Volvo to show world's first plug-in diesel hybrid

(June 25, 2012) Volvo show the all-new V40 and the world's first plug-in diesel hybrid V60 for the first time in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Volvo will be showcasing its latest offerings to the public with the first UK viewing of its new five-door hatchback, the Volvo V40, and the world's first plug-in diesel hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD, at this year’s Moving Motorshow and Goodwood Festival of Speed, held between the June 28 and July 1 in the grounds of Goodwood House.


The all-new V40, starting at just £19,745 on the road, enters the premium hatchback segment with a class-leading set of innovative high-tech features. The new V40, pictured below, is the first car in the world to feature a pedestrian airbag, an innovation which helps reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries in the event of an impact. It is also the only model in its class to fit Bluetooth and the low speed collision avoidance system, City Safety, as standard.

Joining the all-new V40 is the world's first plug-in diesel hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD, Volvo's most technically advanced model ever — an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose which of the three cars they want to drive at any given moment.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid, pictured below, are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbo diesel producing 215 horsepower and maximum torque is 324 pound-feet.

The driver can select the required driving mode via three buttons that gives the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 32 miles with no carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.

Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emissions (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) are just 49g/km and it has a total range of up to 621 miles.

In Power mode the technology is optimized to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.