Click on the image for high-res shots of Volvo's FlexiFuel police model
Last year, Volvo introduced a line of vehicles in Europe capable of running on E85 fuel which it refers to as the FlexiFuel range. Already available in the C30, S40, V50 and V70 and S80 models with engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 liters, Volvo has seen fit to add a new police-specific V70 to its range of flexible fuel vehicles. Perhaps this addition will allow for more than just 50-100 sales in the U.K. As with the current V70 and S80 FlexiFuel models, the new emergency vehicle will come equipped with the turbocharged 2.5 liter inline five cylinder engine offering 200 horsepower and a very reasonable 300Nm of torque at 1500-4500rpm. This output allows for a top speed of 130mph and a run from 0 to 60mph in 7.6 seconds -- not too shabby at all.
Volvo's V70 police car again raises the point that the U.K. police force often chooses very practical vehicles for law enforcement duties. While the estate body style makes perfect sense for police duties, we can't imagine the authorities in the U.S. rolling around with wagons any time soon (except for the Romulus MI police who have the speed traps set up in the vicinity of Detroit Metro Airport with their unmarked Dodge Magnums).
Press Release:
VOLVO DEBUTS NEW TURBOCHARGED FLEXIFUEL POLICE CAR
Visitors at today's GreenFleet Arrive 'n' Drive event at Rockingham are able to experience an impressive range of Volvo cars, including the new Volvo V70 2.5 FlexiFuel Turbo (FT) 200bhp police car, developed by Volvo to the specific requirements of the Emergency Services as part of its environmentally-friendly FlexiFuel offer. Joining this new model at the event is the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon, all equipped with Volvo's 1.8 FlexiFuel engine, and the Volvo V70 2.0 FlexiFuel estate.
The new Volvo V70 2.5FT model is available to order in June 2008 and combines all the established benefits of Volvo's unique V70 Police Specification build with the environmental consciousness of a FlexiFuel engine which, thanks to its turbo-charged power, means no compromise on performance either. The V70 2.5FT produces 300Nm of torque at 1500-4500rpm, a top speed of 130mph and 0 to 60mph in 7.6 seconds.
Volvo Car Corporation is a major supplier to the Swedish Police and already provides a range of E85 vehicles to meet the Government requirement for all police districts to operate a minimum of 20% FlexiFuel vehicles. Volvo Car UK has a long association with the UK police service, and has also been working with the National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM) to deliver a Turnkey solution, which can produce a road policing car fitted out ready for service in around eight weeks.
Sarah Tottle, Volvo Special Vehicle Manager, says, "With our ongoing commitment to provide the Emergency Services in the UK and Europe with vehicles that meet their specific requirements, it was a natural and logical step forward for Volvo to offer a FlexiFuel version of our most popular Emergency Services model."
John Bradley MBE, Press Officer for the National Association of Police Fleet Managers and Fleet Manager for Hampshire Constabulary has already stated that Police Fleet Managers will be extremely interested in the Volvo V70 2.5FT police car.
He says, "The NAPFM Five Year plan incorporates a strategy to reduce UK police fleet carbon footprints. The introduction of this new FlexiFuel Volvo will allow Police Fleet Managers to consider this model as an alternative fuel option against new diesel technology, hybrids and LPG."
Fleets adopting vehicles powered by alternative fuels, such as E85 will see a variety of benefits. E85 will assist fleets in achieving a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, a government target for 2010, without the need to change driver behaviour, or compromising their driving enjoyment and comfort.
Caring for the environment has been part of Volvo's philosophy for many years. The need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, such as petrol and diesel oil, has long driven Volvo to develop a wide range of alternative fuels and technologies. FlexiFuel is one of Volvo's latest innovations which allow cars to run on E85, a fuel that consists of 85% bioethanol and 15% regular petrol. Drivers will enjoy the same power output and comfort whether the car is running on E85, petrol, or any mix of both.
[Source: Volvo]
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1. FlexFuel is Bogus to take advantage of US Fuel Economy Standard LOOPHOLES.
Where's the Electric Car.
Posted at 10:43PM on May 8th 2008 by mike