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Volvo S80 luxury sedan applies curvy styling to new flagship
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- The boxy chrome grille of Volvo decorates virtually every second car seen on streets of Gothenburg, an industrial port on Sweden's western coast and headquarters for the Swedish automaker, which accounts for a quarter of the country's economic output.
With so many Volvos evident on Sweden's roads, some dating back for decades, one might suspect a test drive conducted in the prototype of a curvy new Volvo S80 flagship sedan would hardly attract attention, but it does.
Heads turn, fingers point and eyes follow the vehicle wherever you steer it. And when you park, as I did in the port of Marstrand during a tour through the rocky Bohuslan archipelago, pedestrians surround this striking car.
Cameras emerge from pockets, people pose in front of that bold front grille with its distinctive diagonal chrome slash, and photos are snapped, one after another.
Obviously, Swedes recognize a dramatic new Volvo when they see it, and the car excites them.
The fact that this mid-size sedan also carries a slew of shapely curves in its sheetmetal contours -- in such stark contrast to the typical tank-like shapes of some previous Volvo designs -- causes the S80 to stand out even in a veritable sea of Volvos in Sweden.
Swedes should take note of the car because Volvo, which has invested heavily in its creation, bets the future on its success in competing directly against some of the finest mid-size performance sedans in the world.
As front-wheel-drive replacement for the aged rear-wheel-drive Volvo S90 (960), new S80 introduces the curvaceous exterior concealing a luxurious interior trimmed in leather and fit for five, with choice of in-line 6-cylinder engine either naturally aspirated or turbo-charged, sophisticated mechanical controls that set up precise performance characteristics, and some of the most advanced automotive safety systems on the planet.
It is tight and athletic in action, yet rich and sensuous in feel and tone, and, in a word, simply stunning.
The S80 ships to the United States as a 1999 issue available as either the base S80 2.9 priced from $35,820 or a turbo-charged T-6, which starts at $40,385.
Look beyond the slick exterior style to find agile handling traits and powerful performance, but S80 also contains innovative active and passive safety systems.
The rigid body, with high-strength steel accounting for half of all structural components ringing the passenger compartment, has crumple zones integrated in front and rear and strong reinforcements for critical side areas vulnerable to side intrusions.
Then a complicated system of airbags envelopes riders.
Driver and front passenger get front airbags which shield against a frontal impact plus seat-mounted side airbags to cushion a side crash.
In addition, long curtain airbags mount in the roof and extend along each side above front and rear doors to protect heads of those in front and rear seats from a side strike as well as roll-over.
To guard against whiplash effect from rear-end impacts, front seatbacks incorporate innovative mechanisms which move the seat rearward during impact and reduce by half the acceleration forces induced on a rider's back and neck.
For active safety by an alert driver to keep S80 out of harm's way, the car comes with quick-response rack and pinion steering and disc brakes tied to computerized anti-lock system as well as a traction control mechanism that modulates engine torque flowing to front drive wheels.
Brakes also use a force distribution system which monitors behavior of rear wheels in relation to the front ones and then controls braking force electronically to match the degree of braking and on-board load. Net effect: Full directional stability and steering ability is maintained at all times, regardless of load weight or how hard brakes may be applied.
Regarding engines, the S80 has two 6-cylinder choices, each mated to a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission.
The S80 2.9 carries a naturally-aspirated 2.9-liter aluminum six which generates 201 horsepower.
A light-pressure twin turbo 2.8-liter in-line-6 for S80 T-6 runs the power curve clear to 268 hp.
With high torque achieved at relatively low engine speed and the typically pesky turbo lag minimized, this powertrain impresses with its quiet demeanor and quick surges when passing.
The electronic transmissions, developed with aid from General Motors and Aisin Warner of Japan, employ adaptive gear shift patterns which eliminate the need for separate economy and sport modes.
For T-6, a Geartronic add-on permits shift-it-yourself maneuvers by simply throwing the gear selector lever to the left and locking it in the gate. Then push the lever forward to bump up a gear, or tip it rearward to back down.
The unibody frame of S80 boosts torsional stiffness to set up a firm foundation for attachment of suspension elements borrowed from Volvo's 850 and the S70 successor. These include a MacPherson-type strut and lower link arm on each side up front and a rear independent multi-link arrangement fitted to an aluminum subframe.
Push the S80 through tortuous road tests and it remains solidly anchored to pavement, with body maintaining a level stance -- there's little lateral lean noted during turning maneuvers and seemingly no nose dive when standing on brakes hard nor any dip of tail during a sudden acceleration.
It all adds up to an active but controllable car capable of sporty moves and high performance, yet the long wheelbase and refined suspension create plush ride sensations with the distinct flavor of luxury.
A thoughtful passenger cabin brings extremely comfortable front bucket seats and a rear bench for three.
Power controls all functions for movement of front seats, doors, windows and mirrors, which have interior heat elements. Also, extensive security measures apply -- perimeter lighting, programmable remote alarm system, electronic immobilizer, and there's a 100-watt sound system with eight speakers and in-dash CD and cassette decks.
Options include leather upholstery for S80 2.9, a power glass sunroof, Volvo's navigation system and dynamic stability traction controller, plus a hands-free cell phone linked to a service center for quick accident response.
1999 VOLVO S80 SEDAN
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1999 VOLVO S80 Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size sport/luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size sport/luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
109.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
189.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.9 I6
DOHC 2.8 I6 T
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/TCS |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side) + 2 (side curtain) |
| Gas Mileage: |
19/27 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 35,820 to $ 44,000 |
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