Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby made it clear in an interview that a flagship is not there in the company’s midterm or long-term strategy. He further said that it is too early to enter the S-class size market with their newly speculated auto. Right the company plans to concentrate with new products on its core segments.

The Universe concept, which debuted recently, has a restrained design and is said to have been built to preview the company’s flagship sedan. It presents an ingenious blend of design and technology packed in a modern and luxurious body. Well, on the speculated flagship model, let’s not expect it anytime soon.

It has been learnt that the K-PAX Racing S60 will be officially revealed at the Miller Motorsports Park. The time scheduled for the unveiling function falls in late April, for the fourth round of World Challenge, which means before competing against other entries including the Cadillac CTS-V Racing Coupe.

No more details, especially that of the technical specifications is not out yet. Well, Volvo confirmed that they will launch two cars. Both of these vehicles will definitely feature all-wheel-drive, says the Swedish auto builder.

Volvo says a variety of engines will be offered – the 3.0-liter T6 petrol produces 304 PS (224 kW / 300 hp) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft), which allows the AWD car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

For those who would like things toned down a bit, Volvo offers several GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engines. The 2.0T produces 203 PS (149 kW / 200 hp) and 240 PS (177 kW / 237 hp), while the 1.6 (T3 / T4) churns out 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and 180 PS (132 kW / 178 hp).

Diesel engines are also on offer and buyers can choose between the 205 PS (151 kW / 202 hp) 2.4-liter D5 and the 163 PS (120 kW / 161 hp) 2.0-liter D3. Volvo has plans to add a DRIVe model later on – which will be introduced with a 1.6-liter engine that produces 115 PS (85 kW / 113 hp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque.

Check out the video here:

Handling has been improved thanks to the strut brace, shorter springs (which reduce ride height 15mm), and stiffer bushings (20% firmer than the standard model) that Volvo engineers have added to the models. Other additions are the monotube rear dampers and Corner Traction Control, which uses torque vectoring to reduce understeer.

Sources say that the R-Design package will be available with several engines including everything from the 115 bhp (86 kW / 117 PS) 1.6-liter D DRIVe to the 304 bhp (227 kW / 308 PS) 3.0-liter T6.

Word is that models will begin reaching dealerships this fall, although pricing information hasn’t been released.

Four inline-four petrol engines, including two 1.6-liter units that produce up to 240 Nm of torque and either 150 or 180 horsepower (112 or 134 kW), and two 2.0-liter models that produce either 203 hp (151 kW) and 300 Nm or 240 hp (179 kW) and 320 Nm would be part of the pack. Further, the inline-six would have a 3.0-liter unit that returns 304 hp (227 kW) and up to 440 Nm. The Volvo V60 is capable of racing from 0 to 100km /h in 6.6 seconds, while the electronically-limited top speed is 250 km/h.

The Volvo V60 also comes in a diesel variant that boast of 115-hp (86 kW), 270-Nm 1.6-liter inline-four, and two inline-five engines. The first, a 2.0-liter model, is capable of 163 hp (122 kW) and up to 400 Nm, while the top diesel model burns 205 horsepower (153 kW) and up to 420 Nm.

The coupe styled roof-sporting car has been built on a new dynamic chassis for the European market. Features include collision blocking aspects, pedestrian detection, all-wheel drive, tight steering, stability control and an advanced brake system. The car also holds space for 430 liters of load. We are now waiting for Volvo to give us the pricing details.

Volvo and racing are two words that together don’t appear very familiar but soon history will be made as Volvo will enter the Belgian Touring Car Series with its all new S60. There was no details discussed about Volvo S60 before and that is because, no one knew about it. It was developed in a record time and now Volvo believes that this sports sedan will offer Volvo’s most exciting driving experience until date. Te S60 will feature a racing body kit along with a tubular frame chassis, a revised suspension and high-performance brakes. The racing scorcher will be powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of producing 410hp and this engine will be clubbed with a six-speed sequential transmission.

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Indeed, Volvo hasn’t gone ahead and confirmed its production status but these winter testing spy shots give us hope that it should happen sometime soon. If Volvo does give it a nod ahead, the commuter will hit the market in petrol and diesel turbocharged engines in four, five and six cylinder formats while an AWD is also a possibility. [via WCF]

The finalists for the 2010 South African Snoozefest Car of the year have been announced. The finalists in no particular order of monotony are:

• Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4i Turbo Petrol
• Audi Q5 2.0 T STronic
• Chevy Cruze 1.8 LS
• Hyundai i20 1.6 GLS
• Suzuki Alto 1(!) litre GLS
• Toyota Prius
• VW Golf 6 1.4 TSI 90 kw Comfortline
• Volvo XC60 3.0T Geartronic

From here on the finalists go on a couple of tests which include high speed dynamic assessment, parking ability, handling and other tests all while monitoring the fuel consumption.

I suppose they will have a proper car to tow some of these babies around to get them to high speed because on their own steam they won’t get there.

Anyway, which one do you think will win and why – leave a comment.

Do you remember the concept teaser image of the new Volvo S60 that has left us drooling about a year ago? What about the spaceship-like teasing interior of the new Volvo S60 that we laid our eyes ahead of the Detroit show, last December? Well folks we can finally got our hands on the first official photos with the 2011 Volvo S60 Luxury Sedan, before its public debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show. “The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “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.” Not much else to tell you about it, except for the fact that it sure has what it takes to win a man’s heart.

The new Volvo C70 looks like a panther crouched and ready to leap. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Swedes have revealed a model that will put its past well behind and generate plenty of excitement on its way by. The new Volvo C70 sports a retractable hard top, a sleek front end and headlights positioned to peer into the darkness. This beauty carries all of the great safety features you’ve come to expect in a Volvo without compromising style or performance. With three engine options generating 140hp, 170hp, or 230hp, Volvo has positioned itself for a roll, a sprint or a dash down the high fashion runway.