Wish I had the patience...

[Deutsch]

but I don't, to post this interesting interview w/ Volvo design cheif Steve Mattin on Swedespeed. For years (or at least since I've owned a Volvo) I've protested Volvo's lack of enthusiasm to buld more performance oriented products. So much so I disowned my car and every other Volvo. Anyway, in the interview Mattin was asked about this and he made a very good point:

Swedespeed - I guess what I am focusing on is sport. You can look pretty far back into Volvo history. In the '70s you had the 240 GT, you certainly had the R models, some of the best known, the sportier side of your brand. Is that something that is part enough of the brand DNA that you try and push it into branded package? For instance BMW has the M cars, Audi has the unique S and RS line, whatever, but that really fits their brand. Is there something like that within the Volvo brand?

Mattin - It certainly fits a German brand easier, because of the environment of the brand. If you look at BMW, Audi, Mercedes, they have a home market where there is no speed limit on some of the motorways, where getting from A to B is more important for us. It is obviously something that we are looking into for the future.

Swedespeed - I guess that is all I was wondering. Again, I am not really trying to push on future product or anything like that, but more simply wondering more for the Volvo performance enthusiast. Being a brand title as we are, we have those readers who are very performance oriented and that is important to us… not necessarily a characteristic of your typical customer I guess. And so, I really ask for those owners. Since that group is also made up of some of our own enthusiastic owners, I guess I’m asking if (Sport or R) are considered as XC is?

Mattin - Just like the Sport, it makes a huge difference in the drivability of the car and, 2 or 3 years ago, that was probably unthinkable on that type of vehicle to do a sport version. But it is obviously through what has happened on the R line in the past. The wish from the customer has been there - to actually take our vehicles into a new driver-oriented dimension.

So there is hope for those wanting more out of the driving experience in a Volvo, though of course we shouldn't expect anything too over the top.

In perspective, especially since my accident two weeks ago in which my S60 was totaled I've come to realize just how good these cars truly are. So much so I'm actually looking to replace my S60 w/ another Volvo... we'll see. I wish people could appreciate these cars more for what they are then for what they're not and the competition is. Safe and reliable, if you don't believe it and the fact that I walked away w/ out a scratch isn't enough, I'll take you to my Aunt's 20 yr old 240 that's still running, and looks pretty sharp for an "old" car.

 

[bum-man]

Re: Wish I had the paitence...

They really need to switch to rear wheel drive based platforms. That would be a big start on making them more driver oriented.

 

[Deutsch]

Re: Wish I had the paitence...

They really need to switch to rear wheel drive based platforms. That would be a big start on making them more driver oriented.

You don't need RWD to make a car "fun to drive" this is dependent entirely on how the car are engineered, not the drive layout. Take for instance the transversal engine layout Volvo prescribes to; it benefits safety and interior room, but at the expense of handling and the turning circle. I think with the C30 on afterwards you'll see more Volvo products catred towards the driver enthusiast crowd.

 

[Centurion]

we'll see. I wish people could appreciate these cars more for what they are then for what they're not and the competition is. Safe and reliable, if you don't believe it and the fact that I walked away w/ out a scratch isn't enough, I'll take you to my Aunt's 20 yr old 240 that's still running, and looks pretty sharp for an "old" car.

Volvo cars are reliable but when it comes to safety they aren't safer than the majority of cars out there. The perception that Volvo produce the safest cars is now days a pure myth.

 

[Zonda]

Well said Luwalira.

I agree on that RWD would be a nice thing to see. At least as an option.
And Volvo really need to step it up in the sports car segment imo.

 

[Deutsch]

Volvo cars are reliable but when it comes to safety they aren't safer than the majority of cars out there. The perception that Volvo produce the safest cars is now days a pure myth.

So??? I'm sorry but that statement doesn't hold much water, point is, the cars are safe, Volvo or not, doesn't make Volvo less "safe". The plain field is now level, however there's a certainty that goes along with driving a Volvo, though nothing in life is guaranteed. Very people could crash a comparable car to a 240 of the same model year and walk away.

The RWD argument is fleeting, it will certainly not happen, at least if ever well into the second half of out lifetime.

 

[LaArtist]

yep luw volvo pushes this safety thing to the max..some belive it..and fall for it..
now im not saying that volvos arent safe.. but they arent safer or market leading in safety..
heck MB´s are more safer.. and imo has always been..

PS
But its a good identity to have.. so i say they should run with it..and make the most of it..
as they dont really have that much to show if they loose their safety badge..