Volvo to unveil the new S90 sedan at Detroit

Volvo is back firmly on the path of a big revival in sales. Last month the company sold over 49,000 cars globally, a jump of over 26 per cent in retail sales. Last week, Volvo formally announced an addition to its portfolio in the new S90 sedan. The Swedish company, traditionally known for its sports utility vehicles and estates, has overhauled its image from being a brand that only had cars with predictable and uninspiring design, to one that is now focused on modernity and premium value.

Some of the company’s recent cars like the V40 and the XC90 have really helped in boosting its image, and sales. And finally, the new design language of Volvo Cars is being better understood. The S90 will be Volvo’s attempt at targeting buyers in the premium executive sedan segment, while also offering an opportunity to upgrade for the brand’s current owners. The S90 will be showcased to the public at the forthcoming Detroit Auto Show in January 2016.

Built to deliver new levels of performance and comfort, the S90 is expected to be equipped with new technology features like an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature called Pilot Assist.

The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car aligned within the lane being driven in at motorway speeds of up to 130kmph. Volvo claims that Pilot Assist is a step towards full autonomous driving for the company.

Volvo has also announced that the new S90 will be offered with a clean and powerful T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid. In addition to featuring the plug-in hybrid tech, these engines have a new embedded technology called PowerPulse for delivering instant turbo response in diesel engines. PowerPulse works by drawing air from the air filter via a compressor to a pressurised two-litre air tank. This readily available air is then fed into the turbo via the exhaust manifold based on driver demand.

The S90 is also said to be the first car that will offer a City Safety function with a large animal detection system. The system detects large animals such as Elk, Moose or Horses and helps avoid a potential collision, by providing intuitive warning and brake support. Large animals on the road in suburban driving conditions can lead to extensive vehicle damage or even prove fatal for the occupants. The system works both during the day and the night.

The new S90 seems to have borrowed a lot of its design features from the XC90, both on the outside and inside the cabin. The new sedan, Volvo claims, will set a new benchmark in the segment, with its luxuriously appointed interiors. The S90 is also said to have benefited from Volvo’s recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator.

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