Today’s Cars Are Nigh Impossible to Steal, Says Motor Industry

In the UK, car theft is down by more than 60% over the last seven years thanks to improvements in anti-theft technology. Coded car keys, alarms, immobilisers, better locks, strengthened glass and built-in tracking devices have made the modern automobile virtually impossible to steal.

Some 80% of car thefts now require would-be thieves to steal the owner’s keys or otherwise load their targets onto trailers for transport. And even then, tracking systems in some high-end cars mean these cars are recovered rather quickly.

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Volvo to Axe S40/V50 duo from US Line-up Due to Poor Sales

Volvo will stop selling its mid-size sedan, the S40, and its station wagon “twin”, the V50, in the USA during the 2012 MY. The reason? You guessed it; poor sales. According to Volvo spokesman Dan Johnston, US deliveries of the two models were disappointingly low with the S40 down 29% in 2010, while the V50 fared even worse, with its sales dropping by more than 50%. Read more »

The King of Overkill has Found his Queen in Toronto

And by “King of Overkill” we mean, of course, the….how should we put this delicately… excessively ornamented Porsche Cayenne SUV photographed outside a dollar store in Ontario, Canada, last week by Carscoop reader Jonathan Fernando.

This blonde Swedish diva [aka a previous generation Volvo S40 finished in a yellow hue] was spotted all dressed up and ready to meet the king of her dreams at a parking lot in Toronto, Canada, by another one of our readers, James Dong.

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Volvo’s Pure Electric C30 Enters Production

Volvo is starting production of the all electric version of its compact-size hatchback which, unsurprisingly, is named the C30 Electric. After testing about 50 cars since autumn 2010, mainly internally, the Swedish automaker plans to build about 250 cars by the end of 2012 (or more if there is enough interest), which will be leased in a number of European countries, including Sweden, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands. Read more »

One More Time: Volvo Recalls 2012MY S60 Sedans to Fix Fuel Pumps Again

For the second time in a month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Volvo is recalling certain 2012 model year S60 sedans because of a potential problem with the fuel pump assembly. This time, the recall affects 448 S60 saloons built from January 18, 2011, through January 28, 2011.

The Swedish automaker informed the safety agency that the male part of the fuel line quick connector end shape was produced with dimensions out of specification and could detach from the engine. If this were to occur, the engine could stall while the driver may also notice a fuel smell and leakage, which could result in a fire.

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Volvo Flywheel KERS

Volvo is to test a kinetic energy recovery system for its cars that could reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.



Known as Flywheel KERS, the set-up is designed to be both lightweight and cheap. Fitted to the rear axle, braking energy causes a 20 centimetre carbon fibre flywheel to spin at 60,000 rpm. The resultant stored energy can then be transferred to the rear wheels via a dedicated transmission.

As the internal combustion engine is switched off during the braking phase, and Flywheel KERS will be able to get the car moving again for a short distance, dramatic reductions in fuel burn are expected. Indeed, it’s reckoned that the internal combustion engine would be idle for around half the time under New European Driving Cycle conditions.



Alternatively, the system could give an acceleration boost in the same way that Formula 1 cars employ their KERS. Used in this way, Volvo estimates it could be worth an extra 80 horsepower.



The testing programme is due to begin during the second half of 2011. If the predicted figures can be realised, Flywheel KERS should be a viable alternative to full hybrid powertrains.



Related post:

Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

Volvo Flywheel KERS

Volvo is to test a kinetic energy recovery system for its cars that could reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.



Known as Flywheel KERS, the set-up is designed to be both lightweight and cheap. Fitted to the rear axle, braking energy causes a 20 centimetre carbon fibre flywheel to spin at 60,000 rpm. The resultant stored energy can then be transferred to the rear wheels via a dedicated transmission.

As the internal combustion engine is switched off during the braking phase, and Flywheel KERS will be able to get the car moving again for a short distance, dramatic reductions in fuel burn are expected. Indeed, it’s reckoned that the internal combustion engine would be idle for around half the time under New European Driving Cycle conditions.



Alternatively, the system could give an acceleration boost in the same way that Formula 1 cars employ their KERS. Used in this way, Volvo estimates it could be worth an extra 80 horsepower.



The testing programme is due to begin during the second half of 2011. If the predicted figures can be realised, Flywheel KERS should be a viable alternative to full hybrid powertrains.



Related post:

Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

2011 Volvo S40 cars wallpapers

2011 Volvo S40 cars wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 chrysler Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/chrysler

2011 Volvo S40 cars wallpapers

2011 Volvo S40 cars wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 chrysler Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/chrysler

2011 Volvo S40 Estate review and wallpapers

2011 Volvo S40 Estate review and wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 Jaguar Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars

2011 Volvo S40 Estate review and wallpapers

2011 Volvo S40 Estate review and wallpapers
Upcoming 2012 Jaguar Car news: http://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars

Jaguar XF 2.2 litre diesel

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.

Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.

Manufacturer	Jaguar	BMW	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Model	XF 2.2 Diesel	520d Auto	S80 D5 Geartronic	E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc)	2,179	1,995	2,400	2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	187 / 140 / 190	181 / 135 / 184	202 / 151 / 205	167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	450 / 332	380 / 280	420 / 309	400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h)	8.5 secs	8.1 secs	8.0 secs	8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h)	140 / 225	140 / 225	140 / 225	141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km)	52.3 / 5.4	54.3 / 5.2	44.8 / 6.3	48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	149	137	166	154
UK Company Car BIK Rate*	22%	20%	26%	23%
*2011-12 tax year.

The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

Jaguar XF 2.2 litre diesel

Jaguar’s XF saloon will soon be getting a 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, a crucial addition to the range that should help steal further sales from its competitors.

Connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the longitudinally mounted 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS) motor is claimed to be good for a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).



The car’s target customers - especially fleet users - are probably going to be more concerned about efficiency rather than performance, though. And they shouldn’t be disappointed, because the XF will manage 52.3 mpg (5.4 l/100km) on the combined cycle while producing 149 g/km of CO2.



Fuel saving devices include an intelligent stop-start system, which has been engineered to reduce the time taken during the shut-down and start-up phases, and high seventh and eighth gear ratios that effectively act as an overdrive facility.



But how does the new Jaguar compare to some of its diesel rivals? Well, judging by the figures, it seems right on the money, although the BMW 5 Series remains marginally quicker, more frugal and less polluting.

Manufacturer	Jaguar	BMW	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Model	XF 2.2 Diesel	520d Auto	S80 D5 Geartronic	E 220 CDI Auto
Capacity (cc)	2,179	1,995	2,400	2,143
Power (bhp / kW / PS)	187 / 140 / 190	181 / 135 / 184	202 / 151 / 205	167 / 125 / 170
Torque (Nm / lb/ft)	450 / 332	380 / 280	420 / 309	400 / 295
Acceleration 0-60 mph (100 km/h)	8.5 secs	8.1 secs	8.0 secs	8.8 secs
Top Speed (mph / km/h)	140 / 225	140 / 225	140 / 225	141 / 226
Fuel Consumption (mpg / l/100km)	52.3 / 5.4	54.3 / 5.2	44.8 / 6.3	48.7 / 5.8
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	149	137	166	154
UK Company Car BIK Rate*	22%	20%	26%	23%
*2011-12 tax year.

The introduction of the 2.2 litre XF will coincide with a facelift for the car, hence the disguise seen in the image.



Full production specifications and market launch dates are due to be announced at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on the 22nd of April.

Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

Given the popularity of oil burners in Europe and their superior fuel economy, it’s surprising that manufacturers have taken so long to develop diesel hybrids.



It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.



Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.

The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.



Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.

However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.



Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.

A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.



There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.

Volvo V60 diesel hybrid

Given the popularity of oil burners in Europe and their superior fuel economy, it’s surprising that manufacturers have taken so long to develop diesel hybrids.



It looks like it could become a popular powertrain combination, though. Land Rover has already announced that it’ll be presenting the Range_e prototype at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, and now Volvo has revealed the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

Driving the V60’s front wheels is a 2.4 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 212 bhp (158 kW / 215 PS) and 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque. The rears, meanwhile, are separately powered by a 69 bhp (51 kW / 70 PS) electric motor which gets its energy from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The only transmission available will be a six-speed automatic.



Developed in conjunction with Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will also be premiered at Geneva, ahead of a market launch that’s scheduled for sometime during 2012.

The headline numbers are an impressive 148.6 mpg (1.9 l/100km) for the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. Those are achieved when the car is being driven in default ‘Hybrid’ mode, where the engine and motor work together to balance performance against economy.



Switch into ‘Pure’ mode though, and the V60 runs using just the electric motor. Battery range is a fairly respectable 31 miles (50 kilometres), a distance that Volvo points out will cover most daily journeys.

However, for times when environmental considerations take a temporary back seat, ‘Power’ mode can be selected. Harnessing the combined 281 bhp (209 kW / 285 PS) and 640 Nm (472 lb/ft) of torque on offer, the V60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 6.9 seconds. Undoubtedly both fuel consumption and emissions are going to suffer badly in this configuration, but figures have yet to be published that would quantify the effect.



Recharging when the V60 is plugged into a domestic power socket can take as little as 3 hours with a 230V / 16A supply, although that time is extended to 4.5 hours with 10A or 7.5 hours with 6A currents.

A clever feature is the pre-heating / pre-cooling of the cabin during the recharging process. Operated by a timer that is set via either the dashboard or remotely by mobile phone, it means that once underway minimal battery capacity is used to adjust the interior temperature.



There’s no word on pricing, but Volvo is managing expectations by saying that the cost of the battery pack will make it more expensive than existing V60 models. However, as fuel costs should be reduced by around two thirds compared to those of conventional petrol or diesel cars, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid might still make financial sense.