Unveiled at the 2012 North American international Auot Show, the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.
"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car's renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."
"This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years. However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution," Stefan Jacoby says.
Pure Hybrid Power - three cars in one
The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.
In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S certification driving cycle) with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic. The range according to the European certification driving cycle NEDC is 45km.
Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53g/km (2.3L/100km) - which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960km).
In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280hp and 380Nm (280lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70hp and 200Nm (148lb.-ft.). The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds).
Four cylinders with the same power as a six-cylinder unit
The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture (VEA) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.
"In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as today's sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower than in current four-cylinder engines," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.
The concept car carries a "T8" badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.
"It's time to stop counting cylinders," Peter Mertens says. "Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance."
Reduction of parts, weight and fuel consumption
VEA is a modular range of diesel and gasoline engines. The gasoline versions come with direct injection, minimized internal losses and balance shafts for maximized comfort.
Several levels of turbocharging open up for flexibility that encompasses the whole range from high power and torque variants to extremely fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via hybrid drive or other spearhead technology.
The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches) per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages
The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects.
The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines with similar performance.
Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines with similar performance.
Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.
Integrated Starter Generator
The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.
Charge the battery at home
The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.
The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.
It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.
Constantly online
The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. A few examples of available information:
- Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver prioritizes low energy consumption, the fastest route or the shortest distance.
- Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.
- Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
- Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.
Mobile application
The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone application. This offers convenient access to a wide range of data, such as the battery's charge level, remaining range, and the location and capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to pre-program the car's interior climate.
"Creating an intuitive driver's environment that always gives you access to updated, useful information is an important part of our product development. This includes that you should be as updated when the car is parked as when you're behind the wheel," says Stefan Jacoby.
Muscular appearance
The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood. The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.
Electric four-wheel drive
The electric four-wheel drive in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.
The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.
Saves battery power for later
The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on electricity.
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MANILA, Philippines, 19 January, 2012 - The dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac and it is regarded as an auspicious symbol which stands for power, good luck, success, and happiness. This 2012, Year of the Dragon, there is a lot of good fortune to be had. Color is an important factor in Feng Shui as it helps promote energy and balance at home, work etc. Most Filipino car buyers factor in their choice of car color based on what color brings them good luck, but according to Feng Shui Master Todsaporn Sritula, colors and their meanings are, in fact, much more powerful. Here are his readings into the symbolism and representation of each color in the all-new Ford Fiesta range to help you understand the true meaning of your color preferences!
Chili Orange
In astrology, orange represents the sun, which contains the meaning of leadership, fame, acceptance and journeys. Chili Orange will bring you warmth and fulfill your need for inspiration.
Cool White
This is a very trendy color at the moment. White means purity and in feng shui, it represents the power of Yang, which means brightness and goodness. Cool white also is a symbol of enthusiasm and liveliness, with a hint of simplicity.
True Red (Direct translation for the Thai words being used here is "Fiery red")
Red is the color of good fortune and celebration. Therefore, it always plays an important part in every major event, auspicious occasion and new beginning. True Red is the color that will enhance your eagerness and confidence.
Highlight Silver
Silver can simply suit anyone as it has a moderate power. It also supports the good fortune and advancement. Highlight Silver brings the feeling of confidence and safety.
Sparkling Gold
For the Chinese, Gold is a favorable color as it represents the power of greatness. It is no wonder that important buildings usually decorated with this color to signify wealth and prosperity. Sparkling Gold also signifies the optimistic attitude, warmth, and friendliness.
Ice Blue
This shade of blue represents freshness of nature, which brings in energy and imagination. Ice Blue also means a colorful life, advancement and intelligence.
Aurora Blue
Blue is the color of peace, tranquility, steadiness, certainty, seriousness, strong focus in work; and in astrology, this is the color of happiness. Aurora Blue signifies the power of success, confidence, and enhancement of your leadership characteristic.
Black Mica
Black is the color of discreetness and cautiousness. In astrology, this color is best suited for people who were born on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night. Black Mica will make you feel the presence of mind, solidity, and imposingness.
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Goodyear announced recently that Porsche has chosen its award winning Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tire for the popular 19” wheel fitment on its Porsche 911 Carrera 2. That means that one of the world’s leading sportscars will be fitted with the 235/40 ZR 19 (front) and 285/35 ZR 19 (rear) Goodyear tires when first delivered to the customer. Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was recently awarded the top score by the UK’s Auto Express.
Tire choice is extremely important on cars like the 911. The Porsche has a rear engine configuration which offers outstanding traction, but requires the ability of the rear tires transfer the 350 break horsepower to the tarmac to ensure the full performance of the car. Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tire will meet this need thanks to its recognized solid performance and quality credentials.
The new Porsche 911 Carrera 2 was not only built for performance, but has also been designed to meet the increasingly low CO2 emission requirements. Goodyear’s FuelSaving Technology, also integrated into its Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tire will further support CO2 emission reductions. The technology is driven by reduced tire weight and a new ‘high surface’ silica grade that contributes to reduced heat generation (lowering the rolling resistance).
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 also features the latest ActiveBraking Technology. Using innovative 3 dimensional block design within the tire tread, the tire’s contact with the road increases when braking.
“The control and braking performance of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, demonstrated in both magazine other benchmarking tests, is a critical factor for the demanding drivers of sportscars such as the Porsche 911”, states Eduardo Garrido, Marketing Manager at Goodyear. “On top Goodyear’s FuelSaving Technology helps drivers reduce overall fuel consumption while ActiveBraking increases road contact during braking, thereby delivering significantly shorter braking distances on both dry and wet roads.”
For information on Goodyear’s products and services, log on to goodyear.com.ph or call 8884737 (88-TIRES).
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Volvo Car Corporation's leadership in car safety is confirmed in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 2012 Top Safety Pick award. The U.S. award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes - and no less than five
Volvo models - the C30, S60, S80, XC60 and XC90 - earned a Top Safety Pick. Volvo is the only European luxury brand with five awarded models in the new IIHS report.
"The risk of being involved in an accident or being injured in one of our latest car models has been reduced with more than two thirds compared with a Volvo from the 1970s. Now, we keep on moving towards our safety vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020", says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Car Corporation.
IIHS Top Safety Pick is based on four accident scenario results*:
• Frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40mph (64km/h) frontal offset crash tests.
• Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph (50 km/h). The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV.
• To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the car roof must withstand a force of four times the vehicle's weight before reaching five inches of crush.
• Rear crash protection is rated using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph (32 km/h).
Outstanding U.S. NCAP rating
Volvo Car Corporation's dedication to car safety has been recognized in several recent studies.
The XC60 is also the only SUV crossover with an IIHS Top Safety Pick and an overall 5 star U.S. NCAP rating. In the 2010 test, the XC60 received 5 stars in all individual crash tests, including 5 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the passenger in the frontal collision as well as 5 stars in both side tests.
Auto brake results in fewer accidents
Earlier this year, the benefits of the groundbreaking City Safety technology - featuring automatic braking in low speed situations - were documented in another IIHS report stating a reduction of the collision frequency with up to 22 percent. The IIHS study of insurance claims involving a Volvo XC60 shows that City Safety reduces the costs for personal injury claims with 51 percent - while vehicle repair costs were lowered by more than 20 percent.
A similar study by the Swedish insurance company Volvia shows that Volvo cars equipped with automatic braking are involved in 22 percent fewer rear end accidents than cars without auto brake.
Experience Volvo’s world-class safety with up to 20% savings until December 25, 2011 only. Get to know more how each Volvo is designed around you and learn more about this opportunity by visiting Volvo Makati Showroom located at 2272 Don Chino Roces Avenue or Volvo Cebu Showroom located at A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu.
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Many critics assumed that the Volvo Car Corporation entered the SUV segment too late when the Volvo XC90 was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2002. Instead, the ingenious XC90 revitalized the whole segment by successfully addressing all the problems of earlier SUVs.
In 2005, annual XC90 sales peaked at 86,000 vehicles, making it Sweden's most valuable export product.
"The XC90 was the first of the next-generation SUVs. Its blend of SUV roominess, true passenger-car qualities and groundbreaking safety features made it an instant success in a segment that at that time was tainted by several issues," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
Five world-firsts
The XC90 featured five automotive world-firsts when it was introduced in 2002:
• Roll Stability Control (RSC), using a gyro-sensor to detect and counteract the risk of a rollover.
• Inflatable side curtains for all three rows of seats.
• An integrated sliding center booster seat for children in the second row.
• Seatbelts with "pre-tensioners" for all seats.
• Dolby 5.1 Pro Logic II surround sound stereo system featuring a 305-watt Alpine amplifier and 12 premium speakers.
Rollover test in front of the world media
This world-class safety level was demonstrated in an unusually tangible way when the Volvo Car Corporation invited the world press to watch a violent rollover test with the XC90 outside the state-of-the-art Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The safety level is also emphasized in the Volvo Car Corporation's research. The accident investigation files include remarkably few accidents where XC90 occupants have been killed or sustained severe injuries.
Other distinctive advantages
The XC90 also boasted a number of other distinctive advantages:
• The possibility to create a flat load floor area behind the front seats.
• Passenger car ride supported by electronic All Wheel Drive.
• A lower cross-member in the front with the task of activating the oncoming car's safety systems in the event of a collision.
• Class-leading fuel economy.
"Being Volvo we just had to offer a sensible and safe alternative to the first-generation SUVs.
The XC90 took the segment into a whole new dimension. It was a unique vehicle when it was launched and even now, ten years later, no competitor vehicle offers such a complete package," says Hans Wikman, who has since retired.
"We have recently introduced an upgraded version of the XC90, which is still one of our best-selling models. It also inspired the development of the extremely popular XC60. Now we are working on developing an all-new version of the XC90," says Stefan Jacoby.
More than 110 international awards
Since its introduction, the XC90 has received over 110 awards around the globe. Almost a year from its world premiere in Detroit, the Volvo XC90 was named North American Truck of the Year. This competition was judged by 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada representing newspapers, magazines, and digital media. The other highlights of the list (available if you click Models and XC90 - Awards in the top bar) confirm the greatness of this model.
Exceptionally designed around you, the Volvo XC90 is available locally with a diesel variant and a 3.2L petrol engine. The race is on to own this award winning piece of luxury SUV with up to 20% savings until December 25, 2011 only. Learn more about this opportunity by visiting Volvo Makati Showroom located at 2272 Don Chino Roces Avenue or Volvo Cebu Showroom located at A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu.
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