New Volvo S80

[LaArtist]

Looks pretty cool.. dont like the front though otherwise nice..

 

[Snake Vargas]

I think it's quite nice. Could be very promising, though Volvos are generally relegated to being the 'alternative choice' amongst premium brands, even if compared to VW and the like (though better than Citroen, Alfa and such).

The interiors are generally nice places to be, and Volvos usually have good ergonomics and decent storage and such.

However, the price will likely be too much for it to be a particularly good value proposition, compared to cheaper cars. It's somehow stuck in the middle.

 

[Centurion]

Here is some high resolution p0rn for you who are hungry for more pictures.

http://www.media.volvocars.co.uk/upload/pictures/P2006_1003.jpg
http://www.media.volvocars.co.uk/upload/pictures/P2006_1004.jpg
http://www.media.volvocars.co.uk/upload/pictures/P2006_1005.jpg
http://www.media.volvocars.co.uk/upload/pictures/P2006_1007.jpg
http://www.media.volvocars.co.uk/upload/pictures/P2006_1008.jpg

 

[Giannis]

Snake, it's been a long time...

BTW, i don't think the price will be that high. Compared to the current S80, which cost here around 50.000eur. Base, i think the new one will cost somewhere around 53.000 - 58.000eur.

 

[martinbo]

Two things. I quite like the lines of this large new Volvo, it's very European without screaming "Scandinavia"! Also, is the V8 transversly mounted as per the XC90?

 

[Snake Vargas]

Hey Giannis, thanks. During my absence I've been in Hong Kong for about a week and also away on camp (well, staying at a Youth Hostel anyhow) for a weekend as well. Was pretty good, and I was rather dreading returning, since I knew there would be an absolute mountain of posts here (there were almost 3500). However, I tried to get through them quickly, and whichever - I'm glad to be back!

Well, the price can't really be that much lower without shooting their brand image in the foot. IMO, Volvo will always be seen as something of an unorthodox choice, similar to Subaru. The issue will be whether they can be content to stay in their niche.

And, without knowing the details, I suspect the V8 will be transversely mounted, taking the relevant parts of the driveline directly from the XC90. Volvo doesn't really have a lot of money to develop new stuff, especially so soon after just getting the Yamaha V8. They do a good job of making the most of limited hardware.

 

[martinbo]

Hey Giannis, thanks. During my absence I've been in Hong Kong for about a week and also away on camp (well, staying at a Youth Hostel anyhow) for a weekend as well. Was pretty good, and I was rather dreading returning, since I knew there would be an absolute mountain of posts here (there were almost 3500). However, I tried to get through them quickly, and whichever - I'm glad to be back!

Snake, good to see you back brother. Welcome back and get busy ok ()? We need more of that monster insight you have!

And, without knowing the details, I suspect the V8 will be transversely mounted, taking the relevant parts of the driveline directly from the XC90. Volvo doesn't really have a lot of money to develop new stuff, especially so soon after just getting the Yamaha V8. They do a good job of making the most of limited hardware.

Yup it is transversly mounted! Hmph... go figure - that packaging option has some distinctive advantages methinks.

Engine Range Includes a V8 and an All New In-Line Six
The second-generation S80 is the first sedan model to become available with Volvo’s compact, transversely mounted V8 engine with a power output of 311 (SAE) horsepower and 325 lb/ft of torque. With four catalytic converters and advanced electronics, this engine, which was first introduced in the Volvo XC90, is one of the cleanest V8s on the market.

This is one helluva nice alternative to the 5's, A6's and E's of the world.

Swedespeed Coverage of New S80

 

[Zafiro]

The car is huge, at least the old generation, in fact I think its bigger inside than 5er, A6 and E-class. The backseat is large.

 

[martinbo]

The car is huge, at least the old generation, in fact I think its bigger inside than 5er, A6 and E-class. The backseat is large.

Yup, this is typical of the Volvo "half-size up" strategy. The S80 is certainly bigger than the 5er, A6 or E-Class but nevertheless those are the cars it provides an alternative to and mixes it up with in terms of price. Very clever strategy imho.

 

[Giannis]

Yup, this is typical of the Volvo "half-size up" strategy. The S80 is certainly bigger than the 5er, A6 or E-Class but nevertheless those are the cars it provides an alternative to and mixes it up with in terms of price. Very clever strategy imho.

actually every volvo model is bigger than the other of it's segment (except XC90).
example 1) S80 vs 5er, E-Class, A6
example 2) S60 vs 3er, C-Class, A4

Well, the price can't really be that much lower without shooting their brand image in the foot. IMO, Volvo will always be seen as something of an unorthodox choice, similar to Subaru. The issue will be whether they can be content to stay in their niche.

Actually, i'm very worried about their price politic. They sell their cars really cheap here. The S60 starts from around 31.000 Euros for the 2.0T engine, while a 320 has more that 35.000 eur. Same for A4 and more than 38.000 for a C200. I guess the 31.000 S60 is very base, since mine, costed 33.500 + 1000 (alarm) + 800 (metallic paint).total around 36.000 with some other taxes and some money for the plates. The german cars cost way more.
Also the S80 (old one) starts from around 50.000 which is very base. It has the 2.0T engine, but without some features, like leather wheel, gear, handbrake and some others...

 

[martinbo]

actually every volvo model is bigger than the other of it's segment (except XC90).
example 1) S80 vs 5er, E-Class, A6
example 2) S60 vs 3er, C-Class, A4

Erm, yes, that's what I was alluding to... ACTUALLY.

 

[Mr. M]

Wouldn't that cause a little consumer confusion. Like the S80 is neither as plain jane as a 3 Series but it isn't exactly a 5 Series either. Would they take something in between?

 

[Snake Vargas]

Martin, thanks for the welcome back! The transverse V8 could certainly make the most of the packaging, moving the weight of the engine a little further back than it might have been otherwise. I guess their main application is 4WD as an extension of front drive anyhow, so no problems there about the drive shaft direction. That the S80 is more or less front drive probably has at least a little to do with it having a large back seat, since there isn't necessarily the requirement for mechanical components to be nearby.

James, the S80 is larger than a 5er/E but not as large as a 7er/S; I suppose you meant the S60.. but as to your point (is it that an S60 is something in between the 3er and 5er?), yeah, in some ways it can cause confusion - yourself a case in point? But seriously, perhaps those who are accustomed to thinking of the German Three sizes as 'standard' might get confused, but upon looking at the cars themselves, or the specifications and dimensions, you can figure it out and rearrange your sizing system to be non-German-centric.

Over here, the Volvo of a certain size (half-size-up disregarded) is probably slightly cheaper than even the Audi of that size, and with a little larger engine as well. However, I find that you lose out a little in terms of interior options and other options. That, and resale value, are probably reasons why I'd stump up extra to buy an A4 or 3er or whatever.

 

[Deutsch]

I'm really liking how most of everyone undermines the potential and actual Volvo experience, makes more room for folks like Giannis and I, among many others. Volvo is betting huge on this car to win over owners from BMW, MB, and Audi, and in truth, they'll probably suceed in doing so(look at the XC90). This car easily improves upon the weaknesses of the other cars in its class(Very simplistic, modern design, durable and reliable engines(V8), awesome reliablity and durability, the latter being a solid part of Volvos reputation). Though a lingering image works against Volvo, the tide I predict, will soon turn. Volvo's are very worthy cars of investment, if not the most worthy among all of its' Euro. brothern.

 

[Deutsch]

Newsreel.

 

[Centurion]

Newsreel.

Great find. It looks really slick in the video. Although this car will not attract customers more than an Audi A6, this will be a good and cheaper alternative. It will be interesting to see how much this car is going to cost.

 

[Mr. M]

James, the S80 is larger than a 5er/E but not as large as a 7er/S; I suppose you meant the S60.. but as to your point (is it that an S60 is something in between the 3er and 5er?), yeah, in some ways it can cause confusion - yourself a case in point? But seriously, perhaps those who are accustomed to thinking of the German Three sizes as 'standard' might get confused, but upon looking at the cars themselves, or the specifications and dimensions, you can figure it out and rearrange your sizing system to be non-German-centric.

Over here, the Volvo of a certain size (half-size-up disregarded) is probably slightly cheaper than even the Audi of that size, and with a little larger engine as well. However, I find that you lose out a little in terms of interior options and other options. That, and resale value, are probably reasons why I'd stump up extra to buy an A4 or 3er or whatever.

Dang, SV thanks for correcting my severe mistake. Yeah I know what you mean, I'd agree with you.

 

[Deutsch]

However, I find that you lose out a little in terms of interior options and other options. That, and resale value, are probably reasons why I'd stump up extra to buy an A4 or 3er or whatever.

Very true, but remember that's not on brand for Volvo's customers. You buy a Volvo because you want safety, comfort, and long term value(peace of mind), not resale value. They say a Volvo hasn't reached its peak until 200,000 mls(or whatever measurement you use in your woods), on average a Volvo will last for 18.5 years or more. My aunt bought a 240 two years after I was born, and still has it! These are cars bult for life, and they're not designed to be fads, but an intergral part of the owners lifestyle that works on their time(hence the low maintenence costs and longevity these cars posess).

 

[GTA45E]

Volvo finally offers a V8 for their passenger car, the S80. Back in the day I was hoping the 940 (1991 model) would recieve a V8 when my mother bought one.
I actually found out that this V8 is from the Ford SHO model from 2001.
I wish Volvo could have develped their own V8.
Besides that I`m a little up in the air with the styling of this car. It looks like an overgrown S60. The previous model had a more grown up prestigius appearence about it without looking like an old persons car. The dash is ok, nothing special the seats look comfortable though. I`m familiar with Volvo seats. I had 5 of them in my family.

 

[Deutsch]

Look for RL pics on swedespeed.com when the Geneva show starts. I'm thinking RL photos will show that this car is more than an overgrown S60. To add, the S60 is a beautiful car, so why not? It's a winning formula, and you can't say it looks like anything else.