Friday, April 13, 2007

2007 Shelby GT500 Red Stripe Package

2007 Shelby GT500 Red Stripe PackagePress Release:
NEW LIMITED-EDITION 2007 FORD SHELBY GT500 OFFERS MUSTANG ENTHUSIASTS A CHANCE TO HIT THE REDLINE
•Production of limited-edition Red Stripe Appearance Package for 2007 Shelby GT500 to begin in May.
Special package includes unique exterior striping and badges, Red and Black leather seating, special interior trim and logos and branded Shelby GT500 car cover.
2007 Ford Shelby GT500 tops in segment quality, says RDA Group research-92 percent of owners would definitely recommend the vehicle to family or friends.
DEARBORN, Mich., April 19, 2007 – Even with demand for the most muscular Mustang ever – the Ford Shelby GT500 – at a record high, Ford is cranking up additional interest with a new, limited-edition package that adds unique visual appeal to the Shelby GT500. Enter the "Red Stripe Appearance Package," to be available beginning in May.
The Ford Shelby GT500 is the most powerful Mustang on the road today and arguably one of the most successful projects from Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in terms of performance, excitement and, importantly, quality.
In fact, early indicators show the Shelby GT500 is a quality standout. In the most recent Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study from RDA Group, an independent research company based in Bloomfield Hills, Mi., the Shelby GT500 earned praise as the highest-quality Mustang model, with the fewest "things gone wrong" in the first three months of ownership.
The Mustang line scores above the segment average in quality, according to the GQRS study, and the Shelby GT500 specifically scored the top result in the "sports car" segment.
"The unmatched quality and power of the latest Mustang masterpiece explains why 9 out of 10 owners are completely satisfied with their overall ownership experience," the April 2007 RDA Group report concluded.
New Limited-Edition Shelby GT500 Package to be Available Beginning in May
The new Red Stripe Appearance Package will be available on any new 2007 Shelby GT500 Coupe with either White or Black exterior paint. Included in the special-edition package are Bright Red overbody and bodyside stripes, a Red and Black leather interior, unique red-accent exterior badges, including red-tinted Cobra emblems in the grille, fenders, and in the faux gas cap on the rear panel. Even the "SHELBY" letters on the decklid feature red accents.
The Red Stripe Appearance Package also adds unique new premium floor mats with a Red and Silver embroidered "Cobra Snake" logo, plus a fitted Shelby GT500-branded car cover.
The appearance package carries an MSRP of $1,650 and will be available from early May through late June, marking the end of the 2007 model run.
"The red package is all about exclusivity," said Robert Parker, Ford's Car Marketing manager. "Our Mustang customers are eager to buy unique vehicles like the Shelby GT500 and will certainly appreciate the opportunity for something even more exclusive, made in an even more limited number. These are great customers and very passionate. I'm glad we can continue to deliver what they want."
Shelby GT500 is among the Most Successful Performance Mustangs Ever
Enthusiasm doesn't begin to describe the ongoing demand for the Ford Shelby GT500. In the hyper-competitive auto market where supply routinely surpasses demand, the Shelby GT500 still has a long waiting list of buyers.
The Shelby GT500 was created by racing legend Carroll Shelby and Ford SVT and is a modern interpretation of the classic Shelby Mustang of the 1960s. Beneath the hood of every GT500 – including the new Red model – is a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine officially rated at 500 hp. A 6-speed manual gearbox features evenly spaced gears that help provide a sharp, lively driving experience on both road and track.
In addition to the engine upgrades, Ford's SVT engineers retuned and upgraded key Mustang chassis components. Improvements include revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars that help the Ford Shelby GT500 maneuver with authority.
The GT500's unique design features include wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional air splitter. On either side, slanting headlamp openings add to the dramatic front appearance. The carefully tailored hood has heat extractors protruding near the leading edge, combining to provide improved airflow and aerodynamics.
The MSRP of a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 starts at $41,675.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
2007 Shelby GT500 Red Stripe Package2007 Shelby GT500 Red Stripe Package2007 Shelby GT500 Red Stripe Package
Source: Ford

RUF CTR 3

RUF CTR 3 Official PhotosRUF CTR 3 Official PhotosRUF CTR 3 Official PhotosRUF CTR 3 Official PhotosRUF CTR 3 Official PhotosRUF CTR 3
Ruf Automobile GmbH
unveiled its latest Porsche-derived supercar in Bahrain. It is based on a modified Porsche 911 platform, while rear lamps are sourced from the Cayman

Technical data
Body
Body build in steel, aluminium and kevlar-carbon. Rollover protection in A-pillar and in birdcage. The birdcage forms a torsion resistant unit with the front chassis by joining to the sill beam and the A pillar.

Front structure: steel, zinc dipped
Safety passenger compartment: steel, zinc dipped
Engine and transmission frame: space frame and birdcage
Front bonnet and doors: aluminium
Body shell: Kevlar-Carbon composite

Engine
Type: turbocharged boxer
Cylinders: 6
Displacement: 3,746 cc / 228.6 in3
Bore: 102 mm / 4.01 in
Stroke: 76.4 mm / 3.01 in
Output: 515 kW (700 hp) at 7,000 rpm
Max. torque: 890 Nm / 656.5 lb-ft
Compression ratio: 9.2 : 1
Engine control unit: Bosch Motronic with OBD-2
Turbo charger: two KKK turbo chargers
Intercooler: two air-air-intercoolers

Transmission
Power delivery: rear wheel drive
Transmission: sequential 6-speed-manual transmission, transversal, angle drive, shift indicator in the instrument panel
Limited slip differential: multi-disc locking differential
Locking value load / deceleration: 40 % / 60 %

Chassis
Front axle: McPherson struts, anti-roll bar
Rear axle: multilink rear axle, anti-roll bar, horizontal coil over shock absorbers
Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion

Brakes
Brake calipers front/rear: 6 piston fixed light alloy calipers
Brake discs front/rear: ventilated and cross drilled ceramic composite discs
Brake disc diameter front/rear: 380 mm / 15 in / 380 mm / 15 in
Anti-lock braking system: Bosch ABS 8.0

Wheels and tyres
Wheels front/rear: 8.5" x 19 / 12.5" x 20
Tyres front/ rear: 255/35 ZR 19 / 335/30 ZR 20

Size and weights
Length: 4,445 mm / 175.0 in
Width: 1,944 mm / 76.5 in
Height : 1,200 mm / 47.2 in
Wheelbase: 2,625 mm / 103.3 in
Front track: 1,506 mm / 59.3 in
Rear track: 1,585 mm / 62.4 in

Empty weight with 6 speed manual transmission
According to DIN: 1,400 kg / 3,086.4 lbs
According to EG-standards: 1,475 kg / 3,251.8 lbs

Performance
Top speed: 375 kph / 235 mph 0-100 kph / 0 – 62 mph: 3.2 sec

Price
Euro 380,000.00 (plus VAT)

Source: RUF

2007 Buick Park Avenue (China)

2007 Buick Park Avenue for China

2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for China2007 Buick Park Avenue for ChinaPress Release:
Hanghai General Motors (Shanghai GM) has introduced the newest member of its Buick lineup, the Park Avenue luxury sedan.
Like the affluent New York City boulevard of the same name, Buick's Park Avenue is trendy and luxurious. With its range of advanced technologies and high-grade amenities, not to mention a stylish design that conveys a sense of power and passion, it is representative of traditional American luxury sedans.
"The Buick Park Avenue is the perfect blend of tranquility and power," said Shanghai GM President Ding Lei. "It shows Buick's ability to move with the times while continuing to leverage GM's global resources and our local knowledge. Designed especially for business leaders and other elites, it is a component of our effort to maintain our leadership position in China by addressing the needs of all of our customers."
The Park Avenue is based on GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture to ensure a premium driving experience. At 5,175 mm in length, 1,899 mm in width and 1,480 mm in height, and with an impressive 3,009-mm wheelbase, the Park Avenue also offers a highly spacious ride.
The Park Avenue 's genuine leather seats are designed to accommodate people of varying sizes with 8-way power adjustment for the front seats. All seats incorporate a massage function. A high-quality entertainment system with LCD panels and an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning system offer the relaxation and comfort that one would expect of a luxury sedan. The Buick Park Avenue 's GPS navigation system contains road information for more than 300 cities in China . The Bluetooth mobile phone system is also available.
Like all Buick products, the Park Avenue offers a high level of safety and peace of mind. It is equipped with the GM Local Area Network (GM-LAN) high-speed communication system, which is based on the top-of-the-line 32-bit 500 kb/second engine control system. With a signal transmission speed approaching real-time, information flow from various sensors is instantaneous, enhancing efficiency and safety. Further enhancing safety are six intelligent air bags for the driver and passengers.
The Park Avenue is powered by GM's smooth yet powerful AlloyTec V-6 engine, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The engine control unit features the latest Bosch E77 32-bit ECM processor. With the Remote Engine Start (RES) function, the driver can start the engine up to 20 minutes in advance within 60 meters distance. The RES function also can adjust the temperature inside the car.
Customers have a choice of two engine displacements. The Park Avenue 's 3.6-liter engine generates maximum output of 187kW (250 hp) @ 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 340 Nm @ 3,200 rpm. Its 2.8-liter engine offers maximum output of 150 kW (201 hp) @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 265 Nm @ 3,000 rpm.
Shanghai GM is offering five Park Avenue variants: the 3.6-liter Flagship, which is priced at RMB 498,800; the 3.6-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 388,800; the 2.8-liter Luxury, which is priced at RMB 458,800; the 2.8-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 368,800; and the 2.8-liter Comfort, which is priced at RMB 328,800.
source: Shanghai GM

Clio Renault Sport Luxe

Clio Renault Sport LuxeClio Renault Sport LuxeClio Renault Sport LuxeClio Renault Sport LuxeClio Renault Sport LuxePRESS RELEASE:
Clio Renault Sport Luxe
Grand refinement in a small sports car
Renault is marketing a version of Clio Renault Sport Luxe to meet demand from customers looking for a vehicle that combines high performance, comfort, refinement, and safety. Clio Renault Sport Luxe boasts standards of performance and charisma on a par with its predecessor Clio Renault Sport. It offers a wide range of equipment like leather upholstery, 17-inch diamond wheels, and chrome external features. Clio Renault Sport Luxe is an outstanding vehicle, due to hit the market in May 2007 in France and Italy, and subsequently other markets with country-specific option packs.
Based on Clio Renault Sport, Clio Renault Sport Luxe offers (depending on the country):

Stylish exterior design
17-inch Be Bop diamond wheels
• Satin-finish, chrome-plated side air extractor vents
• Satin-finish, chrome-plated rearview mirror casing

Equipment that provides comfort and safety
• Climate control
• Rain and light sensor
• Additional cornering lights

A modern, carefully finished, sporty interior
• Leather upholstery with Renault Sport embroidery on headrests
• Central and lateral air vents with satin-finish chrome-plated trim
• Polished night blue dashboard fascia and strip
• Renault Sport floor mats

Clio Renault Sport Luxe comes in two metallic colours (Dark Black and Monako Blue) and two non-metallic colours (Toro Red and Dynamo Blue).
Clio Renault Sport Luxe will be produced at the Renault plant in Dieppe. It will be marketed in France and Italy from May 2007 and subsequently on different markets with country-specific option packs.

Source: Renault

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Startech Dodge Caliber

Startech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge Caliber

Startech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge CaliberStartech-Tuned Dodge CaliberSTARTECH Refines the Dodge Caliber
Sporty Design and Engine Tuning for the CRD Diesel
Tuning 'Made in Germany'
for the Dodge Caliber: STARTECH offers a strikingly styled aerodynamic-enhancement program, and engine tuning for the diesel model.
To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that adds to the compact car's striking design.
The STARTECH front fascia not only visually upgrades the front; it also reduces lift on the front axle.
The sides are given a more homogenous appearance with the STARTECH side body cladding that gives the Dodge Caliber a lower and sleeker appearance.
The rear of the Dodge can also undergo sporty modifications: The custom-tailored STARTECH lift-gate attachment continues the bullish contour of the rear fascia over the entire width of the rear. The rear fascia with stylized tailpipes left and right gives the Caliber a more powerful look. The fascia can be complemented with the STARTECH sport exhaust system. The rear spoiler is attached to the liftgate and stylishly rounds out the STARTECH designer suit.
For the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD with common-rail turbodiesel engine STARTECH offers powerful and reliable power tuning that ups power output by 40 hp / 29.4 kW. The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour, thanks to an included custom wire harness. Like the production models the STARTECH-tuned Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD meets EURO IV emission limits.
With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at just 4,000 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Thus equipped sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds. Top speed of the tuned Caliber diesel model increases to 201 km/h.
STARTECH offers a stainless-steel rear muffler with one oval tailpipe on either side for all engine variants of the Caliber. There are two versions, one to be combined with the STARTECH rear fascia and one for installation in combination with the stock bumper. The exhaust system lends the Caliber not only a more thrilling rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.
STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.
Wheels make a car and STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Dodge Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R 20 tires.
The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models: The STARTECH Lifestyle interior package will go on sale in the near future.
Extravagant highlights can be added with striking STARTECH accessories: Polished aluminum serves as the material of choice for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.
Source: Startech

Audi A5 New S Line Package

Audi A5 S linePRESS RELEASE
Audi A5
S line for even more sportiness

The Audi A5, the brand's powerful and elegant new coupé, can now enjoy even greater dynamism thanks to two striking S line packages from quattro GmbH. Both comprise numerous visually attractive and functional optional extras, which add additional sporty nuances in terms of driveability and design.
To ensure even more agile handling, the S line sports package plus combines a sports suspension (with ride height lowered by 10 millimetres) and 18-inch alloy wheels of 5-spoke design or, alternatively, 19-inch alloys of 20-spoke design. quattro GmbH will add a 20-inch wheel of 7-twin-spoke design to the range in the middle of the year.
In the interior, sports seats with an electrically adjustable lumbar support afford optimal lateral restraint. The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination or in Fine Nappa leather, both of which feature an embossed S line logo. Available for the first time in the Audi A5 is the new perforated Alcantara/leather upholstery, with the perforations in the seat centre section backed in contrasting silver. The otherwise black interior is further enhanced by silver stitching. Other typical S line items in the A5: the S line 3-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel, inlays in matte brushed aluminium and the S line logo on the door sill trims and front wings. Within the sports package, the exclusive body colours Misano Red and Avus Silver can be ordered at the same price as metallic or pearl effect paint finishes.
Characteristic features of the S line exterior package are distinctive front and rear bumpers and side ventilation grilles at the front. The diffuser insert at the rear and the central bar on the lower side of the front bumper are in contrasting platinum grey. Prices: € 2,040 (sports package plus) and € 1,440 (exterior package).

Source: Audi

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Audi R8 by Abt

Abt-Tuned Audi R8Abt-Tuned Audi R8Abt-Tuned Audi R8Abt-Tuned Audi R8The Abt R8: Sports car in perfection
There are cars and dream cars. The latter includes Lamborghini's Gallardo, Ferrari's F430 or Porsche's 911 Turbo. These cars make your heart beat faster and show the perfected magic of speed on the roads. Abt Sportsline's R8 will also be among these outstanding super sports cars and is getting ready to overtake them in the prestige duel.
The design studies already show the first impressions of Abt's sportiest creation – and prove that the Kempten-based tuner manages to perfect an excellent serial model like the Audi R8 to detail and accentuate its racing genes already in the drawing. The front of the Bavarian R8 shows the marked Abt face. Together with the unique and beautiful rear with its four inclined arranged exhaust end pipes, the rear diffuser and the extravagant rear wing, the front of the Abt R8 is part of an overall concept that brings about phenomenal roadholding. The add-on parts of the super sports cars from the Allgäu-region improve downforce and ensure perfect balance of the front and rear axis. This is especially notable in speed ranges reserved for only a few cars. The sideblades which were developed especially for the Abt R8 and the Abt side skirts give the Abt R8 a new and individual design besides aerodynamical advantages. The aerodynamically efficient Abt body kit, which also includes carbon-fibre parts, is a real eye catcher but also shows the state-of-the-art Bavarian precision work. With the ingenious construction, which also includes a carbon-fibre bonnet, not only a maximum reduction in weight is achieved but it also ensures optimized weight distribution of the Abt R8 – the pure presence of the model athlete already shows this.
Technology and design milestones do not only come from Maranello or Sant'Agata-Bolognese but also from Kempten. The Abt R8 will be a gorgeous dream car with the genes of a top-class race car. This special automobile will belong to one of the fastest among the fastest; the Abt R8 will also challenge the Lamborghinis and Porsches. With regards to the anticipated performance data the Bavarians are traditionally discreet. But this data already amazes sports car fans and makes them want to spur the hot-blooded Bavarian horses. 530 HP (390 kW) are to be drawn from the 4.2 litre-V8 thanks to the Abt supercharger. Compared with the serial model which already shows impressive performance data this means an increase of 110 HP (81 kW). The brand new Abt 20-inch BR wheels stylishly transfer this power onto the asphalt. The all-wheel-drive dream car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h. These values are synonymous with magic and this extraordinary super sports car desperately wants to be driven. By means of the Abt suspension which is adjustable in height, pressure and rebound, the performance and driving comfort of the super sports car can be adapted perfectly to the requirements of its driver.
A dream car is becoming reality: In autumn the top-class sports cars will have a new challenger as this is when the almost unrivalled fast and uniquely beautiful Abt Audi R8 becomes available.

Source: Abt Sportsline


Lamborghini Alar Concept - First Photos

Lamborghini Alar Concept - Official PhotosLamborghini Alar Concept - Official PhotosLamborghini Alar Concept - Official PhotosLamborghini Alar Concept - Official Photos source: argentinaautoblog.blogspot.com

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

2008 Volvo S40 & V50

2008 Volvo S40
2008 Volvo S40 2008 Volvo S402008 Volvo S402008 Volvo S402008 Volvo S402008 Volvo S40
2008 Volvo S402008 Volvo S40
2008 Volvo V50
2008 Volvo V502008 Volvo V502008 Volvo V50 2008 Volvo V502008 Volvo V502008 Volvo V502008 Volvo V502008 Volvo V50
Interior Volvo S40 and V50
2008 Volvo S40 & 2008 Volvo V502008 Volvo S40 & 2008 Volvo V502008 Volvo S40 & 2008 Volvo V502008 Volvo S40 & 2008 Volvo V502008 Volvo S40 & 2008 Volvo V50PRESS RELEASE
The new Volvo S40 and V50 - more dynamic looks and liberated storage space
• Increased differentiation between the S40 and V50
• New S40 front with lower, broader stance
• Sportier new grille creates a tougher V50 look
• Slimmer tail lamps and new rear bumper
• Larger and more practical storage space
• New real wood inlay - Nordic Light Oak
• Fresh new Spring Green upholstery
A number of distinctive design cues take the new Volvo S40 a visual step closer to the new S-range look as first shown on the all-new Volvo S80. At the same time, the V50 approaches the new V-range and the all-new V70 without compromising on its original compact and sporty attributes.
"When it comes to the exterior, we're aiming for increased differentiation between the two models. The interior refinements have focused on liberating smart storage space," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.
Starting with the new Volvo S40, the source of the inspiration can be seen clearly when the compact sedan is viewed from the front.
The new colour-coordinated soft nose creates a broader, lower stance thanks to a new grille with a larger Volvo iron mark, new headlamps and a lower air intake that sweeps across the entire front unlike the current model's three-part design.
"The new, lower and more horizontal appearance radiates smooth power. This impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the new tail lamps and the new bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance," says Steve Harper, who has been responsible for the design of the new Volvo S40 and V50.

Sportier V50 grille
The new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark emphasises a sporty language. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are other details that give the new colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased impression of solidity.
"Here, we've created visual vertical elements in order to further emphasise the new grille," says Steve Harper.

Slimmer tail lamps
The lower part of the tail lamp panel on both the Volvo S40 and V50 is 30 millimetres higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the position marker lamps emphasise the car's shoulders.
The new bumper features integrated reflectors in the lower corners and the lower, broader design language is supplemented with the more horizontal lines of the exhaust tailpipe.
"The improved shape and position of the exhaust tailpipes is a good example of how a little extra visual touch can create a highly potent impression," says Steve Harper.

Freeing up storage space
When refining the interior, the design team transformed itself into something of a liberation movement for storage space.
"The criticism of the current models' limited storage space served as high-octane fuel when the time came to sketch the new interior of the Volvo S40 and V50. We weren't entirely satisfied until we felt we had exploited every single available cubic centimetre in an efficient way," relates Steve Harper.
The team concentrated its efforts on two areas: the door sides and the centre stack.
The entire lower part of the front door inside panels was 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 drinks can or a water bottle lying down.
As an added bonus, space was also freed up for an extra Dynaudio loudspeaker (only for Premium Sound), which adds even more spice to the audio experience.

Larger and more intelligent centre console
The already iconic super-slim centre console is available in additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme now flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curvature surfaces all the way to the rear seat.
The storage space between the seats has also been refined with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.
The handbrake has a more compact design, which in turn has freed space for more generous storage capacity.

Sliding cover and flexible armrest
The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by an improved flexible armrest for the driver. This also has a built-in feature that the design team playfully call the "hamburger table".
"We've even utilised the small spaces that are usually simply covered over when they're not housing controls for options or accessories. Now instead, the space has been converted into a handy compartment, for instance for a mobile phone. After all, the phone is not something we should be using while driving, anyway," explains Steve Harper, and adds:
"And on the back of the console there is another little jewel: a flip-up holder for a 1.5-litre bottle within easy reach of passengers in the rear-seat."

New upholstery and green highlight colour
New design details in the instrument panel and air vents also contribute to the interior refinement in the new Volvo S40 and V50.
The 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' colour fabric with the poetic name of Spring Green.
"The green upholstery is entirely in line with the increasing demand for personalised choices by our customers. We started with blue and red upholstery in the new Volvo C30, and now we are introducing green in the new S40 and V50. I'm sure it's going to be very popular," says Steve Harper.
Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars' international car range. Described features might be optional.
Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

The new Volvo S40 and V50 - refined sportiness and increased premium feel
• Closer visual links with the larger Volvo models
• Increasing numbers of younger buyers with high premium demands
• Improved storage
• Enhanced driving pleasure
• New safety features
• Audio system of world class
• One-third of total sales volume
When the current generation of the Volvo S40 and V50 were introduced in 2003, Volvo Cars had its sights firmly set on younger buyers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel.
The new Volvo S40 and new Volvo V50 are making a joint entry onto the market with considerably refined design. A range of new features further sharpens their competitive edge in the hunt for discerning young car buyers.
"When the cars were introduced almost four years ago, we emphasised that they gave buyers the properties of the larger Volvo models but in a more compact format. Now we're taking this approach one step further by increasing the 'grown-up' quality perception even more. At the same time we are accentuating the differences between the two models. The new S40 moves closer to the Volvo S80 while the new V50 is more like the new Volvo V70," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.
Fresh figures from both the US and Europe show that the company's focus on younger target groups has made a significant contribution to sales.

Buyers under 35 years up by more than 20 percent
It's the figures for the USA that are most noteworthy:
• The proportion of Volvo S40 buyers under 35 years of age has increased from 23 percent to 45 percent.
• The proportion of singles has risen by 10 percent, from 30 to 40 percent.
• The overall average age of Volvo S40 customers has dropped by ten years from 50 to 40.
"What is more, the reasons for choosing the S40 are much more emotional than before. Today's buyers speak enthusiastically of its sporty design and driving pleasure. We're also increasingly winning the image and prestige match against our toughest competitors," reveals Fredrik Arp.
In Europe, the proportion of V50 buyers whose main alternative was a premium car such as the large German makes is now touching 47 percent - compared with 24 percent for the previous Volvo V40.
The proportion of customers younger than 44 years has risen by ten percent from 45 to 55 percent. And in Europe too, it is the more emotional reasons for purchase that are gaining ground among Volvo V50 buyers, more of whom are families with children than in the case of the S40.

Improved storage
Both design and technical refinements in the new Volvo S40 and V50 focused on improving the models' already highly appreciated characteristics and on tackling weaknesses identified by customers, for instance when it comes to interior storage space.
"The design team exploited every available cubic centimetre in an intelligent way. The all-new design of the centre console and the door inside panels, for instance, has increased storage capacity and added even greater flexibility to the interior," explains Fredrik Arp.
Sharper driveline range
The driving characteristics are already among the most renowned strengths of the two models.
One new feature is that the T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10 horsepower, giving an output of 230 hp. There are also five other petrol engine versions available, plus a bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant:
• 1.6 100 hp
• 1.8 125 hp
• 1.8F 125 hp (Flexifuel)
• 2.0 145 hp
• 2.4 140 hp
• 2.4i 170 hp
Diesel engines, which account for 55 percent of Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 sales in Europe and 25 percent in total, are available in three versions:
• 1.6D 109 hp
• 2.0D 136 hp
• 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, offering the driver no less than 400 Nm of torque compared with the automatic transmission's 350 Nm. This engine is one of the first to meet the expected Euro 5 European exhaust emission levels.
The E85-powered (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent petrol) Flexifuel variant producing 125 hp is becoming increasingly competitive. The Volvo S40 and V50 Flexifuel are sold in nine European countries and in 2007 account for 8 percent of these models' total sales.

Now with active headlights
When it comes to safety, the new Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 come with several new features:
• Optional Active Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam in the direction of the road when the driver turns the steering wheel.
• 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.
• The brake lights now have the EBL (Emergency Brake Lights) function, which causes them to flash rapidly when the driver stamps hard on the brake pedal, so as to effectively alert traffic behind the car.

Audio system of world class
The new Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 can be specified with an audio system of absolute world class.
The most advanced of the three systems, Premium Sound, 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. This means that the CD changer can store several hundred music tracks and give the owner access to his or her own private home music library even while on the move.
What is 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 connectors are available as accessories.

One-third of total Volvo Cars sales
The sales target for the new Volvo S40 is 75,000 cars per year.
The USA is the largest single market with one-third of total sales, while in 2007 China will advance to second place owing to local production of about 8,000 Volvo S40s. The United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and Sweden are the largest S40 markets in Europe.
The target for the new Volvo V50 is 70,000 cars annually. Here 85 percent of sales are in Europe, with Germany, Sweden, Britain, Italy and the Netherlands being the largest individual markets.
"The Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 not only account for one-third of our total sales volume in 2007; they also play a vital role in reinforcing the Volvo brand. The new models sharpen their competitiveness in every important area and I am convinced that together with the new C30, they will attract even more new and younger buyers," says Fredrik Arp.

Source: Volvo

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