For Volvo, the biggest change has perhaps been on the outside. Long known as “Swedish bricks”, a change to more rounded and organic shapes took place with the first generation of S80 in the summer of 1998. The base engine in the S80 is a 3.0 l, double-overhead camshaft 6-cylinder (in-line) engine that gives you 235 hp at 6,200 rpm. Thanks to other enhancements such as variable-valve timing and a variable intake system, the torque picture is nice; with the twist factor being 236 lb/ft of a relatively low 3,200 rpm. The interior is warm, well-lighted place. 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.
from www.europeancarsblog.com
