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Volvo XC 90 2007
A new six-cylinder in-line engine, a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission less than four years after its launch, the 2007 Volvo XC90 gets rejuvenated with an enhanced design, a new six-cylinder in-line engine, and new, advanced safety systems to strengthen its position in the premium SUV market.
The Volvo XC90 is an important model for Volvo Cars. Its original production volume of 50,000 units was successively increased and in 2005, production of the XC90 in the Swedish Torslanda factory approached 90,000 units.
The new, enhanced Volvo XC90 starts production this spring. The USA will continue to be the model’s largest single market, accounting for 50 percent of total volume. This will be followed by United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Spain. The range of power trains has been gradually enhanced over the past year or so with the introduction of three new engines.
A compact and energy-efficient V8 (315 hp, 440 Nm) and the upgraded five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel (185 hp, 400 Nm) with particle filter are now followed by an in-house developed in-line 3.2 liter six cylinder engine that was first introduced in the new Volvo S80.
It is an advanced engine – with the same exterior dimensions and fuel consumption as a five cylinder unit. The engine is made mostly of aluminum and has a power output of 238 hp and torque is 320 Nm. All the engine variants with the exception of the five-cylinder 2.5 liter turbo get a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and upgraded all wheel drive (AWD) featuring Instant Traction.
"With state-of the- art six- and eight-cylinder engines in the USA, we will appeal to a far broader customer segment.In Europe we can offer both diesel and petrol engines that meet increased customer demands for a combination of performance and environmental compatibility," says Hans Wikman, Vice President Vehicle Line Large Cars at Volvo Car Corporation.
The new straight six is designed to provide alert response, performance, fuel-efficiency and, to contribute to a high level of protective safety, it has been given extremely compact dimensions and is installed transversely in the engine compartment.An advanced valve train and variable intake system contribute to both good performance and fuel efficiency.
The valve train has both VCT (Variable Cam Timing) and CPS (Cam Profile Switching) on the intake side (you can read more about Volvo's new 3.2-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine).Exterior – The design changes on the new XC90 include a new grille with more chrome and bumpers with a greater degree of color coding. The tail lamps have been redesigned and the reflectors in the bumper are recessed within chrome trim surroundings.
All versions of the XC90 now have color-coded side trim moldings and door handles. New wheel-housing moldings, partly painted in the car’s body color, are available as an option.The door mirrors are partly color coded and now feature built-in turn indicator repeaters. At the same time, a new turn indicator function is being introduced: a quick push on the indicator stalk flashes the turn indicator three times.
Two new body colors, Electric Silver metallic and the XC90- unique Shadow Blue, provide added choice, as do the new Camulus 8 x 18 inch aluminum wheels. These wheels are unique to the Volvo XC90.All the aluminum wheels now feature the revised classic Volvo emblem in the centre.
As an alternative to black roof rails, brushed aluminum can be specified as an option. Interior - The interior gets a more exclusive aura, with new color combinations and a wider range to choose between.To give a high-quality feel, new upholsteries are introduced. The most exclusive alternative is the new soft-leather Sovereign Hide upholstery with its contrasting seam stitching and panels in perforated leather.
The centre console has been upgraded with a new display and aluminum-effect trim. New trim panels, with Sapeli Wood as an added version, give a wider choice and impart an elegant touch to the interior.Additional options come in the form of a combined instrument with a watch dial-inspired design and an interior rear-view mirror featuring an integrated compass. Upgrades - The Road and Traffic Information (RTI) navigation system has been further developed.
The new hard-disk-based system is faster and easier to use and provides more information than before.The most advanced audio system, Premium Sound, includes a digital class D amplifier from Alpine with ICE Power technology from Bang & Olufsen Powerhouse, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround system and loudspeakers from Dynaudio – one of the world’s finest in the field.
In the High Performance and Premium Sound systems, it is now possible to play CDs with music in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) format. All the audio systems are equipped with an extra input (AUX) for connection of external equipment.
Safety - The Volvo XC90 is a modern crossover SUV, built like a passenger car with a monocoque body, effective deformation zones, a low centre of gravity and advanced
systems to minimise the risk of personal injuries, irrespective of the situation and accident type.
What is more, the XC90 was equipped from the beginning with several advanced systems to prevent accidents from taking place.To enhance visibility when driving in the dark on twisting roads, Volvo Cars is launching Active Bi-Xenon Light – tracking headlight beams that follow the curvature of the road (launched with the new generation Volvo S80
sedan).
A microprocessor is used to measure and analyze a number of parameters and optimize the light pattern to suit. The headlamps can be rotated up to 15 degrees in either direction, a total of 30 degrees, and can thus light up longer stretches of twisting road.
To cut down on power consumption, the system is automatically disabled in daylight. The Volvo XC90 is also equipped with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Using cameras integrated into the door mirrors, BLIS registers whether another vehicle has entered the car’s offset rear blind spot.If so, a light comes on in the relevant mirror to alert the driver and help him or her make the right decision.
BLIS can thus help the driver gain better control over the driving situation. In order to protect anyone standing behind the car and to aid parking, Volvo Cars is introducing the Park Assist Camera.This is an advanced system that not only gives the driver an extra eye to the rear, it also shows the planned track when reversing. A wide-angle camera shows the area behind the car. The image is displayed in the RTI screen above the instrument panel.
The image angle is designed to show the entire area yet without excessive distortion. The picture also shows help lines that mark the area where the car will end up at the end of the reversing man oeuvre.These help lines change with steering wheel movement to assist the driver in steering correctly.
Park Assist Camera is a fully integrated function in the car. It is expected to be ready for delivery to customers in autumn 2006.Volvo XC90 Executive - The same changes have been made in the exclusive Executive model, which has also been given a number of new features of its own that further elevate its level of prestige.
The Volvo XC90 Executive is the most prestigious version of the XC90. It is identified by the discreet emblem on the rear door pillar, chrome finish on the door mirrors and C-pillars, and color coordinated wheel arch extenders.At the rear, the Executive model has an oval tailpipe that encases both exhaust pipes. To further
enhance its profile, the Volvo XC90 Executive can be fitted with 19-inch aluminium wheels.
One of the upholstery alternatives is the classically cut Executive leather, with stitching and edging in contrasting colors. The same grade of leather is now also used in the third row of seats.Walnut panel inlays are standard and the gauges in the main instrument panel have a distinct, watch dial inspired design.
The specially designed, extra thick pile carpeting adds to the cabin’s exclusive ambience. An optional cooler can be fitted in the tunnel console.An advanced Rear Seat Entertainment system (RSE) is also available as an option. The system includes a DVD player, video screens integrated in the front seat head restraints, wireless
headphones, and a remote control.
An auxiliary connector makes it possible to plug in an additional DVD player, video game or a video camera or other devices such as iPod. The two screens can be used independently of each other.
On the engine side, the Volvo XC90 Executive includes the 4.4-litre, 315hp V8 (440 Newton-meter), or Volvo’s new 3.2-litre six-cylinder in-line engine (238hp and 320 Nm), while the diesel option comes in the latest generation D5 engine (2.4- liter, inline-five cylinders, 185hp and 400 Nm).All of the engines are compact and transversely mounted in the engine bay to enhance both safety and a cabin roominess.
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