2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

As we transition into the 2011 model year, things are starting to sizzle for most brands, none more so than for Swedish automaker Volvo, which has one very important new model launch and a host of other updates planned. Having just been officially sold to China’s Geely, and picking up a new chief in the form of former Volkswagen USA CEO Stefan Jacoby, Volvo must now deal with the successful launch of its new 2011 lineup and return to profitability.

Volvo has pared back its lineup for 2011, streamlining its wagons and dropping some previous engine and trim options.

First and foremost will be the introduction of the new 2011 Volvo S60 sedan, which goes on sale later this year fitted with a turbocharged 300 horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and starting price of $37,700.

2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design

2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design

The entry-level 2011 Volvo C30 receives a facelift and will be priced from $24,600.

The Volvo S40 equipped with a 2.4-liter engine will no longer be available, with only the more powerful T5 and T5 R-Design models remaining. Pricing for the 2011 Volvo S40 will start at $27,750. A similar story can be told for its V50 wagon sibling, which starts at $29,000 for the T5 model.

The flagship S80 remains, however, it is now only available with a 240 horsepower 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 300 horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The previous 311 horsepower V-8 model has been discontinued. Pricing for the Volvo flagship will start at $36,950, a decrease of $2,250 on the previous 2010 model.

2010 Volvo XC60

2010 Volvo XC60

The relatively new Volvo XC60 remains on sale, but receives 5 and 19 horsepower gains, respectively, for its 3.2-liter (240 horsepower) and turbocharged 3.0-liter (300 horsepower) engines. A new R-Design model will also be offered in 2011. Pricing for the 2011 Volvo XC60 will start at $32,400.

While the V70 wagon will no longer be with us, the XC70 crossover will. It gets a new front-wheel drive option and will have a starting price of $32,000.

The 2011 Volvo XC90 SUV remains relatively unchanged for the latest model year, sticking with a base 3.2-liter engine now rated at 240 horsepower and a range-topping 4.4-liter V-8, which is rated at 311 horsepower. Bluetooth and satellite radio have been made standard and pricing for this model will start at $38,200.

2011 Volvo C70 Convertible

2011 Volvo C70 Convertible

Finally, the 2011 Volvo C70 will come onto the market with fresh styling and a starting price of $39,950.

Note, all prices are excluding an $850 destination charge.

[Kicking Tires]