The 2011 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 2011 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.”
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.
2011 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 2011 Volvo 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 2011 Volvo 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.
2011 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 2011 Volvo 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 2011 Volvo 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.
The all-new Volvo S60: sculpted to move you - and your feelings
The all-new Volvo S60 starts a new era in the Swedish carmakers more than 80-year long history.
No previous Volvo model has ever before etched itself in your mind charged with so much feelings, self-confidence and promise of enjoyable days on twisting roads.
"The all-new S60 has been sculpted to move you. Every single line in its design is there to transport you both physically and emotionally. Its profile radiates so much coupe feeling that the rear doors come as something of a pleasant surprise when you examine the car close-up," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury.
After spending seven years at Ford, Peter Horbury returned to Volvo in summer 2009 - and the all-new S60 is a crystal-clear reflection of what is perhaps his most distinctive experience from his years in the United States.
"There's little point playing the polite Englishman or reserved Swede if you want to make a lasting impression. Translated into a car market packed with extrovert models from all the leading makers, this means that you have to sharpen your design pencil like never before if you want to be seen. That's why it's so important for the all-new S60 to be more daring than our previous models."
He adds:
"The front is a good example. It was a bit too minimalist in the previous model. That's why I have nothing but praise for the changes that have been made during my absence. The grille, the large iron mark and the front position marker lights in the all-new S60 are immediately noticeable in your rear-view mirror. The attitude is proud and self-confident, but without appearing too aggressive. There is no doubt which car is behind you."
Promise of a great drive
Örjan Sterner is responsible for the exterior design of the all-new Volvo S60. For him, the direction was crystal-clear from the very outset:
"In its overall shape, the new S60 is a coupe, sportier and more distinct than any previous Volvo. Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out a look that crates a strong sense of motion. It carries a sporty appeal that promises great driving pleasure before you even get behind the wheel," he says.
The C-pillar of the all-new S60 stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.
""The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down and puts focus over the wheels. This enhances the stance and makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and the short overhangs front and rear also emphasise the sports car feel," explains Örjan Sterner.
The dynamism of the design is further enhanced by what Volvo's design team calls the "racetrack" design. The car's lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, continually, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.
An exterior styling kit gives the customer an opportunity to further enhance the already sporty appearance. The styling kit comes as an accessory. It includes front and rear skid plates, a front deco frame, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.
LED technology carves out a distinctive S60 profile in the dark
Volvo's designers have also used LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create distinctive yet fluid light streams front and rear. The vertical position lights at the front, the eyebrow like side marker lights, the turn indicators in the door mirrors, the position lights in the tail lamps all help give the new S60 an unmistakeable profile even after night falls.
"Some of the rear lamp units are integrated into the boot lid. This creates a horizontal light pattern that helps make the car look even sleeker, lower and broader from behind," says Örjan Sterner.
New copper and gold paint options
The all-new Volvo S60 is being introduced with a range of exterior colours chosen with considerable care to emphasise the model's inspiring lines. Among the 15 colours are two new shades; the sporty and exclusive Vibrant Copper and the sophisticated Electrum Gold.
"Exclusive metals such as gold, silver, copper and bronze are strong colours in both the fashion and sports industries as well as in interior design and architecture. In recent years, improved technology and processes have made these pigments increasingly available to us in the car industry too," says Anders Sachs, who is responsible for colours and materials in the all-new Volvo S60.
Taped design brief
The story of how he inspired his designers with a roll of white masking tape in the run-up to the first S60 project is one of Peter Horbury's favourite memories from his first period (1991-2002) as Design Director at Volvo Cars.
"I rolled the original Volvo C70 into the studio, pulled a roll of tape out of my pocket and marked out a rear door onto the coupe body. It felt like the simplest way of describing exactly what I was looking for. After that it was just a matter of the team getting down to work," says Peter Horbury. He adds:
"I was an immensely proud "father" of the first-generation S60 almost ten years ago. It took our design language a major step forward. Now we are taking an even bigger visual stride forward with yet more emotional and sporty dynamism. But the basic idea is and will remain the same: a coupe with four doors."
Scandinavian design at its best
Volvo's design language has undergone dramatic change over this past decade - without compromising in any way on the core values that have made the brand one of the strongest in the automotive world.
"The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo. But it is still an unmistakeable representative of Scandinavian design at its best. Flowing organic shapes hand in hand with user-friendly functionality - as well as a car aiming to be the safest in the world," says Peter Horbury. He adds with a laugh:
"Anyone with money can buy any car he or she wants. But if you have something more than money, you're definitely going to choose the all-new Volvo S60..."
Enthusiast or Pragmatist?
For Tomas Ahlborg, who also served as one of the driving forces behind the first-generation S60, responsibility for the development of the all-new Volvo S60 has been the most exciting challenge of his career.
"The brief from the company's executive management was short and to the point: create Volvo's sportiest car ever. Personally, I'm one hundred percent delighted with the result. The all-new S60 is an uncompromisingly sporty sedan. Every single detail is in total harmony with the car's dynamic credentials," he explains.
In simple terms, car buyers can be divided into two main categories: enthusiasts and pragmatists. For the enthusiast, the car is a high-priority conversation topic that can never be exhausted, while the pragmatist only shows interest in cars when it is time to replace his or her current vehicle with a new one every three or four years or so.
In a historical perspective, Volvo's brand has attracted more pragmatists than enthusiasts. However, as each successive generation of Volvo models became increasingly emotional, that picture has changed - and the all-new S60 is packed with all the ingredients from the enthusiast's favourite menu.
"The number ‘60' in our model range nowadays indicates our sportiest models. The XC60 was the first step. Now, with the all-new S60, we are placing ourselves right on the car enthusiasts' radar screen. Later in 2010, we will expand the range by introducing the new Volvo V60 sportswagon," says Tomas Ahlborg.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
