DetroitAutoShow2011
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Volvo unveils XC60 plug-in hybrid concept, claims it's 'superior to all existing hybrids'
Svelte plug-in hybrids? Practically a dime a dozen. What aren't, however, are their more boxy SUV brethren -- but that hasn't stopped Volvo from creating the concept that lays before you. Beginning with a gutted XC60, the company's fitted a turbocharged gasoline four cylinder good for 280hp up-front, and a 70hp electric motor powering the rear. Combined they produce 350 horses which scuttle the crossover from 0-60MPH in a relatively scant 5.8 seconds. Yet, when not in the mood for outright performance, it can be set to run in "Pure" electric mode via a button press on the dash, enabling hypermilers everywhere to eke out 35 miles of electric motoring from its 12kWh battery pack. After depleting that, it'll take three and a half hours to top up while tethered to 220V, or a seven and a half hours over 110V. Eager to know when the 50MPG, 600 mile range beast makes the jump from concept to reality? So are we, but until we learn more at the Detroit auto show, we've embedded PR alongside a video after the break, and a source link with a bevy of more pictures below.
