2009 Volvo XC60 - Spy Shots

Spy shooters were able to snap these photos of the upcoming Volvo XC60 midsize crossover during testing on an ice track in the Arctic Circle. Rumored to share its platform and 3.2-liter V6 engine with the Land Rover LR2, the XC60 should be sending somewhere in the neighborhood of 230 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, or optionally, all four wheels.

We're guessing there's still plenty going on underneath the camouflage panels of this XC60 prototype that we can't see here -- possibly even glass tailgate panels as seen on the XC60 concept. LED rear taillights are visible in these photos, and styling cues are also visible from the C30 coupe -- especially in the rear. Like most Volvo designs, form will likely follow function.

Still, we're hoping the XC60 will offer enough of both to go head to head with the BMW X3, Mercedes GLK, Acura RDX, and upcoming Audi Q5. Expect a production version of the XC60 to make its debut at either the 2009 Geneva Auto Show or even next year's Detroit show.
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EnnNorak - 1/25/2008 7:00:19 PM

-3 Boost

This vehicle has two strikes against it: (1) transversely mounted instead of longitudinally mounted engine and (2) V6 instead of in-line six engine.

Rupert - 1/26/2008 8:48:50 PM

+1 Boost

Enn - you're in luck!
It's an I6, same as in the Volvo S80 and V70!!
Perfectly in balance!

EnnNorak - 2/7/2008 5:04:40 PM

+1 Boost

Rupert, I suspect you are right about the I6 but the article refers to a 3.2 litre V6 for this future model. I have often seen people advertise used cars with I6 engines as having a V6 -- common mistake but does make a difference re balance especially when the V configuration has 90-degrees instead of 60 degrees between cylinder banks.

kaiser speaks the auto industry party line re people not knowing what they are buying i.e. so it does not matter -- I have to disagree, just because the majority of the public is ignorant does not excuse the auto industry from not being the best it can be. Auto makers with kaiser's attitude will eventually fall by the wayside.

pacotacolol - 1/26/2008 10:19:25 AM

+1 Boost

thats some serious hiding