2009 Volvo S40 Will Become a 3-Series Fighter?

German magazine AutoZeitung has published illustrations of what the next 2009 Volvo S40 could look like. There have been rumors that Volvo may kill the S60 model. If that happens the S40 could move slightly upmarket to fill the void left by the S60. This means the car could grow a few inches also. If this happens, the car could switch platforms from the current Ford Focus to the new Ford Mondeo platform.

These illustrations take many design cues from the XC60  SUV Concept that was recently unveiled. If these illustrations are close, the S40 could become a lot sportier than it is now and could become a great alternative to the 3-Series and new Merc C-Class.

Expect the car to come out either at the end of 2008 or early 2009.