[Evolvo]

<IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/resources/gallery/cars/02_xc90/large/02.jpg"> <P>That's a beautiful car....err truck...whatever.... and me having just bought a new one. I wonder how it'll compare to the X5. It's obviously bigger, but will it have any emphasis on driving dynamic that the Bimmer does?<P>Anyone else see the video of Hans Stuck (ALMS BMW M3 racecar driver among other things), driving the X5 on the Nurburgring (sp?). That was awesome! Too bad the X5 has no trunk and is way too expensive.<P>Knowing that they are going to do a V70R and an S60R, I wonder if they'll do an XC90 R?<P>I had a chance to pop onto the forums for a couple o minutes yesterday and I'm glad I did. I'm surprised there was a link of the 90 in the forums, but not on the main site. George, you gotta get that stuff up so I can get my fill. <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/wink.gif"> What's up with readers posting it before you do?<p>[This message has been edited by Evolvo (edited 11-29-2001).]

 

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Ouch <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/frown.gif">. Actually we had the photos since last Wednesday evening (the night before Thanksgiving) but we didn't want to share <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/wink.gif">. <P>Seriously, they were embargoed by Volvo. I'm not sure how Volvospy and others got them, but we were given them directly from our volvo contact. I know one of our users (darn impressed by his resourcefulness), managed to dig them up on Volvo's website. Since VVspy has the same photos, I'd guess they got them the same place....though that's just a guess. You'd have to ask Joachim the guy who runs VVspy.<P>Because our Volvo contacts told us they were embargoed, we didn't want to risk running them early and hurt our relationship with Volvo corporate. Had I found the photos like those guys, and not been told of an embargo, I'd may have printed them also.<p>[This message has been edited by [email protected] (edited 11-29-2001).]

 

[[email protected]]

Almost forgot to answer your other question about an XC90R. I'd bet it's a little early in the product stages for Volvo to be seriously considering it. That much probably depends on the XC90's sales success.<P>That said, I know that they are seriously considering other R models. Again, it's more info I've been asked not to give details on, but I think it's fair to say that based on other plans I've heard, an XC90 would be more likely than one might expect.<P>That and at the last press event, they emphasized the Enjoyment Of Life very heavily, leading more into sport and enthusiast models if you do the math.

 

[S.R.]

I would tend to agree with George, it is always a good idea to keep good faith and a good relationship with Volvo Car Corp. I am sure they will help this site flourish more in the future. Playing by the rules is a always a good way to go IMHO. <IMG SRC="http://www.swedespeed.com/ubb/smile.gif"><P>Back on subject now, the biggest problem with the X5 is the lack of interior and storage space. I really don't see the point in buying the X5 when you can get the 540i Touring which handles better, is faster, holds more, looks better, and costs less for what it gives. Plus the 5-Series is a the head of it's class, what more could you want really?<P>Hopefully, Volvo will not make the same mistakes that BMW made with the X5. Good road manners with a good combination of utility is what counts in this market. Just look at the success of the MDX & RX300, which blends both of these features very well.<P>-Drew