Category: Volvo

In the build up this week’s Geneva Auto Salon Volvo have released a couple of short teaser clips on YouTube (see below). They promise something naughty is on its way. If you follow their naughty.volvocars.com URL you end up at a special website based on the company’s all new S60 saloon.

This is the product Volvo will use to take on BMW’s almighty 3 Series. So, does this naughty tag mean we are about to see a new piping hot S60 R? And if we do, will it really live up to its name, or will this be a triumph of marketing over substance?

Looking at the YouTube clips one would hope we’re looking at a win to the engineering department, because the marketing department hasn’t exactly delivered spine tingling teasers.

Late last year Volvo released a couple of still images of their new S60 saloon, which closely resembled the S60 Concept. Over the new year Volvo released a teaser video of the S60, first to subscribers on Facebook, then to the broader public on YouTube. You can see the clip in full after the jump.

The S60 further pushes Volvo away from their once familiar boxy styling. With curves aplenty the S60 cuts a nice profile, but overall judgment might be best left until seeing the car for real.

Volvo’s 3 Series/A4 rival will be making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. S60 production will commence in the middle of the year at the Volvo Cars’ plant in Ghent, Belgium. Australian deliveries are scheduled for late 2010.

Volvo reckon this is the car to make BMW’s 3 Series shake in its boots. This car, of course, is the new Volvo S60 and it is due for public release at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Despite the reveal being some four months away, this hasn’t stopped those eager Swedes from releasing two new images of the car in a production-ready state.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.

As is the norm, styling cues from the S60 concept are clear to see, but things are a bit more reserved in sheet metal form. With just a side profile pic and a three-quarter view from the front (see below) to go on, it would appear that Volvo has left something up their sleeves for the rear styling.

Although, it looks like Car might have spoiled the party there with their comgen images published last month. The front view is very similar to Volvo’s official pic, so let’s give them the benefit of the doubt on the rear view, too.

“The customers in this segment want emotional appeal, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. The S60 has it all. We are convinced that it will be one of the strongest contenders around,” says Stephen Odell.

Never mind the emotional appeal, Volvo’s safety conscious image will get a big lift from the pedestrian detection system which will debut on the S60. If some idiot punter isn’t paying attention and walks out in front of you while you’re busy getting the kids in the back to quieten down the S60 can apply full braking force to save the day.

Volvo Australia have confirmed the S60 will be on local shores in the latter stages of 2010.

Stone the flamin’ crows have you seen what them Swedish blokes have gone and done? They’ve sent some backpackers down under and nicked our way of life.

We’re not pulling anyone’s leg here, these are pics of a V8 powered Volvo ute. Externally, there’s equal parts Commodore and Falcon, ensuring the Swede in wolf’s clothing looks the part. The V8 donk makes certain she has as much go as she does show.

Okay, it turns out that someone is pulling our legs. That someone is Bo Zolland of VizualTech, who is the bloke responsible for these Photoshop creations. Top work Bo, these utes look great. You can almost see them doing some circle work at the Deni Ute Muster. And, that, is probably the best compliment an Aussie can bestow on a ute. True dinks!

Check out more of Bo’s creations after the jump.

[Source: Carscoop via Sportbilen.se]