[s-cars] Volvo Stuff...

[Erik Addy]

----- Original Message ----

From: <calvinlc at earthlink.net>
Yeah, if they would do away with the transverse engine mount they could

a: make the turning radius better
b: make engine compartment access easier
c: have room for a torsen differential
_________
 
Long time since I posted here...
 
As for the above, perhaps but they would also lose interior space (or have to make the car larger), possibly make the car more nose heavy (ala Audi- engine way up front), and it would probably make it more difficult to meet pedestrian safety standards (driving a lot of new car design cues).  The turning radius is a PITA though- they stuffed the I6 sideways in the new ones though, and I think the turning radius is better.
 
As far as safety test scores, I certainly believe that the rest of the industry has finally caught up with volvo (and a couple other early safety leaders like saab and merc), but I'm not sure the tests show everything.  An acquaintance of mine is a VERY talented American engineer who lead the development of some of the equipment used at Volvo's safety center.  They have some hydraulics to move vehicles for accident simulation that were apparently VERY leading edge, expensive stuff.  Volvo wanted it and was willing to pay big for it.  He spent a lot of time in Sweden (over 6 months), and got to know the volvo engineers.  He saw them test Volvo's, ford group products, and competitors.  He seemed quite convinced that volvo is still a true leader in safety, and that they look at things that the standard tests (and other manufactures) don't.
 
Anyway, as far as the S60/V70R, I have limited seat time, but am very interested in getting one (V70R).  My biggest problems with the car are that I don't like electronic $u$pen$ion$, and I am not sure about the reliability of the "angle gear", which sends the power aft to the haldex... seems to be lots of issues with that on swedespeed, so it may be a problem.
 
Hey, CaptMagu, when is UA going to start hiring?  I need to get out of my barbie jet!  Good luck with the "FIN" stuff..
 
Later,
Erik

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com