Autoblog

Click above for a high resolution image of the C30 D-Design package

Volvo gave its C30 hatchback a pretty aggressive look when it introduced the R-Design package, but unfortunately none of that sportiness made its way beneath the hood. Adding some show to the go, Volvo has reportedly created a C30 prototype fitted with a turbocharged inline-5 pumping out 350 horsepower using the Ford Focus RS engine block as a base. Best of all, it would be able fully put down all that power combined with Volvo's AWD system, unlike the FWD system on the Focus RS. Unfortunately, Volvo has no current plans to bring the car to production, and with high gas prices and upcoming fuel consumption regulations, it would be tough to convince them otherwise.

[Source: MotorAuthority.com]

click above for more pics of the 2008 Volvo C30 R-Design

Volvo has just announced a the C30 R-Design trim for its newest model. The package is comprised of only exterior and interior mods, so no additional go fast parts have been added to either the turbocharged 5-cylinder engine or suspension. What buyers will get is a few matte-silver finished pieces on the outside, including the side view mirrors, grille surround and Volvo's trademark grille "strap", as well as an R-Design badge on the grille. The C30 R-Design also gets the sport body kit, a tailgate spoiler, 18-inch Atreus wheels, larger diameter exhaust tips and your choice of Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey, Orinoco Blue or Passion Red paint.

The interior is gussied up with a new finish for the center console, seats upholstered in off-black Flex-tech and creme-colored leather, blue-face gauges, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminum inlays that bear the R-Design logo.

Though it will be the top-of-the-line C30, the R-Design model is still a C30 and will therefore still have plenty of options to push its yet-to-be-determined price even higher. These include a 5-speed Geartronic transmission, DVD-based navigation system, even better Serapis alloy wheels and plenty else. What's more, only 400 R-Design models will be sold in the U.S., which is just about one for every Volvo dealer in the country. Considering that C-30 sales have cooled off considerably since Volvo moved 811 units of its new hatch last September (it's first full month on sale), it will probably take at least two months for the limited edition C30 R-Design to sell out, if not more.

[Source: Volvo]