's voice," said Volvo. Pretty neat, though we're not sure who was the bravest of the two; the driver or the co-driver... Scroll down to watch the clips.
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