Source:
AutoExpress.Co.Uk
January, 23 2001
By: Dan Strong
Volvo's Secret V50 Is Go!
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-Drew
[This message has been edited by InDy (edited 01-24-2002).]
AutoExpress.Co.Uk
January, 23 2001
By: Dan Strong
Volvo's Secret V50 Is Go!
It looks like some great times ahead for Volvo!quote:
Exclusive first pictures of Volvo's new '3-Series' estate in the current issue of Auto Express magazine give conclusive proof that the company's product-led revolution is well underway. We spied the newcomer almost completely undisguised at the Swedish firm's test track. The BMW challenger is the V50, which will replace the V40 next summer. Inspired by the popular S60 saloon and recently restyled V70, the V50 will seat five adults in comfort. As with the Audi A4 Avant, the Lexus IS300 SportCross and Alfa 156 Sportwagon, it will be aimed at younger buyers - rather than those who aspire to the bigger S60 and V70. Based on Ford's P1 platform, which will also be used to underpin the new Focus and next Mazda 3, the V50 will be larger and more luxurious than the ageing V40.
The engine range will only feature 2.4-litre five-cylinder units at launch. These include three petrol ones and a D5 diesel, but different power outputs will be on offer. Entry-level machines produce 140bhp, mid-range cars 170bhp, while flagships add a turbo-charger and deliver 200bhp. The D5 diesel is largely unchanged from its current form and develops 163bhp. Shortly after launch, Volvo is set to develop two more engines - a new 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol unit and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. But the V50 is only the first step in a bold plan that will see an extensive range of compact executive-sized models bolster Volvo's ranks. When details of the V50 are announced officially, the company is expected to release information about the all-new S40 saloon. Based on the V50, this car will offer all-wheel drive.
By the time winter arrives, the firm will also unveil details of an SUV called the XC50. Based around the V50 - and following the style of the recently launched XC90 - the all-wheel-drive machine is expected to be a direct rival to the Land Rover Freelander as well as the forthcoming BMW X3 - revealed on pages 14 and 15. As with the XC90, the XC50 will put on-road handling ahead of off-road ability. It is also expected to feature the XC90's gyroscope-equipped stability system. In spring 2004, Volvo will turn its attention to the performance car market when it produces a driver-oriented coupé version of the V50, which will be named the C50.
Offering all-wheel drive, the car is also likely to be produced as a firebreathing BMW M3-rivalling 'R' edition boasting around 300bhp. Although sales will not start until late 2005, the project will make full use of the technology promised for the long-awaited Ford Focus Cosworth with which it will share a chassis. The final model to be added to the line-up will be a cabriolet edition of the C50. Aimed directly at the likes of the established BMW 3-Series Convertible, as well as the forthcoming Audi A4 Cabriolet, the newcomer will boast an electric roof and well equipped interior. Unlike the Coupé version, the drop-top will put the emphasis firmly on luxury rather than outright performance.
Product Plan
2003 V50
2003 S40
2004 XC50
2004 C50
2005 C50R
2005 C50 Convertible
2006 V30
2006 XC30
-Drew
[This message has been edited by InDy (edited 01-24-2002).]
