Volvo, 940/960 Little Known Facts
- The 940 was initially intended to be a replacement for the 700 series but ended up being a larger car: The Volvo 940 was launched in 1990 and was designed to be a more spacious and feature-rich alternative to the 700 series, which it ultimately replaced.
- Volvo 940 GLT used a turbocharged engine not available in other models: In some markets, a high-performance variant of the Volvo 940, known as the GLT (Gasoline Low Torque), was produced with a turbocharged engine that delivered 175 horsepower.
- The 960 had a more aerodynamic design than the 940: The 1993 facelift of the 940 resulted in the creation of the 960 model, which featured a revised front and rear end, giving it improved aerodynamics and better fuel efficiency.
- Unique to some markets was a Volvo 940 Estate with a liftgate: In certain countries, such as Sweden, there existed an estate version of the 940 that came equipped with a unique "liftgate" style boot door for easier access to the cargo area.
- Volvo's safety innovations were first introduced in the 940 series: The Volvo 940 was one of the first production cars to feature advanced safety innovations like the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which aimed at reducing injury from side impacts and whiplash.
- In 1994, a turbocharged version of the 960 with a 175 horsepower engine was introduced: This model was designed to compete directly with high-performance cars of its time, offering excellent power-to-weight ratio and responsive handling.
- Volvo 940 GLT had a sporty interior design: The high-performance variant of the Volvo 940 came with distinctive interior trim that differentiated it from standard models, making it appealing to those seeking a more premium driving experience within the Volvo family.
- The 960 was part of Volvo's "Safety and Speed" marketing campaign: Volvo's focus on safety combined with performance was highlighted in its advertising for the 960 model, emphasizing the brand's commitment to safety while also offering an exciting driving experience.
- Volvo 940 GLT engine shared a similar configuration with some racing cars: The turbocharged engine of the GLT variant featured components and technology inspired by those used in motorsports, contributing to its exceptional performance capabilities.
- The Volvo 940 was one of the first production cars to use side airbags: In addition to SIPS and WHIPS, certain variants of the Volvo 940 also came equipped with side airbags, further enhancing passenger protection and comfort.
- Volvo's Geartronic transmission was introduced in some 940 models: An automatic transmission system known as Geartronic was first used in some versions of the 940, offering improved fuel efficiency and smooth shifting characteristics without the need for a traditional clutch pedal.
- Some markets had a Volvo 940 with an all-wheel drive system based on the S70's setup: In certain regions, there existed an all-wheel-drive version of the Volvo 940 that utilized technology similar to that in the S70 model, enhancing grip and stability on varied road surfaces.
- The 960 featured a unique 'aero-pack' for better fuel efficiency: The facelifted 1993 design of the 960 included subtle changes aimed at reducing drag, including the aerodynamically designed bumpers and air dams that helped to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
- Volvo 940 GLT engines were produced with a unique engine management system: A special electronic control unit was developed for the turbocharged engines in high-performance variants of the Volvo 940, managing the boost pressure and optimizing performance without compromising reliability or driveability.
- The final years of production for the Volvo 940 saw it fitted with a more advanced version of SIPS: As technology improved, the side impact protection system used in the later models of the 940 was refined to be even more effective at protecting occupants during impacts from the sides.
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