Streaking along snaky Skyline Drive, the ridge route high above Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, a powerful S80 T6 sedan, elegant flagship in the fleet of Sweden's Volvo, tracks in a predictable line through so many chicanes.

The aluminum engine sends muscle to the wheels up front with big treads clawing for traction on blacktop around every bend.

Rumples in the erosive pavement won't upset the car's smooth-riding suspension at all because of active chassis management in a new high-tech system that Volvo calls the FOUR-C, for Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept.

That sophisticated device regulates actions for the shock absorber at each wheel through electronic damping that changes as much as 25 times every second, switching from soft to hard to soft again in an effort to isolates the movement of each tire for less bounce, vibration and noise.

It works with a microcomputer tied to various lateral and linear motion sensors to measure the vehicle's straight-line speed and lateral acceleration when turning, plus vertical movements of the wheel in suspension, position of the steering wheel and the amount of braking in force. By constantly monitoring and changing the stiffness of each shock in response to movement of the vehicle, the system ultimately produces a flatter and smoother ride quality with more precise handling traits, regardless of the vehicle's speed or its on-board load.

Think of it as yet another layer of safety at work on this top-of-the-line Volvo. The FOUR-C equipment, connected through sensors to a Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system, becomes the latest option on '04 editions of the S80.

Volvo rolled out the S80 five years ago built on the adaptable P2 platform with curvaceous styling surrounding a luxurious cabin trimmed in leather and fit for five, a powertrain naturally aspirated or turbocharged and some of the most advanced automotive safety systems on the planet.

New issues for 2004 represent the next step in the car's development as a fresh shape for the package hones it to a sleek expression of Scandinavian design. In front, the three-dimensional prow flashes new fascia, foglamps, grille and headlamp clusters with highlights gleaming in chrome and dark silver finishes.

At the tail, the trunk deck has been reshaped in single-piece construction and rear lamps pared in scale with brake lamps switching to light-emitting-diode (LED) technology. LED lamps appear brighter than incandescent bulbs and light up twice as quickly. Changes in the cabin relate to revamped instruments, fresh materials and optional trimmings in aluminum or wood.

Power controls all functions for movement of front seats, doors, windows and mirrors, which have interior heat elements. Also, extensive security measures apply — perimeter lighting, a programmable remote alarm and electronic engine immobilizer.

The protective systems for safety on S80 begin with a stiff core superstructure of high-strength steel ringing the passenger compartment. The framework features front and rear crush zones designed to dissipate impact forces of a collision and deflect them away from the cabin, as reinforcement bracing for side doors and supportive roof pillars lessen penetration from side intrusions.

Next line of defense for an accident scenario is the intricate system of air bags that further absorb crash forces. For the driver and front passenger, frontal air bags shield against a head-on impact and seat-mounted side air bags are on hand to cushion for a side crash. Further, tubular air bags concealed in the ceiling extend for the length of front and rear doors to protect heads of riders in front and rear seats from a side strike or roll-over.

To check whiplash during a rear impact, front seatbacks instantly move rearward to pare the acceleration forces inflicted on a passenger's back and neck.

Active safety tools, designed for use by an alert driver to move the S80 away from imminent danger, include quick-action rack and pinion steering system now using a steering gear from ZF of Germany for more direct feel in the steering response.

Disc brakes connect to anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, traction control and the optional DSTC equipment plus FOUR-C shock damping.

Push this Volvo down a wiggly trail, like the tortuously curvy Skyline Drive, and it remains rooted to pavement with the body maintaining a level stance — there's little lateral lean noted during turning maneuvers and seemingly no nose dive when standing on brakes hard nor a tail dip prompted by sudden acceleration.

Driving the S80 with so many handling systems and safety measures aboard brings peace of mind derived from the knowledge that you're steering a vehicle with so many protective features.

For powertrains, Volvo creates two impressive in-line-six engine options. The S80 2.9 carries an aluminum six-pack that displaces 2.9 liters. It's naturally-aspirated and produces 194 hp at 5200 rpm plus 207 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm.

The S80 T6 uses a light-pressure twin turbo to achieve high torque at relatively low engine speed without the typical annoying turbo lag. It makes 268 hp at 5200 rpm with a torque curve that's flat at 280 lb-ft between 1800 rpm and 5000 rpm.

Electronic automatic transmissions employ adaptive gear shift patterns to nix the need for separate economy and sport modes.

A Geartronic add-on mode permits shift-it-yourself maneuvers by throwing the gear lever left through a gate, then pushing it forward to bump up a gear or pulling back to drop down a gear.

Volvo spawns a new top trim for 2004 editions of S80 with the T6 Premier. It contains a DVD-based video entertainment system designed for viewers in rear seats with a DVD player in the center console and two liquid-crystal-display color monitors planted in the back of headrests of front buckets.

There are three packages of optional gear — a premium package for T6 and Premier with leather seats and a power moonroof, a climate package for the 2.9 with heated front seats and rainsensor windshield wipers, and a warm weather package with power rear window sunscreen, rear door sunscreens and infrared reflective windshield. And stand-alone options extend to bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, Volvo On-Call Plus telematics and a DVD-based navigation system.

Click here for more information on the Volvo S80.
For the Volvo 2004 Model Guide : Click Here