Volvo to Upgrade All-Wheel Drive System Across 2006 Model Lineup

Improved AWD Close to Completely Eliminating Wheel Spin in Slippery Conditions

Are you aware that Volvo offers an all-wheel drive system for every car that it makes? The popular Swedish automaker once produced only rear-wheel drive models, switching over to front-wheel drive with the 850 series and then to all-wheel drive when the 850, which had become the V70 in wagon form, offered a special high-performance variant dubbed the V70R.

Much has changed with Volvo since this stylish yet boxy European super-wagon entered the scene. Now its V70 is even more stylish, and can be had in five variations - 300-horsepower R model included. The R still comes standard with all-wheel drive, but more importantly for those who value practicality more than performance, so can the 2.5T at thousands less.

Other models to feature all wheel drive include the new and much improved entry-level S40 sedan and V50 wagon, the midsize S60 and full-size S80 sedans, and of course the XC70 Cross Country crossover wagon and XC90 sport utility.

While the S40, V50, S60. V70 and S80 come standard with front-wheel drive, those who opt for four powered wheels will appreciate an upgrade to the all-wheel drive system across the line. Now all AWD Volvos get the addition of Instant Traction, to further reduce wheel spin on slippery road surfaces.

The all-wheel drive system Volvo uses, which is developed by Swedens Haldex, is already one of the most tactile in the auto industry, besting many rivals for grip whether used in one of Volvos vehicles or one of the models that the Swedish automakers parent company Ford offers - Haldex all-wheel drive is also available in Fords Freestyle crossover, as well as the blue oval brands Five Hundred sedan and its Mercury Montego clone.

So what makes the new improved Haldex AWD better? It now incorporates a non-return valve within the hydraulic control system so that its hydraulic fluid doesnt completely drain out of the system when pressure would normally abate, the result of slowing the vehicle. How does the upgrade make a difference? The outgoing Haldex system allows a one-seventh tire rotation before redistributing power to the rear wheels, but with the new system the non-return valve pre-charges the AWD system with as little as 59 lb-ft of torque turning the front wheels. In other words, the rear wheels are now called into service much sooner, and reduced wheel spin means greater control and less chance of getting stuck in the muck.

While all-wheel drive offers obvious benefits for traction, it has also helped Volvo gain respect in a luxury car market that reveres everything but front-wheel drive. The new and improved Haldex all-wheel drive system should enhance performance on bare highway surfaces as well as while en route to the ski lodge during mid-winter, further improving the automakers image as a practical alternative to those brands selling cumbersome truck-based SUVs.