The nose of the XC60 Concept was just visible amid a crowd of viewers, and near it was the new XC70. A closer look made it quickly apparent that the XC60 is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. We will have to wait until 2009 to see the final result.The XC70 shares its basic mechanical architecture with the new V70, which was also introduced at Geneva. The XC70's smooth lines follow in the design path of the new S80. There is the expected added body cladding, and ride height has been increased by 2.9 inches. Combined with an all-wheel-drive system and an active chassis, the XC70 is looking like a very effective mud-plowing package.
The XC70 is available with two engines: a normally aspirated 3.2-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine and a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel, which is available with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed semi-automatic (Geartronic) transmission. The gasoline engine can only be ordered with Geartronic.
Since we are talking about Volvo, let us not omit mention of safety features. The new XC70 marks the debut of a child safety seat with a height-adjustable cushion. This step forward in passenger safety joins a number of active and passive safety features including cornering headlights and a "Blind Spot Information System."
© Source: article on insideline
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