The line from Volvo of Sweden for year 2005 consists of models in five alphanumeric orders with new gear accumulating in all classes.

In Volvo classification, S represents a sedan, V signifies a five-door wagon and XC means a four-wheel-drive outdoor versatility vehicle.

Platforms use two-digit numbers to denote size in descending order from the Volvo SUV at 90 to mid-size 80 sedans, 70 and 60 series wagons and sedans plus compact-class 50 sports wagons and 40 sports sedans.

Leading Volvo's fleet is the S80, largest sedan in the line and the most luxurious. There are four trims in 2005, culminating with the S80 T6 Premier flagship series. Body styling was revamped last year with the prow flashing fresh fascia, fog lamps, grille and headlamps with highlights in chrome and dark silver finishes. Active safety tools, designed for an alert driver to guide the S80 away from danger, include quick-action rack and pinion steering and disc brakes connected to anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), traction control (TCS) and optional Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system plus the FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) shock damping.

For powertrains, Volvo presents three choices, each tied to an automatic transmission. S80 2.9 carries an aluminum six-pack that displaces 2.9 liters and produces 194 hp. S80 T6 uses a light-pressure twin turbo six to make 268 hp. Optional AWD traction is available now with the S80 2.5T AWD, which packs a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo for 208 hp. S80 T6 Premier brings a DVD-based video entertainment system with liquid-crystal-display (LCD) color monitors planted in the back of headrests of front buckets. Run-flat tires are the latest option for any S80 trim.

Volvo's mid-size estate wagons include the V70 2.4, 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and T5 variants, along with the V70 R performance wagon. A flexible cabin design makes room for up to seven riders plus cargo. Posh appointments mark the cabin, with power-operated controls and a high caliber of equipment in the mode of European touring sedans.

Entry comes with the V70 2.4 packing a 2.4-liter in-line-five rated at 165 hp and tied to a manual five-speed or optional five-speed electronic automatic. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) V70 2.5T brings a more powerful 2.5-liter light-pressure turbo five for 208 hp through a five-speed automatic with Geartronic shifting -- the same plant that works on V70 2.5T AWD model. A FWD V70 T5 stocks a 2.3-liter five high-pressure turbo with output boosted in 2005 to 257 hp with either the five-speed Geartronic automatic or a manual five-speed. However, the quickest Volvo wagon has to be the V70 R. It has the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine primed with turbo-charger and twin inter-coolers to turn out 300 hp. A six-speed close-ratio manual or five-speed Geartronic automatic go to the R car, which also stocks Volvo's FOUR-C suspension controller and huge disc brakes by Brembo. (CONTINUE...)