Factory-authorized performance tuning software for several Volvo models goes on sale for the first time Monday, November 14.
Volvo’s Swedish-based performance partner, Polestar, developed tuning software for the C30, C70 and S40 with a T5 engine, year 2008 and on. With an MSRP of $1,295 installed, the tuning package adds a powerful 23 hp and 29 lb.-ft. of torque to each respective model.
Get all the skinny on the Polestar software here.
The new Volvo C70 Inscription won’t be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16. If you’re not trekking out to LA for the Auto Show, here is your chance for an early glance at the vehicle. Visit the article on Swedespeed for pictures of and specifications for the C70 Inscription.
More than 30 volunteers joined forces in 2001 to create The Sashimi Tabernacle Choir, a Volvo wagon covered with over 250 crustaceans, many of which are singing. In the past decade, the wagon has become a well-known piece of artwork.
For years now, Prestige has been offering customers CARS Protection Plus, Inc. Warranties on its used vehicles. We offer the company’s Ultimate Plus contract, which is the best value for components covered. So long as the vehicle has less than 200,000 miles under its belt, owners can purchase up to four years of the Ultimate Plus Contract, starting at just $1,595. This plan covers damage on virtually all vehicle components, aside from manual clutch replacement.
According to its website, CARS Protection Plus, “Offers a complete line of limited warranties to meet the specific needs of your pre-owned vehicle. If there is a failure, C.A.R.S. will be there to assist with your repairs. We promise fast and hassle-free payment directly to the repair shop.” Please visit the CARS website for more details on the plan Prestige offers.
Although this plan has benefited many a Prestige Customer, many other customers desired a less costly option. In response to this need, we have begun offering Allstate’s economical Vehicle Service Contract for used cars. Allstate offers four different levels of coverage under this plan: Basic Care, Standard Care, Preferred Care, and Premier Care. Basic Care is the most general package, covering more than 65 car parts, and Premier Care is the most intricate package, covering more than 475 parts in your used vehicle.
The Allstate Vehicle Service Contract packages can help owners save thousands of dollars on car repairs and part replacements. Under one of these contracts, Allstate pays for 100 percent of part replacement and labor for parts covered by the specific package. Additionally, the packages are transferable, meaning that the car can be sold to a new owner and still be covered by Allstate; this helps increase the value of a used vehicle.
For more information about these Allstate Vehicle Service Contract packages, please contact Pat Masone directly at (973) 400-0141 or pmasone@prestigevolvo.com.
Prestige Volvo’s own Joel Casser and Matthew Haiken have put together a series of videos on the 2012 vehicle iterations from Volvo. Gone are the S40 and V50, so the lineup includes now the C30, C70, XC70, XC90, XC60, S60 and the flagship S80. Take a look at a few vehicle walkarounds to see what Matt and Joel think of the new cars.
Many modern automobiles are so refined that you can hardly hear their engines anymore, but don’t be lulled into complacency—there’s still a combustion cycle taking place under the hood, and catastrophic overheating remains a remote possibility. That’s why you should periodically check your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. Every gauge has a normal stopping point once the engine is warmed up; it’s usually a bit below the midpoint line between cold and hot. It’s probably not a doomsday scenario for your engine if your gauge ever reads anywhere above normal, but it could easily become one if you don’t take prompt action. Here are the steps you’ll need to know.
Step 5: Check coolant levels
Your engine should have a coolant reservoir in the vicinity of the radiator (see your owner’s manual for the exact location). This is usually made of plastic and thus unlikely to be dangerously hot. Check the coolant level in this reservoir. If it’s normal, you’re in luck—chances are you’ve just got a malfunctioning temperature gauge. As long as there are no other signs of overheating, you can restart the engine and proceed with caution. If it’s low or empty, however, there’s probably a coolant leak somewhere. Calling for roadside assistance is strongly advised here, though the more mechanically inclined might first inspect the radiator hoses for loose clamps and such.
Step 6: If you need to keep driving…
Wait until you’re certain that the engine is cool, protect your hand with a thick glove or rag, and twist off the radiator cap. Coolant is normally visible just below where the cap sits (your owner’s manual will have the details), but if your engine’s overheating, the coolant in your radiator should be visibly depleted. Be sure to refill both the radiator and the reservoir, using coolant or—if necessary—water. This should bring the temperature down once you’re underway, but remember, you’ve got a serious leak somewhere, so be vigilant. If the temperature starts rising again, you’ll have to pull over and repeat the process. Incidentally, by no means should you view this as a long-term solution—your engine needs professional help, so get your mechanic on the job as soon as you can.
