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Tags: volvo,volvo s60,volvo s40,auto news,cars

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Volvo sharpens 3-series rival
Volvo is planning to realign its model range with a new S60 saloon aimed at the BMW 3-series and a new S40 hatchback, both on sale in 2009-10.

The S60 will be based on the same joint Ford/Volvo technology that underpins the Mondeo and S80, and will ensure that Volvo manages to keep a competitor in the key compact executive market.

S60 saved, big rethink for S40

The future of the S60 was in doubt in 2006 as Volvo grappled with organising three overlapping saloons: S40, S60 and S80. It even risked squeezing the mid-range car out of the market altogether.

The solution is for Volvo to keep the S60 in its range, replacing todays model in late 2009, and radically rethinking the replacement for the S40, due in 2010.

So instead of being retooled as a four-door saloon, the S40 will metamorphose into a five-door hatchback, making it a more conventional competitor for the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. The S40 name is also tipped to disappear, possibly to be replaced by V30.

Focusing the S60 on the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 means that the new Volvo will grow only a little in its external dimensions, since the latest models from Germany have swollen in size to match todays S60.

It will get a slightly longer wheelbase, but to take on the German pair the new S60 will also need sharp styling, excellent interior quality and much-improved ride and handling.

Volvo engineers are understood to be fighting an internal battle with bean-counters to get the funds to develop an enthusiast-friendly chassis.

Engines will be drawn from the Volvo-Ford parts bin, and will include a much-needed 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (a big seller in this class), plus a more powerful 2.2-litre diesel. To battle BMW and Audis six-cylinder diesels, Volvo can also call on its D5 family of five-pot oil-burners.

Also in the pipeline is a downsized turbocharged petrol engine whose 1.6-litre capacity can produce the power of 2.0-litre petrol but with much better fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Read Article



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HyundaiHyundai - 8/9/2007 12:55:03 PM
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When the TSX spanked the 3er in a C&D comparo, I'd say a FWD can compete - so, yes.

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zorbeezezorbeeze - 8/9/2007 6:13:00 PM
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In no way can FWD compete with a RWD. As a Hyundai owner you should understand that. There's a reason why Hyundai is moving to RWD for their new so called luxury cars.
And the Honda Accord never spanked any BMW.

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HyundaiHyundai - 8/10/2007 11:01:57 AM
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http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/8915/10-best-cars-best-sports-sedan.html

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HyundaiHyundai - 8/10/2007 11:07:33 AM
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For 2006, the TSX also took "best sports sedan" while the 3er earned the more portly "best luxury sports sedan" award at CandD.

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zorbeezezorbeeze - 8/10/2007 12:18:50 PM
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I read the article and they never said anything about the TSX being better than the 3series. The 3series won best luxury sports sedan and the TSX won best sports sedan. The TSX is not considered a luxury car hence it winning the best sports sedan title. Nice try though.

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rok_altimarok_altima - 8/9/2007 10:35:53 AM
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Thats the thing, Ford is starving Volvo (just like Jaguar) of new updated models. The S60 (though I do like it and would consider buying one) is almost an eight year old car already, and in this competitive market new headlights and bumpers are not enough to satisfy when people can just go buy a used one for less cost

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r15mohdr15mohd - 8/9/2007 11:51:15 AM
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^^^ FORD is somewhat of a cancer once they become owners of a brand. Range Rover/Aston Martin/Jaguar...now Volvo.

If its trye that the s60 will be using volvo/ford parts, i already know its going to be a bust. Compare that to the x-type from Jaguar. It's a taurus in Jaguar clothing.

I've seen some nice sketches of concept models for the v70 wagon...but let's see how it plays out. Volvo is a great car company, and I personally would hate to see it faulter due to bad decisions by the cancer called FORD.

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zorbeezezorbeeze - 8/9/2007 1:05:49 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The S60 would use the Mondeo platform which has always been a very good car. If they invest enough maybe this new S60 can compete with Buick, Lexus ES and Acura TSX/TL, but in no way can a FWD compete with RWD.
And what's with having the S40 as a 5door hatch to compete with the 1series and the A3 since the C30 is capable of doing that if it gets AWD.

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audirevolutionaudirevolution - 8/9/2007 2:32:35 PM
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When did the Honda Accord beat the 3 series?

Give me a link to the article.
I don't believe it.

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audirevolutionaudirevolution - 8/9/2007 2:32:55 PM
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I was replying to Hyundai.


HyundaiHyundai - 8/10/2007 11:02:14 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/8915/10-best-cars-best-sports-sedan.html


HyundaiHyundai - 8/10/2007 11:07:50 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
For 2006, the TSX also took "best sports sedan" while the 3er earned the more portly "best luxury sports sedan" award at CandD.
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