Volvo S60 to Be Launched in 2010

Volvo will introduce the new S60 next year to be sold as model year 2011, with some voices claiming the first models are due to arrive in dealerships in spring. Volvo hasn't released details regarding the production-ready S60 but egmcartech.com writes that the future model will be similar with the concept, except for the chrome parts and other components that would not make sense on a production car.

The future S60 will compete with BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Klasse when it will be released next year, a source familiar with the matter told Car Magazine.

“The new S60 has been nudged slap bang into BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class territory,” the source said. “With the recent revisions and new engines, we now believe the S80 competes in the 5-series, A6 and E-class segment. At last there’s clear water between the two," he added when talking about Volvo's new S80.

The S60 concept was revealed in December 2008 and displayed for the first time at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. It employs a four-cylinder 1.6-liter petrol engine that produces 180 horsepower and makes use of Volvo's GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection).

"GTDi technology is an important CO2-cutting technology for petrol engines. In the S60 Concept we have also added a number of other developments that further reduce fuel consumption. Several of these features will make their way into our production models in the coming years," says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Cars.