2013 Volvo V40 R-Design revealed at Paris Motor Show

Volvo have launched the 2013 V40 R-Design at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Featuring some aggressive exterior upgrades and a powerful engine under the hood, the R-Design is certainly looking the part.

The visual promise of a life in the fast lane is confirmed by the driver-centric interior and an intense, agile driving experience with performance up to 254 bhp.

The attention-grabbing exterior has been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car.

The unique R-Design front features a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille with re-profiled front bumper and day running lights. The sporty stance is further enhanced with an ironstone rear diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes. The five-spoke diamond-cut wheels (standard with 17″ or can be upgraded to 18″) complete the stylish, dynamic look. The interior also gains from unique features such as the embossed R-Design leather/T-Tec upholstery, TFT instrument display, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and unique aluminium inlays.

Those wishing to further enhance their vehicle can upgrade to the R-Design Lux which adds additional features, such as embossed full leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights with headlight cleaning system, rain sensor, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.

On top of the Rebel Blue livery, the V40 R-Design buyer has a choice of six other exterior colours.

Prices will be announced in early October with dealers being able to take orders immediately. Customer deliveries are expected to start during January 2013.

The interactive dashboard in the all-new V40 has already had a lot of positive attention, both from media and customers. The possibility to switch between three designs with different configurations and functionality is mirrored in the V40 R-Design – Elegance, Eco and Performance. But here all of the modes come in the same radiant blue colour, unique to the R-Design.

The seats feature a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather, crowned by an embroidered R-Design logo with a blue “R”. Full leather seats are available as an option.

The comfortable, in-command driver environment also includes a specially designed steering wheel, gear-knob, handbrake and sport pedals. The unique R-Design aura is enhanced by a combination of new aluminium inlays with a perforated look, black leather, matching stitching and black headlining.

R-Design can be combined with all engines available for the all-new Volvo V40, from the D2 diesel with 115 bhp and CO2 emissions at 94 g/km, to the high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 254 bhp.

The chassis has been developed in co-operation with Swedish racing driver Robert Dahlgren in the Volvo Polestar Black R team.

The optional Sport chassis is lowered 10 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in a responsive driving pleasure with full control.

The front MacPherson struts have 25 mm piston rods. The stiffness enables the structure to absorb lateral loads better.

At the rear the V40 has mono-tube 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.

Antiroll bars with 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.