PaulM

Here is the press release, RE: Volvo S80. http://www.thegarage.com.au/news_show.php?...t_from=&ucat=3&

Without speculating too much and voiding the Press Embargo, I can assure you there isn't a 5cyl in the line up. There will be an I6 and a V8 with AWD.

Thanks for that Mitch. And if you still don't believe it's a Volvo, you need your eyes checked!

Unfortunately that's not the case. Anyone can actually purchase Euro plates, so it's not really that hard to do. The car isn't actually driven by anyone directly associated with Volvo. The prototype vehicles are driven by people who specialize in the field of prototype testing and it's their obligation not to leave the car in a place that can be seen for extended periods of time. Obviously something they neglected to do when the photo was taken. Prior to releasing vehicles in Australia, overseas manufacturers go to great lengths to test them in harsh Australian conditions, so it's no surprise that it has been via Broken Hill. Either way, I can confirm that it's _not_ a VE Commodore.

Heh, harsh but most probably true...

Just as a side note. The new VE Commodore has a more squared off rear door panel and the rear-light assembly is a dead giveaway that it's a Volvo.

My source of information is quite credible. I know for certain that it's not a VE Commodore, my source actually has direct involvement with prototype testing.

Hi, I had a chat to a friend and showed him this thread. He has confirmed that it's a Volvo (S Series to be more precise). A couple of things that give it away: http://image-cache.skylinesaustralia.com/f...-1138114616.jpg In this photo take note of the seat, then check out this photo of the current S50 ( http://www.volvocars.com.au/NR/rdonlyres/2..._604x314_08.jpg ) they have the same style seats. Then, in this shot: http://image-cache.skylinesaustralia.com/f...-1138114654.jpg You can see that the external mirrors are the same as this: http://www.volvocars.com.au/NR/rdonlyres/1..._604x314_08.jpg And lastly, in that same photo above you can see the bonnet ridges are covered up by the car bra.