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Volvo to Present Shockingly Modern S80 at Geneva

Bold new S80 to Debut at Geneva Show

Its evolution time: this is Volvos new S80 sedan and what a sight it is to behold! As with its two latest creations, the C30 Design Concept and the stunning folding hardtop C70 Convertible, the S80 is yet another vehicle set to change the face of the modern Volvo. This latest interpretation of a full-size luxury sedan will be the vehicle to help Volvo get back on track in pursuit of a the premium high end segment, offering more appealing looks, new, highly advanced engines, a dynamic chassis, and, of course, true Volvo attributes, comfort and safety.

As you can clearly see in these photos, this latest sedan takes many of its styling cues from the very popular S40 sedan, particularly in its profile and proportions, mating them to the bold shape of the original S80.

The new Volvo S80: set to do what the original S80 did back in 1998. Again. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

But, with so many new models on the way, the S80 strives to make an identity within the Volvo range and the premium market through a more aggressive nose treatment, with upwards-tweaked headlamps, while the styling of the rear end, such as the rear window and tail lamps retains the now famous coke-bottle flow.

Inside, Volvo continues to define true Scandinavian luxury through simplicity, soft curves, and warm tones paired with high quality materials. Yet, at the same time, this different perspective on luxury is very cool; its impossible to ignore the wafer-thin center console that houses the digital

Larger interior now has that great ultra-thin center console from the S40. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

climate controls and the Dolby Pro-Logic II/Dynaudio surround sound system. As with the current car, the optional navigation system is housed in a pop-up screen, however, the new car will feature a Head Up Display projected onto the windsheild, to help keep the drivers eyes on the road.

Like the first S80 and the latest XC90 V8, high standards for performance, safety and environmental friendliness have pushed Volvo to evolve its powertrains, leading to the launch of a totally new engine lineup for the second-generation S80. The car will feature a total of four motors, a 2.4-liter turbodiesel with 185-hp, and a base 200-horsepower inline-five, both of which are exclusives for European markets. For North America, the range consists of the new Yamaha-designed 4.4-liter

Volvo returns to the inline-six layout with the new 3.2-liter engine. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

V8 engine for the top-of-the-line model, and an all-new 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six for more economically minded luxury buyers.

Though the inline-six in the first generation S80 was dropped several years back, it returns 300 cc larger and with 232-horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Volvo has gone all-out with this engine, implementing variable valve timing, variable cam profile shifting and a variable-length intake manifold to improve performance and efficiency. All engines will drive through a six-speed automatic, and the latest version of Volvos all-wheel drive system, which works in conjunction with Volvos DTSC stability control system.

Seeing as the S80 is Volvos flagship model, it is not only a luxurious place to be, its also a demonstrator of Volvos latest safety technology. After mastering passive safety (airbags, WHIPS, SIPS, etc.), they brands engineers set their sights on preventing accidents altogether.

Active safety, passive safety, personal safety... No safety has been overlooked with the new S80. (Photo: Volvo Cars of North America)

The S80 is the first Volvo to feature adaptive cruise control with Collision Warning and Brake Support designed to warn the driver and lessen the severity of an impact in a collision.
Volvo will also be introducing the Personal Car Communicator with the new S80, which not only acts as a keyless starter, but also as an interactive security system and personal safety device. The advanced key fob includes a built-in monitoring system, which alerts the owner if the alarm has been set off, while a heartbeat monitor is able to detect if someone is hiding inside the vehicle.
 
Like many of its new, smaller vehicles, Volvo is targeting new buyers with the S80; "We are convinced that the new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender that will appeal to many new customers. We expect 80 percent of the 50,000 cars a year to be purchased by customers who do not drive a Volvo today," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The S80 will be displayed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show towards the end of February and will arrive on U.S. shores in early fall.

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