With the new Volvo V40 having been launched this week, we thought it timeous to bring you the latest images of the V40 R-Design that’s expected to arrive towards the end of March 2013.
As a refresher, the V40 R-Design package will be available in South Africa on the T5 and D3 models, with 110 kW/350 Nm and 187 kW/350Nm respectively. In addition to the styling tweaks that include unique bumpers, side skirts, silk metal highlights and twin-exhaust pipes, the R-Design suspension has been developed in cooperation with Swedish racing driver Robert Dahlgren from the Volvo Polestar Black R team. R-Design models ride 10 mm lower to the ground, together with stiffer spring and damper rates, which affords a low centre of gravity and improved quicker steering response.
The interior includes a specially designed steering wheel, gear shifter, handbrake and sport pedals. The R-Design is enhanced by a combination of new aluminium inlays together with perforated black leather, matching stitching and a black headliner.
“The Volvo V40 R-Design is designed around the performance-minded individual with a passion for those things that add extra spice to life. The meticulous attention to detail covers the expressive design as well as the agile, precise performance,” says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.
“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.
Volvo expects around 10 percent of all V40 buyers will choose the R-Design version. The V40 T5 R-Design will retail for R397 100, while the V40 D3 R-Design will retail for R363 300.
