"The Volvo XC60 is the safest Volvo ever. It brings together all the safety knowledge we have built up over more than 80 years. In fact, the XC60 is perhaps even the safest car in all categories," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.
In addition to innovations such as City Safety, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and a further developed DSTC system, the Volvo XC60 is available with all the accident-avoidance and protective safety technologies that Volvo Cars offers today.
Holistic view is a cornerstone
In 1927 Volvo's founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson stated that "Cars are driven by people. Therefore the guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo is - and must remain - safety." Since then Volvo Cars has introduced a number of ground-breaking technologies. To this very day the three-point seat belt from 1959 is the single most effective lifesaver on the roads. Volvo's cars have over the years been equipped with an ever longer list of safety solutions. From crumple zones, safety cages, airbags and whiplash protection to systems for dynamic stability and driving control. However, it is the interaction between the various safety systems and functions, not the individual components that determines just how safe a car is. In a Volvo, safety is the result of a complete, integrated solution.
The driver is central
Volvo Cars' development of safety solutions is based on three main approaches: the car, the traffic environment and the human being. The driver needs to be alert and have the ability to take quick decisions in stressful situations, which is often easier said than done. "We focus on technologies that help the driver observe critical situations and avoid collisions. Traffic accidents should not be regarded as unavoidable. With the right technology, we can give the driver the support needed to help avoid accidents," says Jonas Ekmark, manager of Preventive Safety at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
You should feel like a pilot at the controls of a business jet, with all your passengers sitting in First Class. You are seated in comfort, surrounded by ergonomically designed instruments and you really feel that you are on top of the traffic situation around you. The XC60 has more intelligent safety systems than any previous Volvo. That's why I want the entire driver's environment to radiate a high-tech feel," relates Jonathan Disley, head of interior design for the new Volvo XC60.
Enlarged iron mark signals the right attitude
At the front the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille swiftly fills the rear-view mirror of the car in front - a distinct signal that Volvo's extrovert future has arrived. "The classic iron mark now gets the role it deserves. Not discreet and modest, but bold and packed with self-confidence. It is precisely this attitude that Volvo's brand name should have," says Steve Mattin.
The XC60 previews Volvo's new face, with attitude and strength. Full of expression, personality and self confidence. The frowning contours of the headlamps and the taut rearward flow of the front wings emphasize the bonnet's classic V-profile, giving the front an eager, wedge-shaped stance. This DNA ingredient is further strengthened by the newly incorporated unique DNA lamps. They characterize the front of the vehicle, flanking the grill and emphasizing the V-shape and vertical stance of the XC60's front end.
"The expression ‘the eyes are the mirror of the soul' is an excellent description of the headlamps' role. The eyes reveal more about your personality than any other facial expression does," explains Steve Mattin. The sculpted, seductive lines are particularly clear when the XC60 is viewed from the side. The car's shoulders are exceptionally broad. Towards the front they are strengthened by an underlining sculptural undercut, and when it comes to the rear wings Steve Mattin resorts to the sensually loaded adjective "voluptuous".
The large wheels, the bold wheel arches and the darker livery of the body's lower section further enhance the muscular XC feel, while the dynamic, flowing lines of the XC60's greenhouse combined with its daring roof contour impart a sporty coupe feel to the upper part of the car.
Panorama roof creates space and light
The load opening is the widest in the segment and the luggage compartment swallows 480 liters. As in the V70 and XC70, the rear seat is a three-piece 40/20/40 split/fold unit. Each section folds down easily to create a totally flat luggage platform for maximum flexibility.
World-class audio system
The world-class audio system is part of the First Class experience inside the new XC60. It comes in three levels. The highest level, Premium Sound, features 12 Dynaudio loudspeakers and an amplifier with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround delivering 5x130 Watt. An optional digital subwoofer under the floor in the load compartment provides an additional 260 Watts. The sound can be optimized to suit three different situations - driver's seat, both front seats and rear seat. The two highest levels of the audio system enable MP3 and WMA-format CDs to be played, which means that the CD changer can store several hundred tracks. All audio levels provide an auxiliary (AUX) input for connecting the owner's own equipment, such as a portable MP3 player. A USB port (on the two highest levels) makes it possible to plug in an iPod, MP3 player or USB.
All told, the Volvo XC60 points the way towards Volvo Cars' future.
"In order to be perceived as premium, we have to dare to be seen clearly. Turning up the cars' visual volume has been one of my biggest goals since I came here to Volvo and with the XC60 we have taken a major step forward. This is a Volvo the way I want it to be. A Volvo for myself, if you like," concludes Steve Mattin. |
)
)
)
