All New Volvo Models Now Have A 112mph Top Speed Limiter
If you buy any new Volvo, you won’t be able to drive it over 112mph. Having announced its intention to introduce a 180kmh electronic speed limiter last year, the Swedish company has confirmed that all its models now include the cap.
In addition to the new electronically-imposed top speed, every Volvo is now supplied with a ‘Care Key’. This lets you set even lower limits, just in case you have self-control issues, or are perhaps going to lend the car to someone less experienced. And/or untrustworthy.
Is the imposed limit - much lower than the industry’s de rigueur 155mph buffers - actually an issue? Probably not. Even Volvo’s sportier models like the V60 T8 Engineered by Polestar don’t exactly lend themselves to track work or Vmax-style airfield runs, and unless you’re driving on a de-restricted chunk of German autobahn, hitting that 112mph limiter is probably going to involve illegal speeds.
Volvo’s move pre-empts new EU legislation which will see all new cars fitted with mandatory speed limiters from 2022, with pre-existing models complying by 2024. Unlike Volvo’s new 112mph cap, these will adapt to the speed limit of whichever road the car is driving on, with drivers given the ability to override them.
In a press release, Volvo said of its new top speed limiters:
“The top speed limit has proven to be controversial since it was announced, with some observers questioning the rights of car makers to impose such limitations through available technology.
Yet Volvo Cars believes it has an obligation to continue its tradition of being a pioneer in the discussion around the rights and obligations of car makers to take action that can ultimately save lives, even if this means losing potential customers.
The problem with speeding is that above certain speeds, in-car safety technology and smart infrastructure design are no longer enough to avoid severe injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident.”
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
The big worry I have with limiters that rely on GPS info and what not to set the speed limits is that they aren’t always right.
I went to Holland last year in a VW Arteon that had an emergency function to slow the car down if it thinks your approaching a roundabout too quickly. Good idea in theory…. Trouble was this was a motorway and the roundabout that the car thought was there wasn’t. Going from 80 to 50 mph uncomanded and with the throttle not responding for at least a few seconds was properly scary. Thank god there wasn’t anybody directly behind me, could have been a horrible mess.
I defo think in the short term there are gonna be more accidents as a result of this stuff being mainstream
“Thank god there wasn’t anybody directly behind me, could have been a horrible mess.”
I’m presuming you could have been rear-ended by any following traffic if there HAD been someone directly behind you at the time?
automated system that direct-link the gps into the computer is a bad idea. a warning/chime sounds is better than that
This is a marketing ploy, virtue signaling safety.
why my old car is still relevant in this wild new world
Facts! Vw cant even get the golf launched because of software issues. too much computerization.
One of the key reasons why manufacturers set the 155mph limit was because that’s the limit of what certain components in the car can safely manage. So, with the 112mph limiter, would that mean Volvo are able to cut cost, using worse quality materials, and sell for cheaper?
Interesting..
the first step to tune this car would be: “How to yeet the speed limiter without making the computer angery”
so when cars can only go 180kmh then why make a sportier model? my old c180 could do that with more mpg than all these fancy 200+hp cars for non car enthusiasts… if i wouldnt like cars and i could only go 180kmh anyway i would go for the cheapest option with the least fuel consumption. maybe its just me
What a bunch on f..king nonsens. In Denmark VOLVO owner is in top 4 of speed tickets so they must be mad haha. Swedish political correctness when it is worst. Never liked volvo (chinese sellout company)…
So, there ya are. Ya’ve just shown up outside your blind date’s flat. Good news! Her mum or dad hasn’t yet spied you parking your new Communist Party run-about.
Your date answers the door - “what a knockout she is” you say to yourself. Then, her face starts to turn ashen and disappointed… (Oh my, what has happened?) She has noticed your ride; She starts to ask you questions: “Why did ya buy a car from the very people/country that gave us all a 2-month break indoors; and caused the Economy to drop off with severe repercussions” She inquires.
You, are speechless; but meekly reply: “this bloke I know gave me a great deal luv, why don’t ya like the Chinese Communist’s Party new motoring Brand??”
Synopsis: No shagging allowed w/out a proper motor for dogging in!
Volvo truck garages will make a mint coding the limiters out!
Goodbye Volvo. Love your design but a car that can’t do 200 is the most no go of no gos for me. Greetings from Germany 🖐