Re: Is Volvo AWD really AWD? (JF)
Well, I can't download the video because my connection here stinks. When I go home I will download it but from your and George's reaction, I take it that it is a video where they show the XC70 UNDERperforming...If that's the case then let me present you with another angle.
When the AWD models came out, back in 1998, they [Volvo] took us out for a day of training. We went through presentations and of course a ride-'n-drive where we tested the AWD in a slalom course, etc. They also had some competitors there; a Ford Explorer, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, an Audi A6 2.8 Quattro and a Subaru Legacy Outback...We drove those through the slalom course and we saw how inferior they were under aggressive cornering.
Then, they had a professional crew demonstrate how "inferior" the competitors' AWD/4WD systems were in comparison to the Viscous Coupling AWD system supplied by Volvo. They had a METAL platform where the angle was variable; you started at a 5% incline, then it progressed to 10% and then to 15%. One side of the platform was coated with a non-slip and abrasive material, the other side was just bare metal. Naturally, the platform was doused with water to make it slippery. So...off the cars/trucks went (with the professional driver). First, the Ford Explorer...goes through the 5% incline fine, when it hit the 10%...done! The two wheels that were on bare and wet metal were spinning like mad,preventing the truck from going up further. Then, the Jeep comes up...same thing...5% OK but at 10% it got stuck. Then, the Subie comes...goes through the 5% fine, hits the 10% angle half way and that was it! Then the Audi comes up...5% no problem, 10% seems like no problem, at the end of it you could see that the car was slowing down and as it crossed the threshold to the 15% angle that was it! So...here comes the V70 AWD. 5% no probs, 10%..ha! Piece of cake and 15%...? No probs! Made it all the way to the top.
Naturally, we all felt that we had solved the world's problems! http://********************/smile/emwink.gif
So, as you can see...you can find many ways to present your side very effectively.
Yannis