Originally Posted by LeftLane News
Volvo today unveiled the 2008 Volvo S40 sedan, which features a revised interior and exterior, as well as a number of performance enhancements and high-tech features.
Volvo will continue to offer seven gasoline engines and three diesel motors for customers to chose from. For the 2008 model year, the S40 T5 gets a bump to 230 horsepower — a 10 hp increase.
Other gasoline engine choices include: 1.6 100 hp, 1.8 125 hp, 1.8F 125 hp (Flexifuel), 2.0 145 hp, 2.4 140 hp, and 2.4i 170 hp. Diesel choices include: 1.6D 109 hp, 2.0D 136 hp, and D5 180 hp.
One change here is that during the second half of 2007 the D5 engine will also be available with a manual gearbox.
Active headlights, Emergency Brake Lights
Now optional on the new S40 are Active Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam in the direction of the road when the driver turns the steering wheel. Meanwhile, Emergency Brake Lights flash rapidly when the driver stamps hard on the brake pedel.
Lastly, the car's hazard warning flashers are automatically activated when the airbags are deployed, a feature that helps attract the attention of other motorists in the event of a single-vehicle accident in the dark, for instance.
New premium audio, MP3 CD, iPod support
The new Premium Sound package has a digital amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark.
In the High Performance and Premium Sound systems it is possible to play CD discs with music in MP3 or WMA format.
What's more, all the audio systems now come with an extra socket (AUX) for connection of other equipment such as a portable MP3 player. USB and iPod-specifc connectors are available as accessories.
Slimmer tail lamps
The lower part of the tail lamp panel on the S40 is 30 millimeters higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now LEDs and the position marker lamps emphasize the car's shoulders.
Revised center console
The S40's slim center console is available in additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme now flows with similar surfaces all the way to the rear seat.
New leather, fabric choices
The sedan's upholstery range has been expanded both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer grained leather. At base level there is a green ‘accent' color fabric with the poetic name of Spring Green.
Freeing up storage space
Volvo's design team concentrated its efforts on two areas: the S40's door sides and the centre stack. The entire lower part of the front door inside panels has been redesigned. The audio system loudspeakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drink can or a water bottle lying down.
