2007 S40i, 2007 V50 T5 factory aluminum skid plate?

[gobies]

Volvo lists an aluminum skid plate for the 2008+ V50 and S40, but not for the 2007 and earlier models.
Anyone what differences there are between the 2007 and 2008 models that would prevent fitting them to 2007 models? Volvo dealer locally has been no help, missing out on $500 parts purchase . These cars are FWD not AWD. The factory plastic splash pan seems to be identical for 2007 and 2008 models. AWD pan differs from FWD. Thanks for any insight.

[MadeInJapan]

There was discussion regarding this over on swedespeed. Evidently the '08 plate will fit although IPD has them on sale right now for much less. There is an issue with IPD's though- where you are most likely to hit something is where they have a cut-out for their logo and that means that these holes will weaken the metal there as well as let debris in. I too am looking for a good skid plate. I have an '07 S40 but mine is AWD and manual transmission.

[gobies]

Update:
As two dealerships were uncooperative about ordering the 2008 skidplate for 2007 vehicles, and because Ipd lowered their prices, Ipd skid plates were installed. I've read the Swedespeed threads on reinforcing the Ipd skid plate. The Ipd plate looks like they drilled holes in it to save weight like go-faster Swiss-cheesed brake/clutch/accelerator pedals.
I installed the factory aluminum skid plate on my 2005 Xc90 T5 AWD.
Still plan on fitting a factory skid plate to the V50, probably when suspension is upgraded. The Swedespeed instructions and photos are pretty persuasive about the strengthening mods, but the factory skid plate covers the drivetrain more thoroughly to begin with.

[MadeInJapan]

I also installed the IPD skidplate on my '07 S40. So far when it scrapes something it's nowhere near the lettering. I'm satisfied! Just run the bolts on the front backwards from their instructions- otherwise, it's a royal pain every time you take it off and on!!