mAydAy
05-25-2004, 03:51 PM
In March of 1986, a new revolution for Volvo was shown for the first time to the public at the Geneva Motor Show. It was a little sports coupe, aimed at taking on the Japanese sport compact movement. This car, the 480ES, turned Volvo sideways, literally, by being the first Volvo with a transversely mounted engine and FWD.
In June of 1991, the first 850GLT was launched as "A dynamic car with four world-beating breakthroughs". Featuring Volvo’s first 5-cylinder engine putting down a respectable 170hp, transversely mounted, with, according to Volvo “Delta-link rear axle which combined the dynamics and ride comfort of independent suspension with the security of a live rear axle, the SIPS integrated side-impact protection system, and the self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.” Apparently these features were popular, as it took home a record number of awards and recognitions that year. It was also the world’s first car to offer side airbags, starting in 1994, continuing its revolutionary growth.
Although it is an all new, totally different, completely revolutionary Volvo, its exterior styling cues quite obviously hail from its elderly ancestors. Although rounder than ever seen from Volvo in years, bar the 300 and 400 series hatchbacks, it still features a somewhat box-like outer shell. In 1991 and 1992 the 850 was only produced in sedan form, but in 1993 the new 850 Estate came out, along with the first 850 Turbo’s.
The 850 turbo, producing 225hp, was Volvo’s highest powered car made to that date, topped the following year by the T5-R with 250hp.The transversely mounted 5cylinder turned out being a true powerhouse, and in 1996, the first AWD Volvo was released, transmitting that power to the ground more effectively. In 1998, the 850 was redesigned cosmetically and re-launched as the S70(Sedan) and V70(Wagon), which was removed from the lines in 2000.
Over its short lifespan, from a Volvo perspective that is, the 850 managed to give Volvo’s product lineup a complete facelift and reformation, bringing Volvo from the solid workhorses such as the 2, and 7 series to the Volvo’s of today
In June of 1991, the first 850GLT was launched as "A dynamic car with four world-beating breakthroughs". Featuring Volvo’s first 5-cylinder engine putting down a respectable 170hp, transversely mounted, with, according to Volvo “Delta-link rear axle which combined the dynamics and ride comfort of independent suspension with the security of a live rear axle, the SIPS integrated side-impact protection system, and the self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.” Apparently these features were popular, as it took home a record number of awards and recognitions that year. It was also the world’s first car to offer side airbags, starting in 1994, continuing its revolutionary growth.
Although it is an all new, totally different, completely revolutionary Volvo, its exterior styling cues quite obviously hail from its elderly ancestors. Although rounder than ever seen from Volvo in years, bar the 300 and 400 series hatchbacks, it still features a somewhat box-like outer shell. In 1991 and 1992 the 850 was only produced in sedan form, but in 1993 the new 850 Estate came out, along with the first 850 Turbo’s.
The 850 turbo, producing 225hp, was Volvo’s highest powered car made to that date, topped the following year by the T5-R with 250hp.The transversely mounted 5cylinder turned out being a true powerhouse, and in 1996, the first AWD Volvo was released, transmitting that power to the ground more effectively. In 1998, the 850 was redesigned cosmetically and re-launched as the S70(Sedan) and V70(Wagon), which was removed from the lines in 2000.
Over its short lifespan, from a Volvo perspective that is, the 850 managed to give Volvo’s product lineup a complete facelift and reformation, bringing Volvo from the solid workhorses such as the 2, and 7 series to the Volvo’s of today