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Volvo S80 T6 AWD: A Powerful, Dynamic Addition to the S80 Range

 

9th November, 2008

Volvo S80 T5 AWD (copyright image) The Volvo S80 enters the 2009 model year ready to expand its presence in the luxury segment with the introduction of a compact, turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine.

The new S80 T6 AWD model joins the high-performance S80 V8 AWD, featuring a 60-degree, 4.4-litre all-alloy V8 and producing 232 kW and 440 Nm, along with the S80 D5 featuring Volvo's 2.4-litre turbodiesel that develops 136 kW and 400 Nm of torque.

With 210 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque (developed from 1,500 rpm) at its disposal, the T6 engine replaces the previous 3.2-litre six-cylinder powerplant to further raise performance levels and add to the refinement of Volvo's flagship sedan.

The T6 engine features multi-valve cylinder heads with twin overhead camshafts, along with a twin-scroll turbocharger that provides responses nearly comparable to a twin-turbo system.

An especially compact format has been achieved by positioning ancillaries such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor behind, rather than in front of the engine. The direct-driven alternator is fitted to engine block, while the vibration damper has been integrated inside - all contributing to an engine and gearbox package that takes up the least possible space, especially longitudinally.

Driving all four wheels through Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the T6 is capable of accelerating the S80 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

Refined interior with new features

The Scandinavian appeal of the Volvo S80 is nowhere more evident than in the interior, where distinctively tasteful design themes provide a unique, delightfully ambience.

Central to the S80's identity is Volvo's ultra-thin Floating Centre Console that contributes to a sense of space in the front compartment, while continuing right through to the rear seat.

The large, ergonomic seats provide sumptuous comfort for both front and rear passengers and, at the front, can be specified with an optional ventilation system to provide extra cooling in hot summers. Front seat heating, which takes the edge off cold winter days, and electric power adjustment are standard on all S80s.

For 2009, the auto-closing buttons for the windows and sunroof now have side ridges preventing unintentional activation (for example by a child or pet).

A tasteful range of new interior colours, as well as revised front head restraints and refinements to the audio systems make the 2009 S80 an enticing place to be.

The Volvo S80 is now also available with new options including sun curtains to prevent glare through the rear side windows, a new claret walnut wood trim and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The S80's optional Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) now gets larger 8-inch screens on the back of the front-seat head restraints that have been designed to further improve viewing in daylight conditions, while the High Performance and Premium Sound systems now have a USB port enabling easy connection with an iPod, MP3 player, or even a digital camera. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models.

The S80's Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) effectively reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and odours entering the passenger compartment. In addition, all textiles and leather are certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100, an international standard that ensures fabrics and hides have been thoroughly tested to check for certain allergy-inducing substances and emissions.

The S80 can also be optioned with Volvo's Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) - a system approved by the Swedish Association against Asthma and Allergy - that provides healthier air quality inside the passenger compartment. When the car is unlocked via the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.

Advanced dynamics

The dynamic abilities of the S80 are underpinned by an all-independent suspension system using MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink axle at the rear, as well as Volvo's FOUR-C Active Chassis, which is standard on T6 and V8 models.

This electronically controlled system "reads" the road and adapts instantly to constantly varying driving conditions, combining precise, accurate handling with the smooth, comfortable ride expected by luxury segment customers.

By continuously modifying the damper rates to suit prevailing circumstances, the FOUR-C Active Chassis maximises comfort while resisting the tendency to squat, dip or roll under acceleration, hard braking or while cornering.

The system offers the choice of three settings:

COMFORT - for a relaxed, ultra-smooth ride
SPORT - more controlled body movements, faster steering response
ADVANCED - firm damper control, maximum road holding

In emergency driving situations, FOUR-C automatically adjusts to provide maximum stability.

The Haldex all-wheel drive system, which is standard on T6 and V8 S80 models, employs an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch that constantly balances the power bias between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimal roadholding in all situations.

In its latest iteration, the S80's all-wheel-drive system features Instant Traction, which sets a bias (approximately 1,500 Nm) favouring the rear wheels when starting on slippery or loose surfaces.

The S80 is also fitted with Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - a yaw-sensor-based stability system that reduces engine output and selectively applies individual brakes when necessary to avoid under or over steer.

Advanced safety features

Volvo has long been involved with automotive safety engineering and has acquired knowledge through intensive studies that include real-life accidents as well as sophisticated laboratory testing.

The S80 benefits from this accrued know-how with systems such as Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, inflatable curtain airbags and emergency flashing brake lights.

Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which advises the driver if another vehicle is travelling behind the B-pillar (or in the 'blind spot') along with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which is equipped with the driver fatigue monitoring system Driver Alert Control (DAC), are standard with the new 'Teknik' pack and optional otherwise.

Exterior changes identify 2009 Volvo S80 range

The shape of the Volvo S80 brought a new look to the Australian car market when it was introduced here in 2007.

The 2009 S80 range adds to that appearance with a wide range of wheel choices including the striking new "Cassini" 17-inch alloys and, at the rear, is identified by a more pronounced Volvo identification.

All S80s are fitted with active bi-Xenon headlights with washer function as well as Home Safe and Approach lighting systems.

Key Standard Features

Comfort

  • Personal Car Communicator inc. keyless entry & alarm
  • Bluetooth
  • Front & Rear Park Assist
  • High Performance Sound with 6-CD (8 speakers)
  • Dual Zone Climate Control
  • Humidity Sensor
  • Auto Dim Rear View Mirror
  • Rain Sensor Wipers
  • Electric Park Brake
  • 18" Alloys

Safety

  • Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC)
  • 4C - Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept
  • Active Bi-Xenon Headlights
  • Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
  • Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
  • Inflatable Curtains (IC)
  • Laminated Side Windows

Packages add value
The 2009 Volvo S80 is available with two optional packages - Teknik and Travel:
Teknik Pack

Volvo Navigation System (VNS)
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and auto brake
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Driver Alert Control (DAC)
Compass

Total Value: $13,000
RRP: $9,500
Travel Pack Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
Rear Headphone Sockets
Ventilated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Total Value: $6,300
RRP: $4,500


Key Specifications
S80 D5 S80 T6 S80 V8
Capacity: litres 2.400 2.953 4.414
Power: kW/rpm 136/4,000 210/5,600 232/5,950
Torque: Nm/rpm 400/2,000-2,750 400/1,500-4,800 440/3,950
0-100 km/h: sec 9.0 6.9 6.5
Economy (average): l/100 km 7.3 11.2 11.9
Emissions: g/km 194 267 284


Recommended Retail Price (RRP)

S80 D5 FWD $72,950
S80 T6 AWD $78,950
S80 V8 AWD $98,950



Other Volvo content: here.

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