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**Volvo 850**
The Volvo 850 is a mid-size luxury car that was produced by Volvo from 1991 to 1997. It was the first Volvo to be built on the company's new P2 platform, and it was available in sedan, wagon, and hatchback body styles. The 850 was powered by a variety of inline-five and inline-six engines, and it was offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The 850 was a critical and commercial success for Volvo. It was praised for its safety, performance, and handling, and it helped to establish Volvo as a leading manufacturer of luxury cars. The 850 was also a popular choice for law enforcement and emergency services, and it was used by a number of police departments and ambulance services around the world.
**Design**
The Volvo 850 was designed by Peter Horbury, who was also responsible for the design of the Volvo 700 series and the Volvo C70. The 850 featured a sleek and modern design, with a long hood, a short deck, and a steeply raked windshield. The car's exterior was characterized by its clean lines and its lack of unnecessary ornamentation.
The 850's interior was spacious and well-appointed, with a focus on comfort and ergonomics. The car's seats were supportive and adjustable, and the dashboard was laid out in a logical and easy-to-use manner. The 850 also featured a number of innovative features, such as a center console that could be folded down to create a work surface, and a rear seat that could be folded down to increase cargo space.
**Powertrain**
The Volvo 850 was powered by a variety of inline-five and inline-six engines. The inline-five engines were available in 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter displacements, and they produced between 125 and 170 horsepower. The inline-six engines were available in 2.9-liter and 3.0-liter displacements, and they produced between 200 and 250 horsepower.
The 850 was offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive models were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive models were equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
**Suspension and Handling**
The Volvo 850 featured a four-wheel independent suspension system, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The car's suspension was tuned for a comfortable ride, and it provided excellent handling and stability. The 850 also featured a number of advanced safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control.
**Legacy**
The Volvo 850 was a significant car for Volvo. It was the first Volvo to be built on the company's new P2 platform, and it helped to establish Volvo as a leading manufacturer of luxury cars. The 850 was also a popular choice for law enforcement and emergency services, and it was used by a number of police departments and ambulance services around the world. The 850 was discontinued in 1997, but it remains a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts today.
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