2016 Volvo S90
Volvo makes its move into the luxury sedan segment with a new model that is, as would be expected, packed with high-tech safety features.
Two innovative features focus on the car riding off the road. Volvo works to prevent that in the first place through Run-off Road Mitigation. This operates at speeds of 40-87 mph and uses the vehicle's own Pilot Assist technology to utilize evasive steering maneuvers and braking to support the driver when the car is in danger of going off-road. If in spite of this, the car does leave the road, the second feature Run-off Road Protection kicks in, which tightens the front seat belts to keep the occupant in position. Volvo has designed the seat fram to deform mechanically to act as a cushion or buffer against vertical forces that arise when landing on a descent.
The Pilot Assist mentioned earlier functions in every day use as a partial form of autonomous driving. Acceleration, braking, and steering are all assisted in order to maintain the safe conditions on either highway or city driving.
City Safety is a feature that warns the driver then brakes automatically if there is a car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, or bus in front of the car. If the speed difference is less than 31 mph, the car can avoid a collision even if the driver does not react. The same feature works for pedestrians, and can avoid a collision entirely at speeds up to 28 mph, and can slow down the car at speeds up to 44 mph. The same feature can prevent collision with animals at speeds up to 19 mph.
There are several engine options, with the most powerful being a 2 liter inline-4 hybrid that features both turbocharging and supercharging, and produces 401 hp. The diesel versions feature only turbocharging, but have an innovative way to increase low-end torque by drawing on pressurized air from a two-liter tank that is constantly replenished as it is used.
---- Specifications ---- | |||||
Price | -- | Production | -- | ||
Engine | 2 liter inline-4 plugin hybrid | Weight | -- | ||
Aspiration | supercharger & turbocharger | Torque | -- | ||
HP | 401 hp total | HP/Weight | -- | ||
HP/Liter | -- | 1/4 mile | -- | ||
0-62 mph | -- | Top Speed | -- |
(from Volvo Press Release) Volvo Cars stakes its claim in the premium sedan segment with the long-awaited S90
The new Volvo S90 is Volvo Cars’ entry ticket to the premium sedan club.
The S90 marks a giant step forward for Volvo Cars. The Swedish car maker is better known for its SUVs and estates, but with the launch of the S90 Volvo is clearly intent on shaking up the premium sedan segment with its distinctive executive class sedan.
Equipped with a host of new technologies ranging from cutting edge safety to cloud-based apps and services, the S90 is further proof of the Swedish brand’s continuing transformation.
“With the launch of the XC90 we made a clear statement of intent. We are now clearly and firmly in the game. With $11 USD billion of investment over the past five years we have not only reimagined what Volvo Cars can be – we are now delivering on our promise of a resurgent and relevant Volvo Cars brand,” said HÃ¥kan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group.
The new Volvo S90 comes equipped with an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 130 km/h and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo.
The S90 will also come with a clean and powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain and one of the most luxuriously appointed interiors and connected infotainment systems in the large sedan segment.
“Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior. On the inside we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.
The S90 also introduces a world first function to City Safety - large animal detection - a system capable of detecting large animals such as elk, horses or moose, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision. The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator.
“The S90 has taken a big stride forwards in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. We have completely redesigned the Volvo driving experience from the ground up to deliver a sense of precision, engaging control and comfort,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
The S90 is set to be publically unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit.