New Volvo S80

[Giannis]

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.

i second that

 

[Snake Vargas]

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).

I'd say that it's not necessarily the case, any more. These days, IMO very few brands stand for so much that they aren't subject to other forces, such as considerations of resale value (though admittedly not many people actually bother to figure that out for -any- brand), plus thinking about the value proposition as well as the question of appearance.

I'd also say that, without implying any particular lack of quality, that Volvos are produced for the same things as any other mass produced car - built in obsolescence, not as a conspiracy theory, but just because extra engineering means extra cost. I'd be happy if they proved me wrong, but we'll have to wait about 18.5 years before we find out for sure, eh?

 

[Deutsch]

I'd say that it's not necessarily the case, any more. These days, IMO very few brands stand for so much that they aren't subject to other forces, such as considerations of resale value (though admittedly not many people actually bother to figure that out for -any- brand), plus thinking about the value proposition as well as the question of appearance.

I'd also say that, without implying any particular lack of quality, that Volvos are produced for the same things as any other mass produced car - built in obsolescence, not as a conspiracy theory, but just because extra engineering means extra cost. I'd be happy if they proved me wrong, but we'll have to wait about 18.5 years before we find out for sure, eh?

I'm not sure where you were going w/ the above statement. Simply put though, Volvo is sticking to what it knows, not going out of its' way to try and be something more or less what it isn't.

 

[Snake Vargas]

I think I was trying to say that Volvo, though still known enough for safety, isn't exempt from all the usual evaluations that is due any other car. IMO people don't buy purely on brand as much any more. Also, that Volvos probably aren't built like they used to be built - just like any other brand's cars.

But I agree - despite all that, Volvo's not suddenly going to try to take on some other personality.

 

[donau]

IMO people don't buy purely on brand as much any more. Also, that Volvos probably aren't built like they used to be built - just like any other brand's cars.

I think you are right. There are some of us left still for whom brand makes a difference and I guess I'm one of those. It's that something that is so hard to explain what it is. Despite the Ford - connection and everything that goes with it, I will always remember as a young boy going to Ice Races where the dominant cars were the Saabs and the Volvos. Those were the PV 444 and PV 544 models. And most of the time the Volvos won. And then there was Simon Templar (Roger Moore), the Saint, who drove a P1800 coupe which I am sure has given cues to the latter day Maserati designers. I learnt to drive with a 144. Maybe because of all this, I still like the latest Volvo designs as well. I guess it's some sort of loyalty to something that was almost like a member of the family that is affecting the likes and the dislikes.

 

[Deutsch]

I think Volvo's are very much still built to last way late into 20 yrs or so from their first run on asphalt. How do I know this? Well look at the technology in Volvo cars today, it's user freindly, not overly advanced - in your face computerized functions. On top of that maitence costs are WAY low, at least compared to their other Euro brethern. It must be remembered that any sucess that Ford has had in recent years, and whatever is to come in the future, should be credited to Volvo. They have lent engineers to various Ford brands for the engineering of safety systems, to the sharing of engines, and even platforms. Volvo is Fords' saving grace. In some ways it seems more like Volvo is running things at Ford than Ford running things at Volvo.

 

[Centurion]

Guess what a saw today?
A Volvo S80 test mule. Frankly I was suprised to see that the car was wearing full camo eventhough the car has allready been presented, eh!! Anyhow it began when I 50 meters saw I car paked awkardly along side a 70km/h road and I though "whats sup. Is the driver taking a phone car, fiddling with his iPod or what?

As I approached the car I saw that it looked wierd and after a few seconds reckonized the rear-camo light(yes I'm a car freak). Firt I was planning on stopping behind the car but I hesitated and ended up stopping along side the car. The driver noticed that I noticed him, I gave him a thumb up and he gave me one to. Exactly when I was going to wind down the passanger window I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a bus approaching me and I had to start rolling.

I may also add that the place where I saw the car is only 10-15 minutes from Volvo's passanger cars factory.

 

[LaArtist]

could have been the new S60.. dont see the point with a camoed S80 anymore

 

[Centurion]

Too bad my cellphone camera is too crappy to take decent pictures but the car looked like the one below. I can possibly be the New S60 since S80 and S60 are fairly identical in terms of size and design. Man... I need to buy a new camera phone.

http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4858/55.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/...features/future/07.volvo.s80/07.volvo.340.jpg

 

[Zafiro]

I have already sat in the new S80 but I must say i like dthe new C70 much better.

 

[Centurion]

I have already sat in the new S80 but I must say i like dthe new C70 much better.

I have seen the C70 several times and I not like it at all. The front isn't ugly not not exciting either and wort of all are the proportions. It looks really weird from some angles. I can't stand it.

 

[Zafiro]

I have seen the C70 several times and I not like it at all. The front isn't ugly not not exciting either and wort of all are the proportions. It looks really weird from some angles. I can't stand it.

lol once again proof that people think different the one I saw was red with red hardtop and almost white leather inside. Very nice IMO.

 

[Deutsch]

I have already sat in the new S80 but I must say i like dthe new C70 much better.

how was it how was it!?!?!?! How does it look in the flesh, especially against the German competition? Please please do give me details!!!!

 

[Deutsch]

I'd gladly trade my S60 in for another if the new one is to be more sporting and runs close to the 3 in the handling dept. W/ a few mods from IPD(Oregon based 40 yr old Volvo tuner) the car will be eating 3er's left and right, if it even runs close to begin w/.

 

[Centurion]

I'd gladly trade my S60 in for another if the new one is to be more sporting and runs close to the 3 in the handling dept. W/ a few mods from IPD(Oregon based 40 yr old Volvo tuner) the car will be eating 3er's left and right, if it even runs close to begin w/.

I'm very curious about the interior. On the handling side the car is probably much better than the current S80 since it's based on the up coming Modeo platform.

 

[Snake Vargas]

I thought Deutsch was saying he'd trade his S60 for a next generation one if it turned out to be decent. Offhand I'd say that it's not likely to be that good, but probably not bad; but I would like to be proved wrong!

Luw, I think the current S80's not really renowned for handling prowess. The current Mondeo's handling seems to be generally regarded well enough in its class (for what it's worth), so hopefully the next generation platform can only be better.

 

[Giannis]

If the new generation S60 looks something like this, then i'm gonna replace my S60, too! I am waiting for the car to arrive at the local dealership (i guess it will take time).

 

[Deutsch]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060314/FREE/60313020/1065/DOWNLOADS

It's a rumor, but I really don't see Volvo shipping it's midsize sedan off into the sunset.

 

[Zonda]

I have already sat in the new S80 but I must say i like dthe new C70 much better.

Jeremy Clarkson on the C70.

 

[Snake Vargas]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060314/FREE/60313020/1065/DOWNLOADS

It's a rumor, but I really don't see Volvo shipping it's midsize sedan off into the sunset.

Interesting - maybe they'll have to increase the S60's length (and obviously other dimensions in proportion) to be between 180 and 191 inches - the difference between their conception of the next generation S40's size (plausible - the current S40 is a little cramped, IMO) and the just-released S80's length. There's already 275mm to play with there, that's plenty.

I also see a problem with getting consumers around their mindset - getting them to go far 'above' their size and price point to the "S80" or going down a size to the "S40". Sure, size and even price wise they could massage those two model ranges, but it's the buyer perception of those name badges that could really stymie things. The last thing an obscure brand needs is to make its lineup confusing.

I'll be keen on a S60 if this S80 is a foretaste. Surely there will still be room between a new S40 and this S80.