Green Focus: Volvo V60

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo Cars will be unveiling the V60 Plug-in Hybrid - a virtually production-ready car with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km, which translates into fuel consumption of 150 miles per gallon.

In 2012 Volvo Cars will be the first manufacturer on the market with this new breed of hybrid - which is the result of close cooperation with the Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid features the very best properties from three different car types in one sports wagon. This includes a possibility for the driver to drive up to 32 miles on pure electricity.

"This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm. The rear axle features ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission.

"In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology," says Stefan Jacoby.

Credits: wilswong