Volvo XC60 2009

Volvo will launch a new sport utility vehicle called the Volvo XC60 that's expected to go on sale in Spring 2009.

Expect the XC60 to have about the same footprint as the S60 sedan, but to be much more utilitarian and versatile, and to have styling almost as dramatic as that of the concept car, unveiled At the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In addition to previewing the XC60 production vehicle, Volvo used the concept to show some new design cues that will be applied to all future Volvos. This includes pumping up the visual volume with more expressive shapes and details, according to Volvo's designers. Thus as on the XC60, the grille on all future Volvos becomes more prominent, with angled parking lights and with headlamps that sweep up into the front fenders.

For the XC60, the lower body is wide and the stance strong, while the upper section of the car has a sporty, dashing design. The tail section is particularly impressive with tail lamps that cascade down from the corners of the roof and with a clever glass tailgate that can be opened any of three ways: full open, top section open or lower section open.

Inside, the XC60 concept features a center stack and instrument panel that appear to float ahead of and above the front seats. Volvo compares the look of the instrument cluster with that of a bumble bee, with a round and analog speedometer as the bee's body and with digital display wings on either side. The concept's interior is finished in saddle leather and aluminum. We expect more typical materials in the production version, though expect the bumble bee instrument cluster, the floating design and the ambient mood lighting system to be retained. The concept's center stack has a white iPod-like surface with controls that don't become visible until the vehicle is started. This feature could be something that carries over into production as well.

Another feature that definitely will go into production, and perhaps even before the XC60 reaches the market, is the City Safety technology showcased on the concept. Like active cruise control, this radar-based system can apply the Volvo's brakes to maintain a safe distance between it and the vehicle ahead on the road, to the point to bringing the Volvo to a full stop if needed. Acura, Mercedes and other automakers already offer similar systems.

While the XC60 concept was powered by a 265-hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that runs on emission-reducing bio-ethanol fuel, look for the production version gets a more conventional powertrain. However, don't be surprised if the XC60 available early in calendar year 2009 comes with a flex-fuel engine or even a diesel or bio-diesel option because Volvo is among the leaders in pushing the automotive flex-fuel envelope.


On Sale:
Spring 2009

Expected Pricing:
$35,000

Chevrolet Traverse 2009

Crossover vehicles, named for crossing over the line between car and sport utility vehicle, have been around for 10 years. Using the same type of unit-body construction as a car, crossover SUVs are generally lighter and more fuel efficient than traditional truck-based SUVs that use a heavier body-on-frame design.

Before 2007, crossovers were small-to-midsize vehicles. But GM revolutionized the design when it introduced crossover vehicles nearly as big as a Chevy Tahoe: The 2007 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook followed a few months later by the 2008 Buick Enclave. All three are based on GM's Lambda platform. Oddly, Chevrolet didn't get a Lambda crossover. That is, until now.

Chevrolet introduced the 2009 Traverse at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in February. The Chevy Traverse is the latest Lambda-based crossover, and it comes with V6 power and seating for up to eight passengers.

The Chevrolet Traverse debuts this fall 2008. It will be offered with front- or all-wheel drive. The lone engine will be GM's high-feature 3.6-liter dual-overhead cam V6, with variable valve timing, direct injection, and single or dual exhaust. The single exhaust version will produce 281 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, while the dual exhaust version will be slightly more powerful at 286 horses and 255 pound-feet of torque. Both versions will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The big Traverse takes styling cues from the new and highly successful Chevrolet Malibu. The front ends are similar, and the interior features a dual cockpit design used in the Malibu.

Like its Lambda stablemates, the Traverse will boast independent front and rear suspensions and seating for up to eight passengers. Standard seating will be for eight, with two front bucket seats, a three-passenger 60/40 split folding second-row bench, and a three-passenger 60/40 split folding third-row bench. Available second-row captain's chairs will allow for seven-passenger seating. The second- and third-row seats will fold flat to open up 117.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, and the second-row will have a Smart Slide feature to allow easy access to the third row.

The 2009 Chevy Traverse lineup will include LS, LT and LTZ models. The LTZ will come standard with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation will be standard. Available features will include a panoramic sunroof, rear park assist, a rearview camera, a power liftgate, rear DVD entertainment, a navigation system, XM satellite radio with real-time traffic, a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, and heated and cooled front seats.

Standard safety features will include dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags for all three seating rows, a tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes, traction control, and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but we expect the Traverse to start at about $27,000 when it hits dealerships this fall. It will be built at GM's plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee.


On Sale:
Third quarter 2008

Expected Pricing:
About $27,000