Model Overview:
2003 Volvo S80
The elegant and sophisticated S80, since being introduced
in 1998, has claimed a respectable share of the market for luxury sedans.
The S80's success is grounded in its unique ability to deliver a premium
driving experience with solutions that reflect concern for issues beyond
simple personal pleasure. The S80 distinguishes itself by delivering
style with Volvo's tradition of superior safety design, sophistication
with practicality and luxury with environmental responsibility.
For 2003 the Volvo S80 sees a number of subtle enhancements
and option-package changes. Volvo On Call Plus, Volvo's first telematics
system, is standard on the T6 and T6 Elite and optional on the 2.9.
The new Climate Package now includes Rainsensor wipers, which automatically
adjust wiper speed depending on the amount of moisture detected on the
windshield. Replacing last year's 75th Anniversary Edition S80 is the
S80 T6 Elite, the ultimate expression of Volvo comfort and technology.
Embracing and advancing Volvo's honored commitment to
occupant safety, Volvo's flagship S80 flawlessly integrates leading-edge
safety design with advanced executions of performance technology, personal
comfort and thoughtful security concepts. Out of this synthesis of care
for personal well-being and technological leadership, Volvo's S80 defines
the standard for intelligent luxury sedans with a remarkable blend of
confidence and driving pleasure.
Advanced engine designs promoting superior durability,
ease of service, fuel efficiency and responsive performance distinguish
both the naturally aspirated and twin-turbo power plants. Powered by
a choice of in-line 6-cylinder engines, these silky smooth power plants
deliver spirited performance, enhanced by a choice of sophisticated
stability and traction control systems. Stability Traction Control (STC)
and Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) help assure the S80 driver
of an exceptional level of adhesion whether accelerating into traffic
or taking a hard corner at speed. Drivetrain advancements extend to
the electronically controlled "adaptive" four-speed automatic
transmission with the "Geartronic" variant available for the
twin-turbo model. The acclaimed ride and handling together with the
S80's overall responsiveness and highway cruising prowess evidences
the superior driving experience expected of Europe's finest luxury sedans.
Full multiplex electronics eliminates pounds of wiring
while increasing component reliability and enhancing electronic system
integration and performance. A long list of technical innovations, from
mirrors with memories to headrests that fold at the touch of a button,
provide the complete driving experience.
The S80 cabin environment's spacious, airy and inviting
character reflects its Scandinavian heritage. To assure the ideal driving
position, seating controls allow for an extraordinary range of adjustment
and lumbar support. The front seat passenger enjoys the same freedom
of movement. Both front seat occupants also enjoy dual zone electronic
climate control for personalized all-season comfort. Logical controls
reside within the natural arc of the hand.
The 2003 Volvo S80 sedan features an array of best-in-class
safety innovations, including driver and front passenger dual-stage
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, which work in harmony with
the car's three-point seatbelts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners. This
'smart' system uses a sensor to register the severity of an impact and
adapts the airbag inflation accordingly while coordinating actions with
the seatbelt. In case of a severe impact, the airbag is designed to
inflate instantly to full capacity at the same time as the seatbelt
tensioner helps to eliminate slack in the belt. The belt then 'gives'
slightly to gently restrain the occupant before the airbag takes over
to complete the SRS sequence.
Additional safety features include standard Side Impact
Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain (IC),
Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS), seat belts with pyrotechnic
pre-tensioners in all seating positions, plus Volvo's safety cage construction.
These major features and myriad occupant safety details make S80 the
industry standard for occupant protection.
The Volvo S80 received a Five Star/Five Star crash test
rating from U.S. government agencies and a 'Best Pick' designation by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The S80 has won industry
acclaim and contributed new designs and new technologies to the Volvo
safety repertoire.
Protection for the environment is also a priority for
the Volvo S80, with features like Volvo's patented PremAir® radiator
that helps reduce ground level ozone, water borne paint process, water
based rust protection treatment and 85 percent recyclability are just
a few environmental priorities Volvo has established for itself. The
S80 was the first car to receive an Environmental Product Declaration
certified by Lloyd's Register of London, UK.
S80
Buyers
They are the company's oldest owners with median age of
49. Very married, empty nesters that are senior managers in their professions.
They consider the S80 handsome, luxurious, roomy and safe. They are
coming out of domestic cars and are "move ups" from cars like
the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Not surprising, about one-third of
buyers are replacing a Volvo for this model.
Competitive
Group
Acura 3.5 RL, Audi A6, BMW 5 series, Cadillac Seville,
Lexus GS 300, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Saab 9-5.
Volvo
S80 T6 Elite: Personalized Executive Luxury
With production limited to just 100 cars, the 2003 S80
T6 Elite promises unparalleled exclusivity and comfort. The rear seat
was modified and relocated slightly rearward to create additional rear
legroom and thus enhance the seating comfort. The supple Executive Leather
upholstery, rear seat heaters and an electrically powered sunblind take
the T6 Elite to an unprecedented level of luxury.
For those executives who wish to use or recharge an assortment
of today’s personal business tools, two 12-volt plug-in sockets
are provided for the rear seat passengers. Wider door openings, made
possible by the use of special door hinges, are also provided to allow
for easier rear entry and exit. Also offered as standard equipment on
the S80 T6 Elite are rear storage pockets and dual cup holders.
State-of-the-Art
Video package
In addition to the long list of standard equipment, the S80 T6 Elite
also includes a fully integrated miniature DVD player as part of an
in-car Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. The DVD player is integrated
into the center console, along with a television tuner and an auxiliary
input panel.
The Volvo S80 T6 Elite RSE also comes with twin 7-inch
Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screens, fully integrated into the rear-facing
surfaces of the front seat head restraints. The system’s two remote
controlled TFT screens operate independently of each other, allowing
each rear seat occupant to choose their own form of entertainment. In
addition to the media choices, an auxiliary input has been integrated
into the rear armrest allowing convenient connections to most computers
and game systems (such as Nintendo 64 and Sony PlayStation).
The personalized convenience of the RSE system is still
further enhanced by the rear seat occupant being able to choose between
listening to audio either through the rear speakers or through the dual
wireless infrared headphones offered as part of the RSE system. The
Volvo S80 T6 Elite option list is limited to a rear center armrest-mounted
refrigerator, capable of holding two 750ml bottles.
S80 T6 Elite Buyers
The Volvo S80 T6 Elite is targeted at discerning private
owners, company executives, diplomats, government representatives and
anyone who places a premium on comfort, elegance and safety Families
who have children or grand children that can be entertained for hours
on end will also be attracted to the S80 T6 Elite as will chauffeured
transportation services that want to provide a unique business or entertainment
environment for rear seat customers.
Competitive
Group
Mercedes Benz E-Class, BMW 5 and 7 series, Audi A-6/ A-8,
Cadillac Seville and DeVille.