Friday, January 4th, 2008
2008 Volvo S80
For Volvo, the biggest change has perhaps been on the outside. Long known as “Swedish bricks” due to the success of the long running 240-series, a change to more rounded and organic shapes took place with the debut of the C70 coupe in 1997, followed by the first generation of S80 in the summer of 1998.
The base engine in the S80 is a three-liter, double-overhead camshaft 6-cylinder (in-line) engine that puts out 235 hp at 6,200 rpm. Thanks to other enhancements such as variable-valve timing and a variable intake system, the torque picture is even better; with the twist factor being 236 lb/ft of a relatively low 3,200 rpm.
The interior is the type of warm, well-lighted place that Hemingway might have approved of. A modern wood inlay has replaced a classic wood inlay for the 2008 model year. In the center is the same floating center console you’d find in corporate cousin, the S40.
