It's official: Volvo releases new S80-Exterior

THE ALL NEW VOLVO S80 CHALLENGES THE CLASS WITH SCANDINAVIAN LUXURY

Volvo is now unveiling the first pictures of the all new Volvo S80. The S80 makes its entry onto the market with a dynamic design language, firm focus on premium comfort, smooth driving properties and world-class safety.

A V8 engine in combination with all-wheel drive, and an entirely new in-line six, powers Volvo's bid to attract this most demanding segment of car buyers.

The all new Volvo S80 will be unveiled at the international motor show in Geneva, February 28th, with a North American debut at the New York International Auto Show, April 12th. Sales start for the United States is planned for the end of 2006.

“The all new S80 is entering an immensely tough segment where the competition is razor-sharp and the customers have very high expectations. We are now challenging the best in the segment with a very special car. It radiates what we call ‘Scandinavian Luxury,’ clean and elegant lines and intelligent functionality where every single detail has been designed with the user’s well-being in mind,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Inviting and Intelligent
According to Volvo, "Scandinavian Luxury," radiates a different, more human prestige by combining aesthetics and technology in an inviting and intelligent way.

In the all new Volvo S80, the attributes of luxury are expressed through: simple yet elegant design; technology that gives the user practical benefit or sheer enjoyment in every single detail; and, a sense of responsibility in the form of world-class safety and environmental care.

“The new S80 is about evolutionary design. All the shapes and materials represent a continuous development of our design language. On the outside we have given the S80 a more, youthful and dynamic stance. Inside we have created an even more inviting atmosphere with refined materials and colors that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology,” explains Volvo Cars’ design director Steve Mattin.

Agent63 - 2/1/2006 9:31:42 AM

+1 Boost

It looks like an Audi a4 with the amber style in the rear tail lights resembling a benz.. (SCLASS). I give them props in making a better looking car but why steal from the Germans? Interior looks like crap. Not enough wood and if they could get their heads outta their asses bout 3432423432% safety and put maybe .01% into a design perhaps we might have a all around attractive vehicle with great saftey and functionality.

atomicbri - 2/1/2006 9:36:00 AM

+1 Boost

Okay Volvo, we have seen this design before, with the S40, S60, etc.... I was hoping this new top model for Volvo would have catapulted it ahead of the competition. However this is not meant to be. I think since FOrd has come into ownership of Volvo, they have had less freedom to come up with designs....The original concept the first S80 and later the S60 was based off of was right before Volvo got bought. Now that Ford has the reigns, I good "fun and quirky" designs Once upon a time talked about ( I know where you are coming from....) are as good as gone.

atomicbri - 2/1/2006 9:40:11 AM

+1 Boost

Is it just me, or does this thing have a Pontiac Grand Prix feel to it in its side profile.....YUCK!

dotuno - 2/1/2006 12:34:58 PM

+1 Boost

@ atomicbri, yes, my first impression of the side profile was also Pontiac Grand Prix! I think the problem with the design may be that they're going for too much at once: CLS-like rear lamps, the rear bumper crease finishes upwards into the rear lamps along the edges (see Audi A4), but a (short) crease again exists extending towards the wheel well, Pontiac side profile, large front overhang... it's not ugly, just seems a little disjointed. But somehow I feel it may look better in person.

Dayton - 2/1/2006 2:31:34 PM

+1 Boost

They could only wish.

JUGNU - 2/1/2006 3:50:18 PM

+1 Boost

A4 from front
Mondeo from rear.

Not a worthy design.

Volvo don't try to be ACURA.Be yourself (Because they r not the perfect or successful ones).
I can't explain this to many of u but i can see Volvo becoming a little ACURA.

1)Not trying to focus mainly on design and luxury.
2)Doing basics perfectly, like simple designs,Safety First,Latest Features and Max options(Same like Acura)
3)No hunger for max profits and coustomers ,but the loyal ones.

JUGNU - 2/1/2006 3:50:18 PM

+1 Boost

Matthew1 - 2/1/2006 8:53:24 PM

+1 Boost

...get run over by a Volvo at some stage during their lives?

This car looks very cool and sleek. It is typical Scandinavian understatement.

This design copys NOTHING. The Original S80 design was launched as a concept car in 1992, and this new model further develops the themes of a pronounced shoulder line which influences the tail lights, and recessed headlamps.

Saying that it is a melting pot of different cars is absurd.

And JUGNU's post saying Volvo wants to be Acura couldn't be further from the truth.

Sachsi2 - 2/2/2006 3:57:15 AM

+1 Boost

While this is probably not a vehicle for the typical autospies reader, it is nevertheless beautiful. It has a lot of the current S60 in it and it shows beautiful proportions and lines. I'm not sure where some of you see the resemblance with the Pontiac Grand Prix or the Audi A4 ...

There's a market for this type of vehicles and it's certainly not the same as that of the M5 or the E55 (which is what the typical driving enthusiast and Auto Spies reader drools over). It's also pretty hard to find something in S80's class that provides the same luxury/comfort for a comparable amount of money.

aeyjay - 2/2/2006 8:34:58 PM

+1 Boost

If you look at the side profile of this car along with the Hyundai Azera, the headlamps and front end are almost identical... I honestly think the designers are running out of ideas LOL.

Matthew1 - 2/2/2006 10:09:06 PM

+1 Boost

While I cannot see the image you posted, I can tell you the S80 is a far more chunky car, whereas the 607 has a lot of flat surfaces, and by comparison, looks just a little bland.

The 607 does not have the same pronounced shoulder line of the S80, and the 607 has totally different front and rear ends.

In profile? If course you are going to get similarities in profile when they are both of a similar size and are both sedans.

I cannot see one shape, line or theme that tells me the S80 was 607 inspired. You must be a little impaired if you think automotive designers (well, except the Japanese) with all their creativity and big ideas, would purposefully 'copy' a design.

In many cases, there are several proposals submitted in-house, the winning proposal obviously reaches production. (With development on the way).

Do you think Volvo's head of design, and Volvo's CEO would sign off a design that reminded them of a large french saloon that wasn't even particularly attractive?

Get a grip.

JMd71 - 2/3/2006 1:32:39 AM

+1 Boost

Wow, I know everyone copies everyone else in the auto industry, but this a bit of everything trendy... There are elements of Audi and Avalon in the front, Accord and Buick from the side, and the familiar Volvo from the rear. Options wise, it may be a good value and alternative for those who do not want to be caught between the Japanese/German pissing contest.