[Laurentiu]

GOTHENBURG (Sweden): Volvo Cars will be unveiling the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid - a virtually production -ready Volvo V60.

The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in the market in 2012, is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

The concept of a plug-in diesel hybrid gives the driver the very best of what an electric and diesel car can offer: very low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.

The 2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid promises a fuel economy of 1.9 L/100 km (123.8 mpg US or 149 mpg Imperial) with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km.

Volvo says the car can be driven on diesel power alone, as a diesel-electric hybrid, or as an electric-only car - technology that no other manufacturer can currently offer.

By simply pressing a button, the car gives the driver the option of how they want to drive:

-An electric car with a range of up to 50km.

-A high-efficiency hybrid with carbon dioxide emissions averaging just 49 g/km.

-A dynamic and engaging car with a combined output of 215 + 70 horsepower, 440 + 200 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0 to 100kph of just 6.9 seconds.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm.

The rear axle features ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission. It will be showcased at the Geneva motor show.

The driver chooses the preferred driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel: Pure, Hybrid and Power. The interaction between diesel and electric power is handled via a control system.

"The technology is still undergoing development and testing, however, the car already points very clearly to what our customers can expect when the plug-in hybrid enters showrooms next year," said Volvo Cars president and CEO Stefan Jacoby.

"What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology that allows the driver to choose: zero emissions, high-efficiency hybrid or full-on performance. Just select the mode that suits best."

1.9l/100km on a car this size...that certainly makes me drool