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 |  Oct 23, 12:00 PM

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Volvo and the Twilight Saga are inviting fans to join “Journey to the Wedding,” an online promotion created in conjunction to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, in theaters November 18th. Participants of the “Journey to the Wedding” online game could win a trip to visit the locale of Edward and Bella’s honeymoon, Rio de Janeiro, as well as a night in the same luxurious house the movie’s hero and heroine enjoyed. More importantly, participants also get a chance to take home the Volvo S60 R-Design driven by Edward in the movie.

Edward’s Saville Grey metallic 325-hp Volvo S60 T6 R-Design is fitted with all wheel drive, an automatic transmission, active dual Xenon headlights, climate package, multimedia package, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), keyless drive, the same supple off-black leather interior that coddled Edward and Bella, stunning 18-inch diamond-cut Xion alloy wheels, and a sport chassis accented with a rear spoiler.

The question is, do you want this sweet Volvo badly enough to admit to the world that you’re Team Edward?

Visit http://www.journeytothewedding.com/ to play the interactive game. Volvo will announce the winner on November 28. Its online gallery will also feature photos and information on Edward’s Volvos, including the Volvo C30, Volvo XC60, and Volvo S60. Fans can also learn more at on Volvo’s Facebook page and Twitter account.

GALLERY: Volvo S60 T6 AWD R-Design

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 |  Sep 08, 8:00 AM

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Volvo has updated its near-iconic XC90 SUV for 2012, adding some exterior and interior changes along with some technology to make it more 2012-friendly. The newly refined SUV now features daytime running lights, giving the front more character along with its redesigned silver metallic bumper bar and silver roof rails. A subtle, but classy accent is a new color-coordinated lower door molding. In the rear, the taillights now have dual light guides, LED brake lights and a silver turn indicator bulb – though it still blinks orange. Lastly, 18-inch six-spoke wheels in a matte silver finish are now factory to the XC90.

“The XC90 still boasts all the virtues that have made it one of our most successful models ever. The spacious and flexible crossover combines excellent handling and comfort with superior get-you-there ability and flexibility. Now we have upgraded the XC90 with a number of features that emphasise the large SUV’s unique blend of sophisticated elegance and capable ruggedness,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car Corporation.

On the inside, Volvo has done several upgrades giving it a more luxurious feel. From the three-spoke steering wheel to the standard aluminum decor, Volvo has gone through all the tiny details of the interior enhancing every bit of it. Special models include an Exclusive Executive version and the sporty R-Design with the Exclusive Executive version adding more luxurious amenities including soft leather seats with ventilation and massage functions. The R-Design features redesigned upholstery, inlays, door panels and unique 19-inch wheels.

The 2012 XC90 will come powered by a 3.2L inline-six with 243-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque; and in some markets (not North America) two diesel options will be available. These include a D5 turbo diesel with 200-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, or a FWD 2.4L five-cylinder D3 turbo diesel engine with 163-hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Technology enhancements include Volvo’s On Call system, Bluetooth integration and tight integration with Android and iOS devices. The mobile application allows owners to locate their XC90, start the heater remotely, check the vehicle’s dashboard data (fuel, average speed, odometer, etc.) and do a general “health” check of the vehicle.

GALLERY: 2012 Volvo XC90

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 |  Jul 05, 11:33 AM

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Hot on the heels of Volvo announcing their Performance Concept Prototype C30, Volvo Car Australia has pulled the wraps off their S60 Performance Project, a collaboration between Volvo, Heico and Polestar. Starting with an S60 T6 R Design, the Australian tuners has increased horsepower by 24-hp to 324-hp and torque has gone up close to 30 lb-ft of torque to 354 lb-ft.

No details were released on how the performance gain was achieved, but a the release did state a new exhaust system is on the Performance Project along with 19-inch wheels with Pirelli tires. Suspension is also upgraded on the sedan, lowering the vehicle by .6-inch with 15-percent stiffer springs with 20-percent stiffer bushings than the regular S60.

Volvo Car Australia is currently gauging interest in their S60 Performance Project and depending on demand, they may be building the S60 in limited numbers.

GALLERY: Volvo S60 Performance Project

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 |  May 04, 10:53 AM

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Volvo is adding a bit of high-end luxury to their popular S80 and V70 models with special edition models. Starting with their sedan, the S80 will have an Executive edition featuring an espresso brown or black leather instrument panel. The soft-leather seats are ventilated with a massage function and the center console now sports aluminum touches. On the dash is a classy, analog clock while the door panels are finished off with leather. Those looking for extra luxury in the S80 Executive can opt for a fridge with Swedish crystal glasses for the rear bench.

For the V70 wagon, the R-Design features LED turn indicators in the mirrors, that are now covered in silk metal. 18-inch wheels are bolted on all four corners from Ixion in a diamond-cut finish. For the interior, the R-Design sports leather upholstery in off-black and black floormats. Those interested in the R-Design package will be happy to hear that it’s available for all V70 trim models.

No pricing was announced.

GALLERY: Volvo S80 Executive and V70 R-Design

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 |  Jul 07, 10:44 AM

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Volvo has just announced that it will offer an R-Design version of the new XC60 crossover. Officially set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September, the package includes a long list of exterior and interior features, as well as a sportier ride.

Outside the R-Design model gets a new “silk metal” finish for the grille, fog lamp surrounds, mirrors and a silk metal R-Design badge. The side skirts will have an aluminum look, while the rear skid place will be chrome plated with chrome twin tailpipes. The lower body panels will be paint-matched, giving the crossover a ground-hugging look, even though the ride height remains the same as on the standard vehicle. A set of 18-inch wheels will come standard, although buyers can choose to upgrade to a 20-inch set.

Inside the XC60 R-Design gets new sport seats with unique upholstery with a choice of two color combos and R-Design emblems. Also included is an R-Design sports steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals and blue gauges.

The drive of the XC60 R-Design will also be more engaging due to stiffer springs, more responsive shocks and tighter steering.

The XC60 R-Design will be offered in seven colors including one exclusive color (shown above) Passion red.

GALLERY: Volvo XC60 R-Design

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Official release after the jump:

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