Thread: Volvo to roll out new-generation cars from 2014

All-new XC90 SUV will be unveiled next year, followed by a big saloon, estate and 2+2 coupe. Volvo will roll-out four, all-new, range-topping models from 2014, starting with the replacement for the ageing XC90. The XC90 will be followed by a new S80 saloon, a V80 estate car and, eventually, a new shorter-wheelbase 2+2 coupe expected to be called C80.
All the cars are based on Volvos new, home-grown, Scaleable Platform Architecture and will be powered by Volvos new family of VCA four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines with a choice of two manual transmissions or an eight-speed auto. The new four-cylinder petrol engines will offer between 140 and 280bhp and the diesels between 120 and 230bhp.
Volvo will not offer V6 or V8 engines in the future and says that extra performance and all-wheel drive will be offered by the optional hybrid transmission, which uses an electric motor driving the rear axle. A conventional mechanical all-wheel drive system is also part of the SPA plan. The S80 and V80 are expected to arrive in 2015 and will be sister models like the S and V60. The new coupe will be shorter than the 80-series cars, but is expected to have the same wider cabin.
The XC90 will not stray too far from the formula that underpins todays car but, like its future sister cars, will feature a distinctively tall and bluff front end design and very short front and rear overhangs. The SPA architecture is similar to the MQB architecture launched by VW by using an identical engine bay, bulkhead and pedal position, while the front overhang, rear overhang and passenger cell can be varied in size. SPA also allows for different wheel track widths.

However, the SPA will only cover future models from the S60 replacement to a future long wheelbase S80. An eventual replacement for todays V40 (which uses a Ford-derived platform) will be based on a platform shared with another car maker Volvo, sources say.
The Swedish maker expects to book sales of 420,000 cars in 2013 and is aiming to increase sales to 800,000 globally shortly after 2020.