Topic: New Volvo S80 pics

[Bullet Blue]

http://www.expressen.se/index.jsp?a=453821

It's in swedish, but it's somewhat understandable and there are some pics as well.
(courtesy of S60)

[Bullet Blue]

A few engine specs expected:

Ford’s Swedish partner Volvo is developing an advanced inline six-cylinder engine, known internally as SI6, as the powerplant for the next-generation S80 due in June 2006.

Conceived for both transverse and longitudinal applications, the four-valves-per-cylinder gasoline engine features an aluminum cylinder block and a total weight of about 400 pounds. With a compact chain-driven camshaft system, the engine is actually 1.0 millimeter shorter than Volvo’s widely offered five-cylinder—a feature that makes it suitable for a whole range of Ford models, according to AutoWeek sources.

Three different versions of the SI6 are planned: a base naturally aspirated 3.2-liter and a pair of performance-oriented turbo charged 3.0-liter units. The former receives variable cam timing on the inlet valves, with the latter two adopting a more advanced system operating both the inlet and exhaust valves. The performance versions also receive a Garrett turbocharger with variable vane geometry.

In 3.2-liter guise the new six-cylinder produces 238 hp at 6000 rpm along with 236 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, an increase of 42 hp and 26 lb-ft over Volvo’s current 2.9-liter five-cylinder engine. The light-pressure turbocharged unit delivers 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line high-pressure turbo engine pumps out 350 hp and 332 lb-ft

[a4_tom]

V8 S80 would be a formiddable competitor against A6 4.2Q, 550i and E500.

[G0dspd]

Audi ... BMW ... Mercedes .... FORD? 

[Snowman]

Wow….I like the new look. Always clean, understated, and classy. Volvo is a worthy competitor…..no FORD…..far from it.

[Bullet Blue]

A 350 HP AWD S80 should be intersting 

[a4_tom]

Can't wait for S80R.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I don't really love it. At least not yet. As usual, like the side treatment of the middle section of the Volvos - classy, sleek, long, and cool arc to the C-pillar, but the front looks non-descript in a Hyundai Azera sorta way and the hood is fairly long (A-pillar starts too far rearward). Yet, the rear overhang is fairly short, like a new Civic or S40. Overall effect is more vanilla like the Acura RL, which I find is handsome but not upscale enough or showy for $70+ Gs.

The front is barely seen, but if more exciting this could certainly be a looker. R-it by throwing some attractive wheels on there and lower it a bit and you're set!

EDIT: Shoot, I didn't even scroll down below the first photo! Now I see the front and rear - front looks great - nice, low, wide, updated Volvo. Rear is kind of CLS-slinky, but alright. Doesn't look as substantial as I'd like, but hard to judge width from that angle. Interior is very Swedish. 

[Bullet Blue]

GOTEBORG, Sweden — Top-of-the-range versions of Volvo's next-generation large sedan will be V8-powered, according to press reports in Europe.

Auto Express magazine reports sightings of undisguised prototypes of the next S80 on test — clearly bearing V8 badges on the rear. The car will be formally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March, and will go on sale in June.

What's not certain is the source of the V8, though it's likely to be the same narrow-angle Yamaha unit as that used in Volvo's XC90 SUV, which is based on the same platform as the S80. The S80 is also likely to have Quattro-style permanent four-wheel drive to cope with the 315 horsepower that the V8 develops.

Volvo is set to launch five models in the next 18 months: replacement models for the S80, V70 wagon, and C70 Cabrio, plus two all-new models: the C30 — Volvo's VW Golf rival — and the Land Rover Freelander-size XC50 compact SUV.

Source: Edmunds

[ArticSteve]

In 3.2-liter guise the new six-cylinder produces 238 hp at 6000 rpm along with 236 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, an increase of 42 hp and 26 lb-ft over Volvo’s current 2.9-liter five-cylinder engine. The light-pressure turbocharged unit delivers 285 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line high-pressure turbo engine pumps out 350 hp and 332 lb-ft

Nothing like a longitudinal placed in line 6 cylinder.

[safristi]

...:fer Soccer majda nyeh!!!!!,,,

[a4_tom]

If Volvo is going to install a V8 with Haldex AWD into S80, I guess Honda should put an V8 in RL sooner better than latter. If it drives as good as S40 T5 AWD, I would choose an S80 V8 AWD over M45 Sport anytime, anywhere and anyday.