Operating traditional semi-trucks on long-haul trips that eats up thousands of miles of road, has been known to be a sometimes hazardous endeavor, especially when the operator is pushing him or herself too hard and not getting the proper sleep. This happens when operators have only one thing in mind, getting from dock-to-dock as quickly as possible.

Steinberg Law Firm, a South Carolina truck accident lawyer, states that being involved in a vehicular crash can be a nightmare for all parties involved. But a crash that involves an 80,000 pound-semi truck can, in a word, be horrific. It can lead to very serious damage, injury, and death.

But it’s quite possible that the autonomous semi-truck industry could greatly reduce the amount of crashes that occur annually on U.S. highways since they would take a lot of pressure off the operator to stay awake at times when he’s exhausted. One such truck was recently unveiled by Volvo.

According to a new report, Volvo and Aurora are getting very close to delivering the first autonomous semi-trucks to America’s highways and roads. The two companies have revealed a new “safe” prototype autonomous semi-truck that’s engineered specifically for those dangerous long haul drives all across North America and not just quick jaunts.

The Volvo VNL looks similar to older models, but comes loaded with a whole bunch of sensors that detect the surrounding environment so that it can navigate on its own utilizing the virtual Aurora Driver technology.

Dynamic Steering

Volvo has been a bit cryptic when it comes to revealing the details about the big semi-truck. But it has stated that the rig has expanded on its VNL safety features such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering along with automated transmission which creates a “redundant” drive system.

In other words, unlike traditional operator driven trucks, this truck won’t be nearly as dangerous when riding long stretches of highway, Volvo says. The company is hoping for a Level 4 autonomy which means a human will only be needed in “limited situations.”

Public Roads

Volvo has yet to announce when they will have a prototype semi-truck that can safely navigate public roads which are an entirely different challenge. They also haven’t committed to when they might have a production truck ready.

Volvo will need to be fully aware of the regulations that accompany a commercial autonomous truck when it comes to public roads. Merely “testing” the truck in certain states will not pass muster. This is said to be a very important step in the company’s driverless truck end goal, but not just the only final step.

Autonomous Semi-Trucks Already in Use

Volvo and Aurora are said to have already placed self-driving semi-trucks in northern countries with long stretches of highway such as Norway along with its Swedish homeland. That said, the trucks have mostly been limited to shorter, “narrowly defined routes,” that would require human intervention when operated.

Theoretically speaking, the new autonomous prototype should be able to handle long distances along with varied conditions required to transport payloads between most North American cities. That remains the short-term goal.

Safety

Safety is said to be paramount when it comes to Volvo’s autonomous semi-truck. The safe transformation from fully human operated to driverless tech has already proven itself in Volvo’s Dynamic Steering (VDS) systems and its automated transmission (I-hist).

These existing and tested technologies, taken along with a number of other highly advanced vehicle features, are intended to create redundant safety-based solutions in the autonomous semi-truck’s primary systems. When combined with Aurora Driver tech, this will ensure only the highest safety outcome at every single step of the autonomous semi-truck development process.

The president of Volvo Trucks North America has said that he’s proud the Volvo VNL will serve as the base foundation for future development of autonomous semi-trucks which will be operated on North American roads and highways. They are intended to be the next generation of efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions.

Bringing about a more sustainable, environmentally friendly society is also said to be one of Volvo’s goals when it comes to the production of its autonomous semi-truck.

The post Volvo Unveils an Autonomous Semi-Truck Engineered for the Long Haul appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

For the entry-level XC40 T5 Momentum buyers can have it from $47,990, while the top of the line XC40 D4 R-Design Edition is set at $57,990. Full prices were released by Aussie magazine performancedrive and can be seen below.

2018 Volvo XC40 – Full Prices:

2018 Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum – $47,990
2018 Volvo XC40 D4 Momentum – $50,990
2018 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design – $54,990
2018 Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design – $57,990
2018 Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum Launch Edition – $47,990
2018 Volvo XC40 D4 Momentum Launch Edition – $50,990
2018 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design Launch Edition – $54,990
2018 Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design Launch Edition – $57,990.

Speaking of the model`s availability in Australia and the need of having it there, Nick Connor, CEO at Volvo Australia, has also declared:

“SUVs continue to be very popular with Australian car buyers, and the compact SUV segment is also growing rapidly. In such a competitive market you need to stand out from the crowd. We are confident that with its very distinctive look and competitive pricing the XC40 will make an immediate impact with buyers who are looking for something very different from the cookie-cutter models in the compact luxury SUV segment today.”

In Australia, the all-new 2018 Volvo XC40 will compete against the likes of the new Audi Q2, BMW X1/X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Infiniti QX30 and the updated Jaguar E-Pace, and will feature two variants, the T5 and D4, each one coming with the Momentum and R-Design trims.

Visually, the new 2018 Volvo XC40 measures 4,425mm long, 1,863mm wide and 1,658mm tall, standing on the company`s new CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture), also underpinning other small models from Volvo.

The model boasts the latest equipment and technology, like touch-screen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adding as well the company`s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist cruise, Clean Zone dual-zone climate control, and much, much more.

Under the hood, all T5 variants feature a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol flat-four engine with 185 kW and 350 Nm of torque, while the D4s come with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. All variants are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive system.

The post Australia: 2018 Volvo XC40 Available at $47,990 appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Speaking of new technology that the all-new 2018 Volvo XC40 is incorporating, representatives from the Swedish company has revealed some information in an interview:

“Depending on regional availability, Care by Volvo will also include access to a range of digital concierge services such as fuelling, cleaning, service pick-up and e-commerce delivery to the car. The XC40 with Care by Volvo is available to order online from today in selected markets.”

Besides the new technology and monthly-free subscription with afordable payments, the new XC40 is also offered with the latest safety gizmos, like Pilot Assist semi-autonomus cruise control, Run-Off Road protection and mitigation, City Safety, or cross-traffic aler with 360-degree camera.

Visually, the new 2018 Volvo XC40 follows the same design lines as the rest of the company`s new models, meaning the easy-distinguishable Thor hammer headlights, wider L-shaped taillights, and other new elements takes from the much larger XC60 and XC90.

Performance wise, the new XC40 is reported to use a T5 Drive-E petrol burner and a D4 diesel engine, shortly followed by a three-cylinder mill. As expected, the model will also get a plug in-hybrid and an electric variant as well.

Prices and full specifications with the model will emerge next month, just ahead the SUV`s launch in Europe. Meanwhile, take a closer look as the new XC40 in the media gallery below!

The post This Is the New 2018 XC40 Small SUV Boasting with Care by Volvo Technology & Services appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

However, engineers from Volvo have also implemented the technology on their automobiles, and one of them to receive such an advanced and efficient system is the all-new 2018 XC40.

Built atop the company`s new and highly-advanced CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, the new model will make use of plenty of technological gizmos, including the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist, along with top-notch City Safety with pedestrian detection, auto emergency braking and run-off road protection. All of these will be crucial for today`s both driver and pedestrian safety.

Besides the new system, the new 2018 Volvo XC40 SUV and other new models within the group`s fleet, will also get LCD screens with internet connectivity via Sensus, and massive screen for the dashboard.

Speaking of the advanced technology implemented on the new XC40, Odgard Andersson, vice president of vehicle software and electronics at Volvo Cars, have also declared in a recent press release:

“We built a confident, easy-to-use and convenient everyday user experience based on real-life interaction and research, starting from our foundation of leading safety. The XC40 is a car for a generation of consumers that expect full connectivity. All the screens have been optimised for a safe, easy and efficient interaction, to support active city driving.”

Until full details emerge, the teaser images below should provide conclusive evidence on the kind of technology Volvo wants to implement on its latest models, including the all-new 2018 Volvo XC40.

The post 2018 Volvo XC40 Announced with Advanced Semi-Autonomous Technology, Pilot Assist Is Top Priority appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

The same Polestar hardcore division from Volvo has also decided that it was high-time it would create hybrid variants of the carmaker`s most potent models. At least this is what the latest reports state.

The latest comes from Autocar, which unofficially confirms the arrival of such a model by 2018, a report that has also been hinted by Jon Wakefield, CEO at Volvo UK.

He declared in a recent interview that “Polestar is going to come out with something very exciting and a little bit different. We think it is going to shape up the market.”

Already used to make things a little bit different compared to its main rivals, Volvo`s division Polestar is reported to drop the V8 or the six-cylinder turbocharged engines currently using on its top notch models, and use instead a T8 hybrid powertrain, also underpinning the new XC90 and the S/V90.

This means that the T8 will consist of a 2.0-liter twin-charged flat-four engine and an electric motor, developing a total of 294 kW, way too impressive than the S60/V60`s current 270 kW.

The new hybrid powertrain would stand on the company`s new Scalable Platform Architecture, or shortly SPA, which only allows the fitting of four-cylinder engines. Even so, Volvo and Polestar would develop high-end components for its electric motors.

On the opposite pole, rivals such as the M division from BMW or Mercedes-Benz`s AMG are already developing hybrid models with impressive performance, so Polestar would better hurry up to take its share of the market.

The post 2018 Volvo Polestar Hybrid Might Be in the Works appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

However, the carmaker has recently declared that intends to move production of the standard S90 from Sweden to China, and that because the Asian market seems to be extremely profitable.

Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Car Group has also declared that “China will play an important part” in the company`s “global manufacturing ambitions” and that Volvo`s factories there “will deliver world-class products for exports across the globe in coming years”, which will have a major impact on the carmaker`s “objective of selling up to 800,000 cars a year by 2020”.

The decision comes handy, especially since Volvo has announced the introduction of the all-new S90 along the high-end S90 Excellence, at the 2016 Guangzhou Motor Show, with production to start right away in Daqing, China.

The Volvo S90 Excellence might be considered the company`s most luxury car, coming with lots of technology implemented by Volvo itself. Amongst the top features we should mention the semi-autonomous driving assistance system as well as the already known “Large Animal Detection” system, “CleanZone” air quality system infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and much more. The same systems are also set to equip the standard S90.

Besides the aforementioned technologies, the S90 as well as the S90 Excellence also feature the company`s new Lounge Console, placed on the front passenger seat and offering increase comfort to the rear. Additional features as standard refer to the new entertainment system with wide display, built-in refrigeration compartment with handmade crystal glasses, heated and cooled cup holders and much more.

In the engine department, the S90 is equipped with the T4 and T5 petrol burners, these ones being found on the S90 Excellence as well. The latter one will also add a plug-in hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four which will develop around 301 horsepower. Full prices in China will be revealed at a later date.

The post China Welcomes Production of Volvo`s S90, the S90 Excellence Gets also Previewed appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

One carmaker to export its high-end models in the aforementioned territories is Volvo, with the latest China-based Volvo S90L. Unfortunately, we don’t know when this will happen.

In China, the model is being built alongside the S60 sedan at the Chengdu factory, becoming thus the fifth model to get assembled on the Chinese market, and the second model to be exported to other regions worldwide.

The first one to receive the go ahead outside is the S60L, the model coming with a 3.4 inches more at the rear, compared to the regular S60. As for our S90L, we do not yet have the official measures. But we might guess that it will much longer than the S90`s standard 115.8 inches.

To make the rear much bigger and maximize the legroom, the carmaker would have to move the seats back by a few inches.

For the moment, the details list is rather scarce, but we should expect more details at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show, this November, where the model is expected for an official debut.

The post China-based Volvo S90L Makes Its Way onto Europe, US Follow appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Volvo Polestar decided to come back in the WTCC this year. They have a great experience in this series, taking part with three cars back in 1994 and 1995. Rickard Rydell, Jan Lammers and Tim Harvey have driven a 850 Estate model, switching to the Saloon in 1995. During the second season, Rydell took the pole position in 13 races from a total of 24, finishing 3rd overall. Then, in 2011, a Volvo C30 took the start in the WTCC competition, driven by Robert Dahlgreen. Though it came after winning the 2010 Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, it has no notable results in WTCC competition.

That brings us to 2016, an important year for Polestar, which started a multi-year programme in the WTCC. They will involve two S60 Polestar TC1 cars in the fight for the championship. These cars will be driven by Thed Björk and Fredrik Ekblom. Volvo will also provide the safety car for the 2016 season, in the form of a V60 Polestar, which will be equipped with all the mandatory safety accessories: rescue and communication equipment, safety lights and a roll cage. Nothing has been changed to the car’s technique, since it is already capable to keep up with the competition models during the opening lap.

It is Volvo’s way of showing that you can buy the alternative of its racing cars, capable of excellent dynamic performance. It features a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, capable of 350 hp and 500 Nm. It is able to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds and make it reach an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. It received the maximum of five stars at the Euro NCAP tests, with excellent points, which transforms it into the safest safety car in the WTCC history.

The post Volvo V60 Polestar Will Be Safety Car At 2016 WTCC appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Their proposition to develop a standard charging system, which would be common for all the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles looks indeed like a next naturally step in developing electric cars on a larger scale. However, let’s not underestimate the other problems that keep the potential clients away from the electric cars: the big price and the (still) poor range.

Volvo has decided to sustain the Combined Charging System (CCS), which represents a universal charging system developed by Charging Interface Initiative. This measure is particularly important for them, as they plan to offer a plug-in version for every new model in their portfolio. More, the Swedish car producer will introduce a fully electric car until 2019. To contribute at the future electric cars’ success, the infrastructure needs to be simple, fast and contain as many charging-stations as possible all over the world.

The CCS gives the possibility to choose between regular and fast-charging, by combining a single-phase with a fast three-phase charging mode. It uses a maximum 43 kW alternating current and up to 200kW (upgradable to 300 kW in the future) direct-current charging, both of them combined in the same system. Currently, Volvo offers Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrains in a large proportion, twenty percent of the XC90 SUVs sold use this technology.

The post Volvo Wants Standardized Charger appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

It only has four seats, so if you want to give a ride to your wife, your two kids and your mother-in-law, forget it! On the other hand, if you intend to climb the Mont Blank surrounded by hand-crafted crystal glasses and lots of finest leather upholstery, then it’s your car! More, the passengers will appreciate the individual and adjustable rear seats, which will massage them while the air suspension will keep the champagne inside the crystal glasses. Or, if they’re coffee fans, they can keep it warm in the cupholders, thanks to the heating (or cooling) feature.

The driver must carefully push the accelerator, because the 410 hp of the T8 hybrid powertrain are a big danger for the passengers’ wellbeing. So, the Excellence version is all about luxury, calm and comfort, also provided by the near-perfection sound insulation and the Bowers & Wilkins concert hall-like sound. If you live in France, Switzerland, Belgium or Luxembourg, you can order it after you finish reading this article. If you’re from China or US, you’ll have to wait several months to buy one. Everybody else will have to wait until Volvo decides which other countries are on the list.

So, why only online? Because digitalization became Volvo’s most important commitment. From the keyless cars, to some of the most advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems, the Swedish are on top of the carmakers list.

The post Beware: The Most Luxurious Volvo Ever Is In Geneva appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.