For immediate release
VANCOUVER - April 8, 2002 - Think of it as safety with an attitude.
A sleek, silver Volvo V40 wagon with an aggressive stance and a performance booster shot surprised guests at the Volvo stand at the Vancouver auto show. The specially-equipped 2002 V40 concept expands the appeal of the sporty entry by turning the spotlight on the performance potential that may have been overlooked in Volvo's smallest wagon.
A concept project of Volvo Cars of Canada Limited's marketing department, in cooperation with aftermarket Volvo specialist ipd (International Product Development, Portland Oregon), the V40 with new Sports Package has been given a make-over using readily available parts. The results are subtle but stirring.
The car has been lowered with the use of sport springs, and sits on appealing 17"x7" Mille Miglia rims fitted with 215/45Rx17 Pirelli P7000 Super Sport tires. A front strut brace and rear anti-sway bar contribute to improved handling. The V40 project also gets a performance top-up with the addition of a K&N air filter kit and Volvo sport exhaust which, together, contribute an estimated 10 additional horsepower to the already eager 160 hp, 1.9-litre aluminum 4-cylinder engine with twin-scroll low pressure turbocharging. An upgrade for the engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU), available later this year from ipd, could add an additional 30 hp. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard.
The smooth lines of the V40 benefit from a monochromatic treatment of the exterior. Door handles, bumper inserts, mirror trim and side rub strips are all in body colour. A blacked-out grille with body colour surround, 'eyebrows' over the headlamps and a rear roof spoiler complete the stealth look. Fog lights are included in the V40 Sports Package.
Inside, the sporty seats, new instrument cluster, piano black inlays and leather steering wheel and shifter set the tone for the street, while the tunes for the street come from a 10-disc CD changer and premium audio system. A cooler box is a welcome addition for long road trips on the weekend.
"Wagons are back, and small wagons are a hot part of the market," explains Volvo Cars of Canada marketing manager Larry Futers. "A younger buyer looking for a sporty car with the capacity to take along everything needed for a weekend's fun doesn't have to compromise with the V40. And with a few of the little touches on this car, you can see this small wagon can be both safe and savvy."
The V40 wagon and S40 sedan made their debut in the Canadian market last year with a best-in-class list of standard safety features, including SIPS side impact protection air bags, WHIPS whiplash protection seats, Volvo-pioneered Inflatable Curtain side impact protection and 'smart' dual-stage front airbags. Three-point seat belts and head restraints are standard at all five seating positions. The outer rear seats can be fitted with optional integrated booster seat cushions for children, and the split-folding rear seat back has been designed to withstand forces exerted by the cargo behind it during a collision. The latest generation anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) provide superb stopping power, and the Dynamic Stability Assistance feature is an available option.
Price for the 2002 Volvo V40 starts at $32,495.
Parts on the Volvo V40 project car include:
Sports springs (ipd)
Strut brace (ipd)
Rear anti-sway bar (ipd)
K&N air filter kit (ipd)
Sport exhaust (Volvo) (also from ipd)
Sport grille (ipd)
Headlight 'eyebrow' (ipd)
Rear spoiler (Volvo) (also from ipd)
10-disc CD changer (Volvo) (includes cable and mounting kit)
Cooler box (Volvo) (includes power supply and mounting kit)
Pirelli P7000 tires
Mille Miglia 'Evo' wheels
Note: Some parts may not be compatible with the Volvo Cars of Canada Limited warranty. Owners are urged to research products before purchasing, contact their retailers and make informed decisions.
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Contact:
Lisa Graham
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
(416)490-5834
lgraha11@volvocars.com
Scott Hart
ipd Co. Inc.
1 800 444 6473
scott@ipdusa.com
