Volvo introduced today, ahead of 2012 Paris Motor Show the all-new V40 R-Design, a sporty version of the recently introduced hatchback. As you can see from the photos, the V40 R-Design comes with exterior styling changes over the standard V40, which contribute to a more aggressive appearance. The exterior changes include a new front bumper with redesigned fog lights, a new front grille, a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust system and air diffuser and a new set of diamond cut wheels available in 17 or 18-inch diameters. The car presented in the photos is in a Rebel Blue livery, but the V40 R-Design buyer has a choice of six other exterior colours. The chassis of the car has been developed in co-operation with Swedish racing driver Robert Dahlgren in the Volvo Polestar Black R team.
Volvo says that the car is available with an optional sport chassis which is lowered by 10 mm compared with the dynamic chassis. Inside, the new V40 R-Design comes with a brand new steering wheel, a new gear knob, handbrake lever and a new set of aluminum pedals. The seats feature blue embroidered R-Design logos and are available in either full leather or black Nubuck textile and leather.
Furthermore, the interior features aluminum inlays that offset the predominantly black interior colour scheme. Under the hood, the car can be equipped with the powerful T5 petrol engine delivering 254 hp but this is not the only engine available to the V40 R-Design, as the Swedish manufacturer promises to offer all the engines available for the all-new Volvo V40. This means that the car can even be equipped with the D2 diesel with 115 horsepower and CO2 emissions at 94 g/km. Prices will be announced in early October and the dealers will be able to take orders immediately. Deliveries are set to start in January 2013.
