In all honesty, when a manufacture releases a hybrid version of a previous vehicle, there isn’t much to make a fuss about. Gas/electric hybrids are everywhere in today’s world and building one is rather common place. There are some exceptions however as Volvo isn’t the ordinary manufacture and when they pulled the cover off their next plug-in hybrid, the industry actually took notice. The 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is actually a first. In fact, it is actually the World’s first diesel plug-in hybrid and Volvo’s technically advanced model ever conceived.
“Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Now we’re taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver colour, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. What Volvo is especially proud of is the V60 Plug-in’s ability to be three cars wrapped up in one. Based on the current V60 wagon, the Green version will be powered by a 2.4 liter five cylinder turbocharged diesel. The engine itself puts out a stout 215 horsepower and a stump-pulling 324 lb-ft of torque. When combined with a hybrid drive assist system using a 11.2 kilowatt lithium-ion battery and high-torque electric motor, the power figures jump up even more. Total output for the V60 Plug-in is 285 horsepower and 473 lb-ft of torque. Using a six speed automatic and all wheel drive and the fuel-efficient and diesel sipping wagon can hit 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Volvo themselves are calling the car a “muscle car” for its almost instantaneous torque delivery.
To suit any driver’s needs, the Volvo features three driving modes: Pure, Hybrid and Power. This is where the three cars in one comes into play as in Pure mode, the V60 is a completely zero-emissions vehicle. When fully charged, the Plug-in can travel up to 31 miles as an electric vehicle. When more distance is needed, Hybrid mode can be selected. The diesel engine and electric motor work in tandem to deliver a total driving range of up to 621 miles. Hybrid mode is the default setting for the car, but if the V60 Plug-in should find itself at a drag strip, then Power mode should be engaged. This is where all 473 lb-ft of torque is available for sports car embarassing acceleration.
The plug-in feature allows the battery pack to be recharged via any electrical outlet. Depending on the amperage, a full charge can take between 7.5 hours to just 3.5. Another unique feature is how the all wheel drive system operates. Instead of a traditional mechanical operation that can be power sapping and fuel wasting, the V60 Plug-in’s is a selectable electric system. The diesel engine powers the front wheels via the six speed transmission while the battery and electric motor work the rear wheels. The driver has the ability to select all wheel drive so when cruising on the highway, fuel economy isn’t tarnished by the rear wheels receiving unnecessary power.
Production for the 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will begin during the autumn while sales will start at the beginning of 2012. For the first 1,000 models, only one color will be available: Electric Silver.
Source: Volvo
