For 1988, Volvo changed the 760, introduced in 1982, in a number of significant ways, hoping to stem the tide of defecting Volvo wonders who, with no expensive Volvo sedan available, showed a tendency to move into 7-series BMW’s and Mercedes 300’s as soon as they could afford them. To this end, Volvo took steps to plant the 760 on the Y-word wish list.
First, the live axle, which had been a Volvo hallmark since there have been Volvo’s, was replaced by an independent arrangement that Volvo describes as “multi-link”. The new underpinnings consisted of a pressed steel sub-frame on which the differential was supported, and to which lateral wishbones were attached. Coil over-shocks struts were mounted on long, beefy looking leading links.
Volvo claimed to have made 2000 detailed changes in the 760, including an excellent ABS system, a twenty one gallon fuel tank, a new automatic temperature control, and a sound system of championship quality.
Outside , the razor edged styling was softened, in front at least, aiding the aerodynamics and bringing the car an inch or two closer to prevailing trends, Inside, ergonomic changes improved the car’s dash.
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