2007 Volvo S80

[Carl.]

Here is the new S80, which will be availible with AWD and the same Yamaha V8 used in the XC90 (315 hp / 325 lb/ft).

More pictures and details here.

Volvo designs may be very similar between models, and they didn't really break new grounds since the S80 and S60 came out, but at least they actually manage to improve them with time, unlike what's happening to lineups from Germany.

 

[niky]

Now if they could only steal a steering rack or two from Mazda or Ford.

But heck, that's an impressive machine. I've driven the old S80 T6, and it impressed me as a really quick, well-damped cruiser, not much body roll, entertaining turbo spool-up.

The only thing I don't like is how they sacrifice window space to fashion... but since everyone's doing it nowadays, they're not unique in that respect... And the looks just keep getting better and better.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Hmm... dunno. I guess it's a better Audi.

 

[Appie]

it looks nice
but ditch the taillights

 

[SRV2LOW4ME]

I like it. Not too flashy, yet still carries a touch of elegance. The plain jane styling leaves me with no complaints, but no huge excitment either.

 

[Blackbird.]

The front reminds me of the A4 for some reason.

But not bad.

 

[Poverty]

Hmm... dunno. I guess it's a better Audi.

Blasmaphey.

Is quite nice though. The front end of the first pic kinda reminds me of the 6 series.

 

[Danny]

If car's didn't have badges I'm sure the S80 could outsell the Audis and BMWs of the same car genre.

But alas, it ain't German.

 

[Poverty]

Volvo

above VW below the rest of the germans.

 

[Blackbird.]

I prefer German engineering.

 

[YSSMAN]

Nice, I like the S40 design themes inside and out... The car was dying for a makeover, so its nice to see it happening. Its probably better than the Saab 9-5, but you would be hard-pressed to find many serious automotive fans going for the S80 before the likes of the 5-series, E-class, M35, GS330, STS V6, etc...

 

[ExigeEvan]

That's a good looking Volvo 👍

Badge snobbery sucks, however, when people think safe cars in the UK, they think Volvos.

 

[Poverty]

the 9-5 is just a redressed and repackaged vectra.

 

[Danny]

No, that's the 9-3

 

[Poverty]

thats the one. I get saab models confused.

 

[Danny]

Yeah, the 9-3 is nice but the chrome on the 9-5 is just nasty.

Still looks good as an estate though.

 

[Vonie]

Awesome, looks very tight...for a Volvo.
The interior looks good, too.

Info on the new I-6 engines.

 

[iceburns288]

This is much, much sexier than my S80 T6. I love the rear!

 

[1X83Z]

well done, on looks alone. is it just me or is volvo the only brand consistently releasing good-looking cars?

 

[T5-R]

First time I saw it I really liked it, and I still do. However, the more I look at it the more I realise it doesn't perhaps look as distinctive as say the old S80 (Although this probably does look better). It reminds me of the newer VWs from the side and whilst the nose is still very pronounced, the rest of the lines are more subdued.

Still a nice looking car, I wonder how the new 6 cylinder and 8 sound compared to the 5. Pity the newer Volvos aren't as loud as the 850s (my bro reckons its because they've got another silencer, boo!).

 

[JCE]

Hmm... dunno. I guess it's a better Audi.

Blasmaphey.

+1

well done, on looks alone. is it just me or is volvo the only brand consistently releasing good-looking cars?

+1

Volvo is definately on the right track. I like this car--though I'd prefer an Audi but still, I won't take anything away from this fantastic car. Now all Volvo needs to do is make an "R" version of every car like the S60R.

 

[Revolution.]

I like it, very smooth. Looks great from the back

 

[Powripper]

This is much, much sexier than my S80 T6. I love the rear!

I owned a S80 T6 as well, and I'm gonna have to agree with you. I'm also loving the idea of AWD, even though I was making about 340hp out of mine, i'm sure this one is much more fun to drive . ( FWD + 340hp = )

 

[iceburns288]

^I just joined the Volvo fan club Didn't know we had one!

I'll agree with anything positive anyone's said about Volvo in this thread, especially the consistency comment. I've driven the entire sedan line of Volvos (S40, S60, S80) and I loved them all, especially the S40. Well, especially all of them, actually. I loved the S40's size as it was so easy to get around in. I loved the S60 because it reminded me a lot of my S80, just a bit smaller. I love the S80 because it's just like a Mercedes- leather and all- for less cost.

S40R, Volvo, please!

 

[1X83Z]

Now all Volvo needs to do is make an "R" version of every car like the S60R.

i don't know - i could do without an xc90r, an xc70r, and even an s80r. however it's quite clear that the market would like an s40r/v50r. volvo even has several engines that are up to the task: the turbocharged 2.9-liter inline six that powers the t6 versions of the s80 and xc90 (that one's good for 268 horsepower), and the turbocharged 2.4-liter five that powers the s60/v70 t5 (good for 257 horsepower). alternatively, they could just do what they did with the s60r/v70r and tune the 2.5-liter that already goes into the s40/v50 t5. it's good for 300 horsepower in the s60r/v70r. either way - it'd definitely be appreciated.

 

[iceburns288]

^ Oh come on, you know what he meant!

S40R with the S60R's T5...

 

[Danny]

i don't know - i could do without an xc90r

Actually a pretty cool idea.

 

[1X83Z]

Actually a pretty cool idea.

agreed - but there's two problems. one is that it would require a fairly large engine, the likes of which volvo has never used in the past. do note that the xc90 v8 is the most powerful swedish vehicle ever produced.

the second problem is that volvo's reputation is not such that an xc90r would succeed. they are known for world-class safety and sensible design, not exciting performance models. consequently, no one would buy it, since the brand's reputation is not on the same level as other makes which produce performance suvs (mercedes, porsche, bmw, saturn).

 

[James2097]

I very much hope Volvo can make a truly sexy car in my lifetime. The basic corporate face (grill) pretty much prevents this however. The tail-lights are puke-orama like Volvo love these days.

 

[Danny]

agreed - but there's two problems. one is that it would require a fairly large engine, the likes of which volvo has never used in the past. do note that the xc90 v8 is the most powerful swedish vehicle ever produced.

Technically, Koenigsegg. Sort of.

the second problem is that volvo's reputation is not such that an xc90r would succeed. they are known for world-class safety and sensible design, not exciting performance models. consequently, no one would buy it, since the brand's reputation is not on the same level as other makes which produce performance suvs (mercedes, porsche, bmw, saturn).

But it's clear they're trying to change that, with sexy concepts such as the YCC and XC90 PUV. And if they were to challenge the premium brands, it's highly likely they'd cost much less.
The car's are quite good looking, as stated earlier, and they wouldn't embarass themselves on a racetrack.
The only thing left to sort is people's perceptions, then Volvo could be right in amongst the industry big boys.