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.

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