2013 Volvo V40 R-Design news, pictures, and information

Volvo Car Corporation launches V40 R-Design: Dynamic look and agile drive for individualists with a fast pace

R-Design can be combined wîth all engines available for the all-new Volvo V40, from the D2 diesel wîth 115 horsepower and CO2 emissions at 94 g/km (3.6 l/100 km) to the high-performance T5 petrol turbo wîth 254 horsepower.

'Creating a driving experience that fulfils the R-Design buyers´ passion for a fast-paced life is not just about speed and acceleration. Agility and precision are equally important for these performance-minded individuals. Both the standard Dynamic chassis and the optional Sport chassis are designed to offer a class-leading, intense driving experience, no matter if you prioritise maximum fuel-efficiency or rapid acceleration,' says Lex Kerssemakers.

Lower and firmer Sport chassis

The chassis has been developed in cooperation wîth Swedish racing driver Robert Dahlgren in the Volvo Polestar Black R team.

The optional Sport chassis is lowered 10 mm compared wîth the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in responsive driving pleasure wîth full control. The front McPherson struts have 25 mm piston rods. The stiffness enables the structure to absorb lateral loads better.

At the rear the V40 has monotube dampers, featuring compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means that the damper responds more quickly. Anti-roll bars wîth increased diameter also contribute to the sporty drive.

The standard Dynamic chassis' rigid body and low centre of gravity also promote an alert, quick-responding character that focuses on the driving experience, yet without compromising ride comfort.

'The V40 R-Design is agile, responsive and fun to drive. Both chassis offer the enthusiastic driver a feeling of total control. You get both that connected response that makes a winding country road so much fun as well as the precise, nimble moves it takes to stay on top of busy urban traffic,' says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

Driver orientated appeal attracts younger buyers too

The new Volvo V40 R-Design will be available in all markets that sell the Volvo V40. Volvo Car Corporation expects that around 10 percent of all V40 buyers will choose the R-Design version.

'Previous R-Design models have played an important role for increasing our sales and for lowering the age of our customer base. We believe that the new V40 R-Design will give this trend another boost,' says Lex Kerssemakers.