- Volvo confirmed that its diesel-hybrid V60 wagon will go on sale in European markets in 2012.
- The plug-in hybrid will be more expensive than a conventional V60, but Volvo estimates fuel costs will be one-third compared with a conventional combustion engine.
- The system provides combined maximum output of 281 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Volvo confirmed its new V60 plug-in diesel hybrid will go on sale in the European market in 2012, and said the car will have a projected range of up to 745 miles.
Unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva show, the diesel hybrid wagon isn't expected to be sold in the U.S.
Nevertheless, its specifications are impressive. The 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine and electric motor deliver a combined output of 281 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The combustion engine powers the front wheels with the electric motor running the rear, providing 0-60 acceleration in less than 6.9 seconds.
Moreover, fuel economy is the equivalent of 124 mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km.
Volvo says the V60 plug-in diesel hybrid has a 30-mile electric-only range and takes about five hours to fully charge on household current.
Inside Line says: A new competitor in Europe to the diesel-hybrid models of Peugeot Citroen.
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ssp24 says:
09:50 PM, 11/28/2011
Well its official, Volvo has announced it will not sell the V60 diesel/hybrid in the U.S.
http://rockinontheblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/fuel-sipping-technology-is-here.html
If you really want your blood to boil look at Volvo's United Kingdom website and do the math on the V60s offered there. No hybrids, but the diesel engines offered get mileages (after converting imperial to US gallons) of over 50 mpg.
But of course you can only get a 6 cylinder gas engine in the US.
The hybrid is just a distraction. The real question is why Volvo will not sell the existing high efficiency diesels they already have in the US....
d_link says:
02:46 PM, 11/28/2011
We are also very interested in the V60 turbo-diesel PHEV, but we do NOT want it powered by gasoline. One of the primary benefits to using this vehicle is the much more efficient turbo-diesel engine, which may also be operated fully using biodiesel. Why should North Americans be forced to use gasoline? Anyone else who has commented on this site who wishes to be able to bring the turbo-diesel version of the V60 PHEV to North America, send an email to the following address and demand that we be allowed the same choice as Europeans: overseas@volvoforlife.com
We have owned a Honda Civic GX (dedicated CNG) since new in December 1998 and refuel it in our garage at home. It is a wonderful vehicle and greener even than the Nissan LEAF EV, according to ACEEE. What it can not do, however, is tow our tent trailer or any utility trailer. That is the duty we want the V60 PHEV to take in our home, while the Civic does nearly all the around town and daily travel. We have 270+ miles range with the Civic and are able to refuel at any PG&E, Fleetstar, and Pinnacle compressors in CA, but fast fueling does not give us the range that our home slow compressor does.
ssp24 says:
08:38 PM, 11/16/2011
There is one constant with fuel efficient Volvos for North America, Volvo always promises they are only a few years away - they never arrive. Google it, when Volvo announced this model in 2009 they said it would go to Europe first, and a year later to North America. It ain't happening.
I owned 5 Volvos over the years, the last was a '92 740. For years I told the dealer I would buy a new Volvo when they sold a model with the same legroom, and better milage. I am still waiting. The car died two years ago with over 500k miles. I gave up on the brand in 2005 - my Saab gets much better milage then an equivalent Volvo.
I have ten years of emails with Volvo corporate asking why they sold diesels in Europe, but not in North America. The answer was always "stay patient" Volvo will sell a diesel - hybrid - diesel hybrid in two years. It never happened. It never will. Volvo does not want to invest in the dealer costs to sell diesels in North America. When the fleet milage standards go up Volvo will import some old-tech electric hybrids to get the fleet average down. Volvo has refused to sell their best engine technologies, available in Europe for over a decade, in th U.S. That is not going to change. Go buy a VW, or an Audi, or a Mercedes if you can afford it. Volvo doesn't care about selling high performance/efficient models in the U.S., so don't bother waiting.
6806goats says:
06:48 AM, 10/20/2011
The only recourse I can think of is boycott all new purchases until they bring these over. Not sure if that is really a valid way to go but it might grab some attention. Shop around and if the saleman asks if you see anything you want just tell that person no...you don't have a diesel vehicle I want. Cya and walk away.
lookatmyshoes says:
06:38 AM, 10/19/2011
I really don't get it, does Volvo really thinks there is no market for this wagon in the US. If that is the case why keeping the XC70 alive. It cost similar to the XC60, the 3.2 engine is not efficient neither good. the design overall looks dated.
I am sure that if Volvo offers the S60 wagon now that there is no V50 and taking out of the lineup the XC70, will be one of its top sellers. Specially if they offer plug in hybrids and diesels. This will be by far the best luxury wagon available in the US.
smallfield says:
03:53 AM, 10/19/2011
Agree - why hold the good cars for Europe. We are punished for the lack of interest from previous generations. I don't see why these well done wagons stay in the EU and we get the crap - Jetta wagon, TSX wagon - no A6 Avant, S60 wagon, 535 wagon all stay overseas.
I'll bet the GM/Ford marketing engine determined for us SUV drivers don't care about plug in. There's no way you can't stuff a big Lithium battery in a Tahoe or Suburban somewhere to get you 20-30 miles.
scott230 says:
04:19 PM, 10/18/2011
I wish this technology would go over to the SUVs as 30-40mpgs would be possible. The Big 3 make huge profits on the SUVs by simply enclosing a pickup/throw a third row seat in and charge at least $15000 for that effort. The profit margin would still be there even with the diesel hybrid plug in
bombr76 says:
03:41 PM, 10/18/2011
hotrodw I agree, "Forget the expensive hybrid hardware, just bring the diesel wagon!"
IF Volvo will not bring the V60 into the USA in a diesel-hybrid platform just bring the diesel.
Has anyone counted how many BMW's, Audi's and Mercedes diesel cars in the USA? Lots.
It would be smart if a manufacturer would have foresight and plumb the car to accept the
upgrade to an electric, or hybrid platform. I know that is a foolish idea, but I can dream !!!
If I start saving now, I should be able to pay cash when this model comes to the USA. Sigh.
morey000 says:
02:28 PM, 10/18/2011
Someone explain to me why this car won't sell in the US? I'd want it.
qdp says:
01:26 PM, 10/18/2011
The frond end would look better if the lower metal bar has somewhat an upward arch.