Volvo V70, XC70 and XC90 Ocean Race editions surface in Geneva

To automotively rubber-stamp its sponsorship of the aptly named Volvo Ocean Race 2008, the buoyant Swedish manufacturer are taking the branding plunge with special edition V70, XC70 and XC90 models.

North Face-clad, deck-shoe wearing types ahoy then at Geneva today, as the world takes its first gander at the unique Volvo Ocean Race models, brought about through the car-maker's on-going involvement in the round-the-world ocean race, and not too many visits to international boat shows.

Due to berth in UK showrooms in June 2008 – when prices will be announced – a specific ocean blue livery will differentiate the Ocean Race variants from its less nautically-themed Volvo crew in its present range. That said, there is the option of an Electric Silver paint job.

Further exterior chrome detailing, alternative alloys and a new, inclusively-designed Volvo Ocean Race logotype will lend additional aesthetic support to its exclusivity.

All of Volvo's current, powerful, five-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are available in the Ocean Race range, including the 185bhp D5 Turbo-diesel. Volvo can't be accused of going overboard in the soft-furnishings compartment though, illustrative by the fact buyers get the simplistic choice of light beige or black Ocean Race-motif'ed leather and minimal silk-matte aluminium fuss on cabin areas such as the centre console and mats.

Said to 'capture the spirit of an active lifestyle' the Volvo Ocean Race line-up extols many maritime overtures to the would-be buyer. The needlecraft harnassed on the upholstery stitching alone acknowledges the traditional art of sail making, whereas the oscillation of the oceans waves have influenced the design of the alloys.

Again, the raw materials used in mast and rig construction (so that'll be wood then) are loosely interpreted elsewhere in the interior, and should therefore be embraced by those who sport sweaters around the neck regions.

Volvo expect some 9,000 of its Ocean Race models to circumnavigate the globe in terms of the manufacturers shipping forecast, with many set to drop anchor in Japan and the UK, and closer to Volvo's home, Sweden, Finland and Germany are all identified as key markets.