Report: 2012 Volvo S60 to get updated turbo five-cylinder as base engine

It seems that the Volvo S60 is set to get a wee bit less naughty for the 2012 model year as the Swedish automaker rolls out a base model for the American market. Sure, we’ve sampled the 2011 edition and were mostly impressed by the safety-first company’s latest effort, but so far, only the range-topping S60 T6 model with all-wheel drive (shown above) has been available. 

While Volvo has yet to offer up all the details of what’s in store for 2012, a document from the Volvo Overseas Delivery program managed to make its way online, and it leads us to believe that the base engine for the S60 will indeed be a turbocharged five-cylinder as before. The good news is that the workhorse mill, otherwise known as the T5, has been upgraded a bit for its new duty, reportedly putting out 250 horses rather than the 227 currently on offer.

In related news, the same documentation indicates that the cost for a new S60 using Volvo’s overseas delivery program will be $29,880. Expect the U.S. MSRP to be somewhat (though not substantially) higher. In addition to the T5 engine, that will net you a front-wheel drive S60 without the T6′s Dynamic Chassis, speed-sensitive steering or leather seats (Volvo’s T-Tec upholstery will be standard).

2012 Volvo S60: 

Paris Preshow: New Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design

Volvo is trying to further enhance the appeal of its new 2011 S60 sedan and V60 station wagon models with the presentation of a new R-Design styling and handling package that will be available in autumn 2010. The Swedish firm’s take on the BMW M Sport and Audi S-Line kits combines sporty visual upgrades inside and out, and a tweaked chassis for a sharper drive.

“These cars have been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car,” says Magnus Jonsson, head of Product Development at Volvo Cars.

“And with R-Design, we are attracting a younger target group. We expect that 10 percent of all S60 and V60 customers will choose the R-Design option on markets where it is available. We aim to win over one-third of these customers from competing brands.”

On the outside, the R-Design treatment adds a front grille painted in glossy piano black, a more aggressive front bumper detailed in a matt black finish, a discreet boot lid spoiler (sedan) or roof spoiler (Estate) and a distinctive rear diffuser that houses twin exhaust tailpipes.

A new set of unique 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels shod in sport tires completes the list of exterior changes.

Moving into the interior, the package includes a pair of body-hugging sport seats up front, special leather/textile upholstery available in off-black and ceramic light, or in an all-black, both with contrasting stitching, plus an R-Design steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals and floor-mats.

Underneath the sheetmetal, Volvo’s engineers have given the S60 and V60 models stiffer springs (+15%) and bushes (+20%), a lowered ride height (-15mm), new monotube dampers at the back, and a strut brace under the bonnet.

Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars says: “The challenge was to boost the dynamics without making the chassis feel raw. If the chassis is too firm, even smooth tarmac can feel bumpy. We wanted a distinct yet plush feel. The car now has a more solid feel to it, which in turn helps make the steering feel even more responsive with a distinctive contact with the road.”

The R-Design package can be combined with all available engines, ranging from the 115HP DRIVe 1.6-liter diesel unit to a 3.0-liter turbocharged-six petrol with 304 horsepower. 

Kia Focuses On Style And Technology At Paris Show

Kia’s 2010 Paris Motor Show stand will major on striking design and new technologies. Taking centre stage and making its world premiere will be the eye-catching, compact and unique electric POP concept, designed by Kia’s European design team under the direction of Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer, and Gregory Guillaume, Kia Europe’s Chief Designer.

“A concept car like the POP could only have come from us,” explains Gregory Guillaume. “Designers very rarely have the opportunity to start from a clean sheet of paper and it’s great to be in a position to operate with such freedom.”

In addition to POP, Kia will also be displaying a number of striking production models which reinforce the company’s commitment to developing its design language – and putting this into practice with real-world models.

Chief among these will be the all-new Kia Optima D-segment contender. Sales in Western Europe will start in 2011.

Embodying what Peter Schreyer calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy” that is carried through from the exterior to the car’s involving driving dynamics, the new model is expected to significantly grow Kia’s market share in the D-segment.

The stylish saloon is longer, lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase than any previous D-segment offering from Kia. It will be available in Europe with a host of high-technology features and with a choice of either a new ‘U2’ 1.7-litre VGT diesel engine (136 ps*) or an all-new technically-advanced ‘Nu’ 2.0-litre CVVL (continuously variable valve lift) gasoline engine (170 ps*).

The second of Kia’s design-led production models at Paris will be the stunning new Kia Sportage compact SUV, which has received praise from media and public alike since launch. New Sportage will soon be available with two additional engine options – both smaller capacity, fitted with fuel-stretching technology and mated exclusively to 2WD drivetrains and six-speed manual transmissions – to offer even greater efficiency.

Demonstrating Kia’s ongoing commitment to minimising its vehicles’ impact on the environment, the manufacturer’s Paris stand will also feature a number of ‘green’ models. The three environmentally-focused vehicles – Kia cee’d and Venga low emissions models, and an innovative mild-hybrid Kia Sportage concept – have an average tailpipe CO2 figure of just 108 g/km and will be displayed in a distinct ‘green zone’ on the stand.

The Kia Motors stand is located in Hall 5.2, and the press conference, including the official unveiling of the new POP concept by Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, will take place at 16.30 CET

2010 Maserati baby sedan to cost around $60K to $75K, new Quattroporte in 2012

Maserati can definitely use some new products and upgrades to its current lineup. Sales of the luxury Fiat owned brand dropped 42 percent to 4,911 units and profits dropped 85 percent to 11 million euros ($13.8 million).

Since that’s unacceptable no matter what industry you’re in, Maserati figures it’s time to change things up. The company continues to work on an entry-level sedan, which should hit roads in 2013 to compete with the likes of a BMW M5 sedan. 

The car was originally supposed to be sold by Alfa Romeo but Fiat decided to give it to Maserati since the brand can demand a higher price and already has global distribution.

Click here to get prices on the 2010 Maserati GranTurismo.

The model will keep the Quattroporte’s front-engine layout and rear drive – all-wheel drive could be an option. Maserati says the car will sell for around $60,000 to $75,000. Maserati, if you’re reading this, we’d love to have a baby coupe as well.

Other than that Maserati plans on redesigning the GranTurismo, GranTurismo Convertible (GranCabrio) and the Quattroporte by the end of 2011. CEO Harald Wester said Maserati would add AWD and stop/start technology to its next-generation Quattroporte so that is something to look forward to.

$60,000 Valvoline Mustang GT-V give away

Designed by RJ de Veja and built by Roush with VeilSide body kit the $60,000 Valvoline Mustang GT-V can be yours if you enter the contest and respond the questions until 21 October 2008. The vehicle comes with a Veilsideâ D1GT body kit, a Roush 427R engine package, H&R sports spring system, Diamond audio system and Volk Racing wheels.

The overall theme developed for the Mustang GT-V was ˜Modern yet Classicâ. Since we were hoping to bridge the gap between different car enthusiasts we decide to create a fusion between the young tuner performance oriented and aggressive ethos with that of classic American muscle feel. I believe we succeeded in producing an automobile that any car nut would love to have in his garage.” said the designer of the car, Mr. RJ de Vera. 

Roush And Barrett-Jackson To Offer Limited Edition Mustang

ROUSH Performance® and Barrett-Jackson have teamed together to offer a limited edition, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The concept car for the Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will be sold at No Reserve during the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach on April 1-3, 2010, at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

“The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang ties two leading automotive brands together in an amazing package combining performance and unique styling,” said Jack Roush. “People who drive a regular production ROUSH Mustang are used to getting plenty of second looks. But with the custom Barrett-Jackson paint in such gorgeous colors, these owners will experience envy on an entirely new level.”

The concept vehicle will be auctioned to the highest bidder on Saturday, April 3 at the Barrett-Jackson event in Palm Beach, Fla.; the car is expected to be shown live during the SPEED broadcast. This Mustang will be painted with a base of metallic “Back in Black” with “Red Hot Chili Pepper” stripes on the front. This car will be the model for a run of up to 25 units based on the 2010 Mustang, and an additional 25 units on the 2011 chassis.

“The only thing faster than this muscular ROUSH Mustang concept set to go across the auction block will be the bidding,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “With the ROUSHcharger, forged internal components and a resonator exhaust, this is one good looking Mustang that really moves.”

With a maximum of 25 serialized units built on the 2010 chassis, this car represents the first time that ROUSH will completely re-paint a Mustang from front fascia to rear bumper. Customers ordering the car, or the ROUSH authorized Ford dealerships that inventory a unit, can custom order both the base coat and the side stripes in any combination from the 25 available smoking hot Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints.

“We wanted to give customers the opportunity to enjoy the collectability of a very limited edition series of performance cars but still be able to customize it,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “By teaming with ROUSH and Planet Color, we merged the two, giving enthusiasts literally the best of both worlds.”

(more) In addition to the custom paint schemes, the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will sport 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood thanks to the R2300 ROUSHcharger® and several forged internal components such as the pistons and crankshaft. The Mustang will ride on 20-inch chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires; the suspension package includes ROUSH front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers to turn any commute into a slalom course.

It comes fully-loaded with ROUSH body components to add to its appearance; resonator exhaust for a deep V-8 rumble; four-piston front brakes with 14-inch rotors and painted rear calipers with slotted rotors; and new upper and lower billet grille that removes the fog lamps and streamlines the appearance of the new Mustang while improving cooling performance. Interior enhancements include leather seats with an embroidered Barrett-Jackson logo; four-piece performance pedals; ROUSH illuminated sill plates; short throw shifter with black or white ball; and a new interior badge with the serial number engraved.

The suggested retail for the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang package is $41,495 plus the Mustang chassis. Each vehicle will be covered with the traditional ROUSH 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, and are available in manual transmission only. For more information on the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang, or to see the complete content list, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.

CFC Proves There’s No Limit to Bad Taste with Chromed-Out Hummer H2

Leave it to a German tuner to take something already gaudy by nature and make it even more garish and ugly. “Take your Hammer and drive it sexy”, says CFC in the press release on the pimped-out Hummer H2 (with a “u” and not an “a”). Too bad it doesn’t say ‘where’, but let’s not make this post more inappropriate than it already is.

After a lengthy visit at their warehouse, CFC’s tuning team went ahead and stuffed the Hummer H2 like a Thanksgiving turkey. Starting from the outside, the ‘chrome’ vinyl wrap is complemented by tinted windows, a carbon wrap for the bonnet and a set of uber-discreet ‘CFC’ stickers.

The H2 rides on massive 28-inch TunerShop light-alloy rims shod in jumbo-sized 325/35 R28 pneumatic tires by Kumho. Other exterior ‘upgrades’ include the four tail pipes, additional lights, chromed side guards and let’s not forget, the Lambo-Style-Doors.

CFC’s decorators really outdid themselves with the H2′s interior. Applying lessons learned from the cheesiest of limo-makers, the SUV’s cabin has been fitted with no more than… 17 LCD screens plus an HD TV, (on the ceiling, sunscreen, central console between the front seats, trunk and doors), a DVD-player, a 1.360-Watt RMS music system, a mini bar and probably some other thing we forgot to mention.

Style-wise, the seats have been upholstered in black leather with yellow stitches while there’s also a new rear sofa and yellow decorative trim on the dash.

Finally, CFC also tampered around with the Hummer H2′s engine which now puts out a total of 480HP.

For better or for worse, the German tuner did not release details on pricing.