Volvo adding new safety features to S80, XC70, and V70 automobiles

Volvo's name has long since been connected with safety, and the firm has recently announced a few new features for the S80, XC70, and V70 that aim to keep the link alive. Among the new systems that should be available "at the end of 2007" is the (tweaked) Collision Warning with Auto Brake -- which automatically activates the brakes if the driver doesn't react to the warnings -- and the Driver Alert Control for monitoring the behavior of the vehicle and suggesting that the motorist take a coffee break if there's just too much swayin' going on. Additionally, Volvo will be adding the slightly more common adaptive cruise control and distance alert features to the aforementioned cars, but there's no word on whether NAV-equipped rides will route themselves to the nearest java shop if the pictured message is forced to appear.

[Via CNET]
Read - New Collision Warning from Volvo helps prevent rear-end collisions
Read - Volvo introduces new systems for alerting tired drivers

[Andy @ Aug 29th 2007 8:56AM]

Many of these features are available on the current Volvo S80. It's a shame they have yet to upgrade that antiquated non-touch screen GPS. Current Volvo models equipped with GPS feature three steering column-mounted buttons to enter information into the GPS. My understanding that it won't be until 2009 when Volvo enters the world of touch-screen GPS. Touch screen dramatically reduces the amount of time required to enter destination addresses and navigate deep menus.

[Shoaib @ Aug 29th 2007 10:45AM]

I have a 2005 XC90 with that navigation system and I have to say, once you get a knack for it it is alot easier than many touchscreens like the Alpine one in my Crossfire. Also the Volvo navigation system has a very unique placement that is in my opinion alot safer: it's raised and on top of the dash which allows the driver to glance at it without taking there eyes off of the road, unlike most other were you have to look down to see it.

[Bad Beaver @ Aug 29th 2007 9:14AM]

Hmm, back when I got my license, the theory part would have a question "you're getting tired, what do you do?". Ticking "kick some caffeine" would earn you negatives...

[Evinyatar @ Aug 29th 2007 9:18AM]

That's why it says "Time for a break" rather than "Time for coffee".

[Ladderless @ Aug 29th 2007 9:53AM]

I know it says "time for a break"

What about the picture of coffee?

I bet there are a whole lot of Volvo owners that see that icon, and will have a Pavlovian response, heading for the nearest Starbucks (no doubt only a few yards away...)

[gfar @ Aug 29th 2007 10:46AM]

Duh, that pic is obviously decaff...

[JohnH @ Aug 29th 2007 11:32AM]

What about the picture of coffee?
Someone thought the beer mug wouldn't be a good idea.

[joey @ Aug 29th 2007 10:06AM]

I guess someone at volvo was playing Wii sports and thought hmmmm...

[Scott @ Aug 29th 2007 10:07AM]

I love my S80

[Rainier @ Aug 29th 2007 10:09AM]

As long as it's an icon of a coffee mug, and not a martini glass....

[Samsam @ Aug 29th 2007 10:54AM]

They just assume that you've already had a few already.

[Ty @ Aug 29th 2007 10:30AM]

Am I the only one that would never want these features in a car I drive? I never EVER would want my car to break unless I told it to. Then again, I don't think Volvo offers a manual transmission anymore so they're officially dead to me anyway.

[Salsa Shark @ Aug 29th 2007 2:46PM]

You tell your car to break? What if it refuses and continues to operate despite your best efforts? Do you take a bat to it?

[Ty @ Aug 29th 2007 2:58PM]

You're a funny guy!

[greenlight @ Aug 29th 2007 5:48PM]

Not true, Volvo still sells manual transmissions

[Ty @ Aug 30th 2007 8:34AM]

I stand corrected both grammatically and factually.

[Aeikozz @ Aug 29th 2007 11:03AM]

Time for a break.

Reminder 5 minutes past break!

Reminder 30 Minutes past break!

Now auto shut down of car will begin in 60 seconds.

[jordan / turpentine @ Aug 29th 2007 7:44PM]

that isn't what it does. It only breaks if it thinks you are about to hit something and you don't steer the vehicle or ANYTHING. stop feeling threatened by the swedes good ideas.

[Patrick McCarron @ Aug 29th 2007 11:59AM]

The 04-06 Pontiac GTO (Holden Monaro) has a "Rest Reminder" too. Instead of coffee it shows a picture of a picnic table under a tree.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i110/PMDGTO/IMG_0738.jpg

[Elias C. @ Aug 29th 2007 12:17PM]

That is not necessarily a coffee. It could be any warm beverage. I'm sure the British would take it to mean tea. :) /horrible stereotyping

[nebulus @ Aug 29th 2007 4:50PM]

No your right looks like tea to me!

Hmmm milk and a sugar please.....

(although the handle is on the wrong side of the cup ;)

[JS @ Aug 29th 2007 12:14PM]

Sadly I can't afford any of these vehicles.

[Woody @ Aug 29th 2007 12:31PM]

I hear the next Volvo will come with even more safety and eco features. When you get in, it lectures you:

"You know how dangerous the roads are! And you Americans work too hard anyway. Why don't you stay home with the family and watch "An Inconvenient Truth" again?"

[Jay @ Aug 29th 2007 1:00PM]

most german cars have had this for years....

[Froggy @ Aug 29th 2007 1:16PM]

little coffee inspired messages are fine.

Not sure I'm crazy about the idea of the car breaking for me if I don't "respond to warnings" especially if you're doing some serious maneuvers. maybe that's just me tho.

[Ian Creelman @ Aug 29th 2007 1:59PM]

@ gfar. Hilarious comment. I nearly spit out my lunch.

[Simon Skoog @ Aug 29th 2007 2:04PM]

Maybe it's hot cocoa?

[Mischa Lockton @ Aug 29th 2007 2:12PM]

"Calm down Dave. Why not take a stress pill and think things over."

Just another step towards our terrible HAL and robot controlled future.

Now restraining driver and administering a breve double latte. Your account will be debited.... sounds fine to me!!!

[JuggleNuts @ Aug 29th 2007 2:46PM]

"Drive Alert - Time for road head"

[Sir.Byrd @ Aug 29th 2007 6:46PM]

Am I the only one who has noticed. . . redline at 5,000 rpm???

[LooP @ Aug 30th 2007 12:34AM]

...must be the diesel version

and for all of you that are confused, it's "Brake" to slow down, not "Break" as in destroy something.

[myles @ Aug 29th 2007 8:30PM]

If it sways too much? What if I'm on a curvy road?

[Lars G. Sehested @ Aug 31st 2007 9:01AM]

"The camera, which is installed between the windscreen and the interior rear-view mirror, continuously measures the distance between the car and the road lane markings. The sensors register the car's movements. (...)" - so the car would know that you're on a curvy road and would be able to alert you if you were driving in a straight line instead of following the road.