New S80 gets new diesel engines and more technology

The new Volvo S80 will feature three new diesel engines - the 2.4D, D5 and the low CO2-emitting DRIVe. As well as providing the Volvo S80 with a different driving experience, the car will also benefit from lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. The Volvo S80 will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 3rd March 2009.

"The new S80 should not just be seen, it has to be experienced. The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious. We\'ve also made the interior more driver-oriented, with a new steering wheel and upgraded instruments,\" says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

It will also be available with an advanced function that helps reducing the risk of alcohol-related traffic accidents. This function, Alcoguard, is an immobiliser that helps the driver to make a decision whether to drive or not while influenced by alcohol. However, it is ultimately the driver\'s responsibility to make \"sober\" decisions in relation to the Alcoguard function\'s recommendations.

Detail and quality

Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director, and his team have increased the exterior's appeal with a number of modifications that give the S80 a lower, longer and wider stance.

The front is more distinctive with a new grille featuring the larger iron mark badge, which is part of the more extrovert DNA as seen in recent Volvo models, including the new XC60 crossover. There is also new chrome detailing on the air intakes, lower part of the doors and under the tail lamps.

The interior of the car has a clear focus on exclusivity and comfort. The soft, cosseting leather seats with matching stitching are accompanied by door panels echoing the same trim. The super-slim floating centre stack is upgraded with a Silk Metal frame that enhances its exclusive feel, while simultaneously creating a design link to the Volvo XC60.

The instruments in the new Volvo S80 feature exclusive aluminium dials and Volvo is also launching a new generation of steering wheel. The décor trim with Silk Matte metal-effect finish on the four-spoke steering wheel is also found in the gear selector and around the starter button.

Driveline and chassis

Like the rest of the Volvo range, the Volvo S80 has a transverse driveline and front-wheel drive, or alternatively All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The transverse engine installation permits effective space utilisation for deformation in the engine compartment and also makes it possible to create a more spacious passenger compartment.

There are five-cylinder engines on offer as well, including the highly energy-efficient second-generation D5 Volvo turbo-diesel and a petrol engine with a light-pressure turbocharger.

The D5 is available in the four-wheel drive Volvo S80 AWD. The combination of All Wheel Drive and the high torque of the diesel engine results in exceptional accessibility and driveability on all road conditions and in all situations, and also provides very good fuel economy. The Volvo S80 D5 AWD will be offered with an automatic or manual gearbox, both with six speeds.

The Volvo S80 can be equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Flexifuel engine (2.0F).

Flexifuel is a driveline design that allows the engine to be run on petrol and/or E85 bioethanol. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel that contributes to a significant reduction of fossil carbon dioxide.

A 2.5-litre, five-cylinder Flexifuel engine was introduced 2008. This engine features a turbocharger and produces 200 hp.

The 2.5 l 5-cylinder in-line turbo engine has been further developed and is now available in a Flexifuel model. The engine delivers 200 hp and 300 Nm torque. It is compatible with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The Flexifuel engine meets the European emission standard Euro 4.

The engine programme for the Volvo S80 is as follows:

Petrol	Cylinders	Power, bhp	Torque, Nm
2.0	4	145	190
2.5T	5	200	300
3.2	6	238	320
T6	6	285	400
V8	8	315	440

Diesel*	Cylinders	Power, bhp	Torque, Nm
2.0D	4	136	320
2.4D	5	163	340
D5	5	185	400

*All diesel engines have a turbo function.

Flexifuel	Cylinders	Power, bhp	Torque, Nm
2.0F	4	145	190
2.5T	5	200	300