Volvo is adding a six-speed dual-clutch automatic to their lineup of fuel-sipping DRIVe cars powered by a 1.6 liter diesel engine.

The change is significant because unlike previous automatic transmission offerings by Volvo, the dual-clutch auto boasts the same milage as the six-speed manual.

Their DRIVe line of cars, not sold North America, is offered S60, V60, V70 and S80 and uses a small displacement diesel. The fuel-conscious cars also feature a shutoff system that kills the engine at less than 3 miles-per-hour and a re-worked electrical system to reduce power draw. That all combines to deliver an average 62 miles-per-gallon.

Heico Sportiv has been Volvo‘s official partner for vehicle individualization since 2008, and their newest creation is their take on Volvo’s V60 wagon. Heico is well known to add sportiness to Volvo’s creations, often times transforming Volvos in a way very few can in a classy and subtle fashion. Their V60 tuning program transforms the family wagon to something anyone would sport on the road thanks to their polyurethane body kit, 19-inch wheels, suspension, new exhaust, upgraded brakes and a classy, luxurious interior.

The exterior modifications begins with Heico’s two-piece front spoiler and rear apron with a carbon fiber diffuser. Heico then outfits the V60 with a set of 19×8-inch Volution VII wheels in a black diamond cut matte finish. Heico chooses to pair the wheels up to a set of Pirelli rubber. The vehicle is then lowered about 1.2-inches, giving it a better stance and handling capabilities. The V60 also sports a much deeper tone thanks to its quad-tipped exhaust system.

The braking system on Heico’s V60 now features six-piston calipers with a blue finish and Heico Sportiv logo. Larger disk brakes also aid in enhanced braking. On the inside, Heico will outfit any Volvo with a reupholstered leather interior, with the V60 getting a Chestnut finish complemented by an Alcantara roof liner.

Last but not least, Heico will have their e.motion 2.0 tuning program available for the V60. The e.motion is a plug-and-play supplementary engine control unit that comes up with up to 5 years warranty and is available for various Volvo engines. Performance increases vary of course, but the T6 engine goes from 304-hp to 330-hp. Each e.motion has settings for the driver to choose from, and one can opt for the Performance button, providing a more aggressive power curve and intense driving experience.

No pricing was announced for any of the mentioned products for the V60.

GALLERY: Heico Sportiv Volvo V60

Volvo is currently working on developing several green technologies including an electric C30, a flywheel hybrid system and a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid system. This week, Volvo announced that it’s working on a more ambitious project -three unique range-extended electric drive setups. Volvo is working with the Swedish Energy Agency and the European Union to develop this technology.

All three technical concepts utilize similar hardware- a three-cylinder combustion engine and a 111-hp electric motor but they differ in how the engine assists the electric motor.

Technical Concept I uses a modified Volvo C30 and the system consists of a 60-hp three-cylinder engine, the 111-hp electric motor and a 40-kW generator. The rear mounted engine turns the 40-kW generator that charges the car’s battery pack.

Technical Concept II also uses a modified C30 and utilizes a parallel-connected range extender. The rear mounted engine also turns the 40-kW generator. The engine and the electric motor operate in tandem. The engine powers the rear wheels and the 111-hp electric motor powers the front wheels.

Technical Concept III is installed in a European market V60 wagon and also uses a parallel connected system. Technical Concept III uses an electric motor and a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with both units located in the engine bay. Both power-plants drive the front wheels through a two-stage automatic transmission.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Volvo has unveiled a plug-in diesel hybrid version of its V60 wagon ahead of the Geneva Auto Show, which promises to do for fuel spending what Atkins did for bread consumption.

The diesel hybrid takes Volvo’s 2.4-liter inline-five turbodiesel, pumping out 215 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque and adds an electric motor to the back wheels: a 70-horsepower motor powered by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, controlling what Volvo calls the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD).

With two engines and AWD, the V60 hybrid can run on “Pure” mode for 32 miles on just the electric motor. With “Hybrid” mode activated, it’s good for a range of 746 miles, and in full-attack “Power” mode the V60′s two engines hustle to 60mph in 6.9 seconds. That’s what 472 lb-ft of torque combined will do for a family hauler.

The V60 hybrid will debut in Geneva in a few weeks. Click the jump for video of the diesel-hybrid.

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