New Volvo 60 series focuses on quality and attention to detail

(February 20, 2013) Volvo has announced that it will transform its lineup 60 series vehicles this year with a new S60, V60 and XC60 for the 2014 model year.

"This is the most extensive development of existing models in our company's history. Each of the enhancements is designed around our customers' needs. We have focused on quality and attention to detail in order to give these dynamic models a major boost and sharpen their competitiveness," said Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice president, Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group.


"The S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets, and the innovative V60 Plug-in Hybrid has got off to a flying start. We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make improvements that ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive."

Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, simple shapes and surfaces with any unnecessary clutter removed. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of the new 60 cars. Inside, the attention to detail, the authentic materials— such as wood and leather — and the easy-to-use controls contribute to the in-command driving experience.

Supportive yet comfortable seats that ensure a fresh and relaxed arrival after the longest of journeys have been a Volvo strength for decades. The buyer of a new S60 (pictured above), V60 or XC60 in R-Design specification now benefit from a new sport seat that retains this traditional comfort and makes a perfect addition to the in-command feel of a true driver's car.

"The new sport seat has great hugging side support all the way from the thighs to the shoulders, so the seat keeps the driver firmly in position when cornering fast. We've had nearly one hundred people of all shapes and sizes test this seat and we received a really enthusiastic response. We've also made adjustments to the seat back, so it provides more legroom for passengers in the rear," said Project Director Patrik Widerstrand.

There are several other examples of the attention to detail in the new 60 cluster cars. The previously visible washer nozzles have been relocated out of sight under the bonnet. The radar cover has been painted gloss black, which practically makes it disappear in the grille. The chrome frame around the grille has been removed and the new, bigger ironmark badge enhances the new cars' self-confident look.

The new integrated tailpipes, which can be specified with some engine variants, are the physical and visual link to the technically advanced engines. But it's not just about beautiful design: the designers have had to cope with the fact that at operating temperature, the tailpipes have to remain perfectly in place despite the exhaust system expanding in length by up to 25mm. This is another example of true Scandinavian precision engineering.

The new S60, V60 and XC60 offer an extended wheel choice with a variety of designs that increase the personalization possibilities for customers.

"To enhance the visual appeal of the car, customers can now specify their S60 or V60 with expressive 19-inch wheels and keep the same profile height as 18-inch ones, so they don't lose any comfort," says Patrik Widerstrand.

The XC60 is available with 20-inch wheels while keeping the same tyre profile height and ride comfort as with 19-inch wheels.

The new dynamic S60 design, with its purposeful, dynamic appearance, accentuates the car's sporting nature.

"We've really increased the S60's road presence with a new front design. The more focused and determined-looking headlamps help create this new, expressive face," explains Fedde Talsma, design director, exterior. "We've emphasized the S60's horizontal lines at both the front and rear. Together with details such as a wider grille, daylight running lights and a new LED light guide on the tail lamps, they give the S60 a striking, road-hugging presence. The car has a beauty that is rooted in the natural world. The clean surfaces and contours give it a very Scandinavian feel."

Inside, there are upgrades such as new upholstery colors, new wood inlays, a new headliner, and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls.

"The overall effect is very warm and cosy, like being in a warm Swedish house on a cold night. The color themes correspond beautifully with the backlit white controls in the dash and elsewhere in the car," adds Lena Jiseborn, design director, Color and Trim.

Under the skin, at the heart of the dynamic driving experience, is a wide choice of chassis settings, designed around the customer's personal requirements. The S60 buyer has a choice of three chassis types — Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and the R-Design Lowered Sport Chassis.

The new Volvo V60 is the car for people who need the versatility of wagon but want the handling of a sports sedan — all in a stylish Scandinavian package. As with the new Volvo S60, the design team has increased the new V60's road presence by emphasizing its horizontal lines, which visually connects the car directly to the road. The V60's silhouette is a visual reminder that this is no ordinary estate - it's a wagon with a coupé-like appearance.

The V60 delivers a dynamic driving experience, with the same pin-sharp handling as its sister saloon and with the same chassis options and the same levels of customer preference - Dynamic, Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) and Lower Sport Chassis.

"We're really proud of the standard Dynamic chassis. It offers a responsive, in-command driving experience and we genuinely believe that it's one of the best in the segment," said Patrik Widerstrand.

Following the successful introduction in its high-specification ‘Pure Limited' guise, the ingenious Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is now available with a full range of colors and options, including most of the design and technology upgrades of the standard V60, while retaining its unique and class-leading 48 g/km emissions.

"We've made the car look more purposeful and dynamic, reflecting its personality. And your every interaction with your car is more intuitive, expressive and customizable," says Patrik Widerstrand.

The tailgate on the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid still displays the D6 AWD badge, hinting at the high levels of performance under its skin. The front wheels are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 215 hp and maximum torque of 324 pound-feet of torque, all conveyed through six-speed automatic transmission.

The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower  and 147 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.