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The story of Volvo's incredible transformation into a true luxury brandhttps://www.businessinsider.in/the-story-of-volvos-incredible-transformation-into-a-true-luxury-brand/-being-replaced-by-the-2017-s90-hello-new-big-volvo/slidelist/58757972.cms2017-05-20T02:27:12+05:30

The story of Volvo's incredible transformation into a true luxury brand

May 20, 2017, 02:27 IST

... being replaced by the 2017 S90. Hello, new big Volvo!

The Gen-2 S80 would be Volvo's flagship sedan for the next decade before ...

... when it was replaced by the second generation S80.

After Ford's acquisition of Volvo in 1999, the company launched the first generation S80 sedan to replace the aging 960/S90. This model would sit atop Volvo's lineup until 2006 ...

In 1998, the 960 was rebranded the S90. It would the last time the "S90" moniker would be used — until now.

The 960 wagon continued Volvo's success with boxy family carriers.

The 960 debuted with Volvo's new 3.0-liter, inline-6-cylinder engine. The 960 would serve the higher end of Volvo's customer base, while the more athletic 850 served a younger, more trendy set of buyers.

In 1990, the 760 was replaced by the 960.

... and an icon for its safety. That'll buff right out!

At the same time, the 760 wagon became a staple of American suburbia ...

Just take a look at the 760's interior! Not a curve in sight!

The wagon variant is one of the ultimate expressions of boxy attractiveness.

The 760's boxy-yet-angular design would define the Volvo look of the 1980s.

In 1982, Volvo unleashed the 760 GLE.

The 264 TE even featured three-row seating.

There was even a limousine version called the 264 TE.

Check out that brown velour! Pure 1970s cool!

The 264 GLE was based on the more utilitarian 240. The 264 featured a more plush interior and a 2.7-liter, V6 engine.

In 1974, Volvo replaced the 164 with the 264. The 264 marked the introduction of the long-running Peugeot-, Renault- and Volvo-developed PRV V6 engine.

The most significant upscale offering was the available leather interior.

The 164 was also Volvo's first 6-cylinder-powered sedan since the PV60. It was powered by a 175hp, 3.0-liter, inline 6.

After the PV60 ceased production in 1950, Volvo took a break from offering a luxurious executive sedan until the 164 arrived in 1968.

In fact, the PV60 was so solid that 500 of the cars were turned into delivery vans or light trucks.

The PV60 offered customers a solid yet comfortable experience. Pretty much what you'd expect from a Volvo.

After World War II, Volvo returned with the PV60 in 1946. Although the car's styling lagged behind the latest post-war trends in the US, the car proved to be popular.

Volvo built a total of 501 Cariocas, powered by the same 3.6- liter, 6-cylinder found in the PV654. Volvo claimed a top speed of 75 mph.

In 1935, Volvo followed up with the sleek PV36 "Carioca." In addition to the aerodynamic body, the Carioca featured advanced independent front suspension and room for six.

Although Volvo's foray into the car business started in the mid 1920s, its first offering with a luxury tilt was the PV 654 in 1933. It featured an upgraded, plush interior, twin spare tires and a reversing light. It was powered by an 80-84 horsepower 3.67-liter, 6-cylinder engine.

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