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2008
VOLVO NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE
 Grouped
beneath the corporate umbrella of Ford
Motor Company, Volvo of Sweden shows nine
cars in its 2008 line. In Volvo nomenclature,
S signifies sedans, C represents the coupes/convertibles,
V denotes the five-door wagons and the
XC stands for all-wheel-drive (AWD) outdoor
versatility vehicles. Platforms available
include the SUV 90, mid-size 80 sedans,
70 series wagons or coupes/convertibles
and 60 series sedans. In addition, Volvo
offers its compact-class 50 sports wagons,
40 sports sedans and the new 30 hatchback
coupes.
 S80
Volvo's largest sedan, the S80, is also
the line's most luxurious model. Recast
in 2007 with a larger package and comfortable
five-seat cabin, the S80 offers three
different engine options this year —
a big, 4.4-liter V8 kicking 311 horsepower,
a 3.2-liter in-line-six with 235 horsepower
or the new 3.0-liter, straight-six turbo
worth 285 horsepower. The S80 3.2 employs
front-wheel-drive (FWD) traction, while
the T6 and V8 versions have the Haldex
all-wheel-drive (AWD) system aboard. Occupant
protection is paramount in the S80 with
high-tech gear options like a collision
alarm or the Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS) using cameras to detect concealed
vehicles.
 C30
The newest and smallest vehicle from Volvo
is a slick, hatchback coupe of subcompact
size. The C30 packs a zippy turbo-charged
engine, and offers a cabin with seating
for four plus lots of on-board safety
equipment. Volvo's 2.4-liter five-cylinder
light-pressure turbo engine makes 227
horsepower for the C30. Standard safety
features for the Version 1.0 and Version
2.0 models include six air bags, an anti-lock
brake system (ABS) with electronic brake
distribution (EBD) and Volvo's Dynamic
Stability Traction Control (DSTC). A variety
of available options including 17 paint
choices, bi-xenon headlamps, BLIS cameras
and a Dynaudio audio kit invite driver
customization for each C30.
 C70
The sleek, two-door C70 works as a swoopy
coupe or breezy convertible with a button-easy
conversion from hardtop to drop-top. Extensive
safety systems are aboard the C70, including
innovative inflatable curtain-style air
bags concealed in side doors. The engine
is Volvo's 2.4-liter, five-cylinder light-pressure
turbo boosted to 227 horsepower for all
2008 models. Transmission options include
an automatic five-speed or a manual six-speed.
Real wood lines the center control panel
and console, accenting the leather-wrapped
steering wheel and gearshift knob. Also,
there are improved air vents aboard, along
with a concise, new hand brake design.
 S40
/ V50
Volvo's compact-class cars, the four-door
S40 sports sedan and the five-door V50
wagon, measure smaller than most Volvos.
However, the models contain the performance
and safety hardware that define larger
class vehicles. The entry point model
is the 2.4i with a 2.4-liter plant netting
168 horsepower. The T5 version gets Volvo's
2.5-liter, low-pressure turbo with a power
boost to 227 horsepower for 2008. The
T5 AWD also adds all-wheel grip via Haldex.
For each 2008 S40 and V50 model, there
is multiple equipment packages available,
in addition to BLIS cameras for detection
of blind-spot vehicles.
 S60
The 2008 S60 sedans segment into three
models with the S60 2.5T FWD, S60 2.5T
AWD and S60 T5 FWD. The 2.5T models employ
Volvo's 2.5-liter light-pressure turbo
through a five-speed automatic with optional
Geartronic mode. The T5 stocks a 2.4-liter,
high-pressure turbo tuned to 257 horsepower
with the five-speed Geartronic automatic.
For 2.5T editions, an optional Premium
Package applies the five-speed Geartronic
transmission, along with a rearview mirror
with auto-dimming feature and a built-in
compass. There are also new body paint
colors available including Black Stone
and Maple Red.
 V70
Volvo's mid-size V70 wagons are being
redesigned for 2008 with an emphasize
on passenger safety, particularly that
of children riding in the rear seats.
A newly, reinforced structure surrounding
the passenger compartment uses high strength
steel on flanks to minimize side penetration
from a collision. Additionally, there's
a new type of curtain-style side air bags
available, rigged with two separate chambers
for shielding the hips and the chest during
impact. The powertrains available come
from the S80 and include a 3.2-liter in-line-six
for 235 horsepower. Expect the V70's list
of options to encompass a collision warning
system, the BLIS cameras and active bi-xenon
headlights.
 XC70
Once called the Cross Country, this the
V70 wagon has AWD and the suspension hiked
for travel over non-paved terrain. The
model's structural elements and mechanical
hardware are derived from the V70 with
a new 2008 generational design. Safety
gear available includes Volvo's side impact
protection system (SIPS) with side air
bags, plus new dual-chamber curtain-style
air bags positioned above side windows.
The powertrains compare to those of the
V70. However, the XC70 adds the Haldex
AWD traction system and Volvo's FOUR-C
(Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept)
shock damping with three settings —
comfort, sport and advanced.
 XC90
Built on a mid-size car platform, Volvo's
XC90 SUV is svelte in design and expansive
in size with seating for up to seven.
The SUV is loaded with safety systems,
plus optional AWD traction. The XC90 3.2
totes a 3.2-liter, in-line-six rated at
235 horsepower with a six-speed Geartronic
automatic transmission. The XC90 V8, with
Volvo's 4.4-liter V8, delivers 311 horsepower
and has standard AWD traction. A tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) comes
standard on both edition, while the V8
version also gains new 18-inch Camulus
alloy wheels and Sapeli wood inlays. The
XC90 V8 Sport adds leather seating surfaces
with contrasting trim.
For
more information about Volvo.
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