With images of the heaving seas and elegant, minimalist ocean-going yachts, Volvo is launching two special versions of the XC70 and XC90 models to celebrate the staging of the 2008/2009 Volvo Ocean Race.

Honouring a race that will take competitors on an eight-month extreme adventure covering 37,025 nautical miles and visiting ports including Cochin in India, Galway in Ireland and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC70 and XC90 models capture the spirit with materials that echo those used in the magnificent vessels that compete in the event.

"The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making. The aluminium detailing on the mats resemble clews and the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's waves," says Lennart Stegland, President of the Special Vehicles division at Volvo Cars.

The Volvo Ocean Race XC70 embraces 3.2 and 3.2 LE models, as well as D5 and D5 LE, while the XC90 Volvo Ocean Race includes 3.2, D5 and V8 models.

Both models will be offered in a choice of two exclusive Volvo Ocean Race colours: Ocean Blue or Electric Silver.

The Volvo Ocean Race XC90 model uses unique-design, six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels in Silver stone/Diamond cut with Ocean Blue body finish, or Light grey/Diamond cut with Electric Silver finish.

The XC90's bright chrome outer air intake, side window trims and tailgate mouldings are complimented by silver-painted aluminium roof rails, while alloy-look front and rear skid plates emphasize the adventurous nature of the car.

Inside, the XC90 Ocean Race model's leather seats in Soft Beige or Off Black utilise special cross-stitching and are complimented by unique door panels, along with brushed aluminium inlays in the glove compartment, rear tunnel and centre console.

The XC70 Ocean Race features unique 17-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels colour-matched like the XC90 Ocean Race with Ocean Blue or Electric Silver external finish.

Exterior highlights on the XC70 include bright chrome side window trims, silver painted aluminium roof rails and front and rear skid plates.

The XC70 Ocean Race interior also features cross-stitched leather upholstery in Soft Beige or Off Black, unique Ocean Race door panels and tread plate, and a cross-stitched luggage area cover with a brushed aluminium cassette bearing the VOR emblem.

Both XC90 and XC70 Ocean Race models also feature special VOR badging on the front guards.

Note to Editors
The 2008/2009 Volvo Ocean Race is a truly momentous event that challenges competitors over 10 legs circumnavigating the globe, beginning at Alicante in Spain on 4 October 2009 and finishing at St Petersburg in Russia on 27 June 2009.

The event takes place every four years and this year will see seven entries, all crewed by teams of 11 professional sailors face temperatures ranging from minus five, to plus 40 degrees Celsius on their epic voyage.

The gruelling event is rightly known as the Everest of sailing, with the first Volvo Ocean Race taking place in 2001/2002.

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