2008 Geneva Show Preview: Volvo Confirms 2009 XC60 Is on Tap for Global Debut

DETROIT — Inside Line has learned that the 2009 Volvo XC60 compact SUV is slated to make its worldwide debut at the upcoming 2008 Geneva Auto Show, followed by a second unveiling at the 2008 New York Auto Show. The XC60 is expected to be Volvo's most popular SUV when it hits the market.

Volvo insiders say the XC60 will go on sale in late fall in Europe, followed by a U.S. launch in 2009. The five-passenger XC60, which is designed to compete with the Acura RDX, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK, was shown in concept form at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

Initially, the production XC60 was expected to get a transversely mounted DOHC 3.2-liter inline-6 derived from the latest version of the inline-6 in the Volvo S80. But Volvo insiders say the powertrain in the XC60 is still uncertain and could end up being a transversely mounted inline-5. Like its larger sibling, the Volvo XC90, the XC60 will be equipped with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

What this means to you: Volvo wimped out at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show with no new vehicles. But there's going to be plenty of excitement at Geneva. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent