Volvo to webcast Detroit Auto Show press conference live

It may not be the same as attending the event in-person, but a live, interactive webcast of Volvo's press conference at the Detroit Auto Show, where the S60 concept and production XC60 for North America will be shown, could be the next best thing. The broadcast is intended for media types and members of the press, but the fact that it's being aired on DirecTV (channel 101, January 11 at 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET) means that anybody with a television and the satellite service can watch it live. Alternatively, users can register for a password to the online site, the location of which is not yet determined.
The coolest bit of tech that's making an appearance for this event is the capability to send questions to a live host who will then relay selected inquiries to key Volvo executives. These days, the global economic downturn is affecting everyone, including those who would normally cover these events for the media. This being the case and assuming the event is a success, we'd expect to more manufacturers to adopt a similar system at upcoming auto shows. Of course, we'll be there live and you can always direct your browsers to our pages for the best coverage available.
[ Via: Autoblog (Volvo) ]
[ Tag: detroit 2009, detroit auto show, Detroit2009, DetroitAutoShow, volvo, volvo detroit auto show, volvo s60, volvo s60 concept, volvo xc60, VolvoDetroitAutoShow, VolvoS60, VolvoS60Concept, VolvoXc60 ]

Geneva 2008: Volvo XC60 softroads in style

Volvo's entrance into the ever-expanding crossover segment was finally revealed here in Geneva when the wraps were pulled off the new XC60. The swoopy, Swedish cute 'ute will make its way Stateside later this year powered by the turbocharged T6, producing 281 hp and coming standard with all-wheel-drive and Volvo's extensive safety features. Aside from the Instant Traction control, a new system, dubbed City Safety, applies the brakes if a low-speed impact is imminent. Volvo expects to unload around 50,000 XC60s a year, with 15,000-20,000 units sold here in the U.S.
Volvo's exhaustive press release is posted after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volvo) ]
[ Tag: geneva, geneva 2008, geneva motor show, Geneva2008, GenevaMotorShow, volvo, volvo xc60, VolvoXc60, xc60 ]

Volvo to offer T6 engine option in XC70 this fall

The Volvo XC70 recently spent some time in the Autoblog Garage, and while we liked the vehicle overall, we had a few major complaints: its high price, poor gas mileage and a noticeable lack of power. At least one of those issues will be rectified somewhat this fall when Volvo begins offering the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine for the XC70. This engine is already available in the S80 sedan, and since the V70 and XC70 use similar chassis architecture, it was only a matter of time before the T6 engine migrated down the line. The 281 horsepower of the T6 engine should offer a useful improvement over the standard 235 horsepower 3.2 liter six. According to AutoWeek, the T6 model will be the crossover's flagship, so it seems unlikely that the 311 horsepower V8 will show up underhood any time soon. Power often covers a multitude of sins, so we're betting that the boosted-six will prove to be a popular option among buyers.

[ Via: AutoWeek ]
[ Tag: t6, volvo, volvo t6, volvo wagon, volvo xc70, volvo-t6, volvo-wagon, volvo-xc70, VolvoT6, VolvoWagon, VolvoXc70, xc-70, xc70, xc70 t6, xc70-t6, Xc70T6 ]