While it’s probably a title that Volvo doesn’t want to get rid of, the car brand known for being one of the safest in the world is taking a step in a new direction with a pretty good aesthetic and performance upgrade for the S60.
Under its performance line, R-Design, the Swedish automaker gave their resident sedan a welcome change on both its looks and engine output. Together with the XC60 R-Design, the S60 R-Design made its debut at the New York Auto Show and is set to go on sale later this summer.
"The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.
"Along with styling and suspension features that set them apart from other versions, our two newest R-Design models will have a higher ’fun-to-drive’ quotient. I see that as a positive thing, and so will car buyers."
You don’t need to convince us that the S60 R-Design just became a more interesting flagship sedan. How that translates to sales will be another matter, but the early returns are looking very promising.
Details on the Volvo S60 R-Design after the jump.
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Volvo is offering its American customers a cheaper entry level model for the S60 line-up. It’s called the T5 and is priced at only $30,795, which is $450 less than the previous base model and $7,000 more affordable compared to the initial top version.
This new version will be powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 250HP and 266 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six speed automatic transmission. It comes equipped with memory, power folding rear head restraints, front and rear sport seats, a leather steering wheel with metal inlays, dual-zone air conditioning, an infotainment and 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, T-Tec textile upholstery, and 17-inch alloys.
Hit the jump to read more about the Volvo S60 T5.
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In the glorious country that is the United States of America, we have an interesting and ineffective way of naming our favorite vehicles. It seems every magazine - and sometimes states - gets to name their favorite car of the year. While this can be great for the automaker’s advertising, it can confuse the public just a tad. What car is better here, the winner of Magazine A or Magazine B?
In Europe, things go a bit smoother. Seven different publications from seven different countries pick what they think is the best car of the year. It takes a few months, but in the end you get one winner, which was the Opel Insignia last year.
The finalists for this year came down to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Renault/Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max, Nissan Leaf, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva, and Volvo S60/V60.
If those are the choices, we choose the Alfa. The Volvo puts up a strong case, but nothing compares to that Italian soul and passion. Despite our pick, we doubt the jurors will feel the same.
So which vehicle do you think deserves to be Car of the Year? Hit us up in the comments section below.
Apparently no one wants to share the spotlight during the Paris Auto Show because many automakers have decided to spill the beans about the vehicles they will be debuting just a week before the actual event. Volvo is no different as they have just revealed details on an R-Design package for both their S60 and V60 models. Both models will go on sale in the autumn of 2010, with the US market only getting the S60 R-Design.
The R-Design models will be distinguished by a redesigned front with a grille painted in glossy piano black, color-matched body components, details in matte special finish, and a hexagonal pattern that is repeated both front and rear. The sedan will also get twin exhaust tailpipes and unique five-spoke 18-inch Diamond cut wheels. Both models will be painted in Passion Red. The interior will get sports seats, special leather/textile upholstery, special steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals, and floor-mats.
As for the technical details, the R-Design models will get a strut brace under the bonnet, monotube dampers, the shortened (by 15mm) front and rear springs, and a new Corner Traction Control system.
Under the hood Volvo will place a range of petrol and diesel engines, starting with an economical DRIVe version producing 115 HP and going up to a high-performance turbo version with 304 HP.
Press release after the jump.
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After Heico Sportiv unveiled the official details on their new tuning kit for the S60 sedan, Volvo has followed right behind with their own special edition that they have developed in collaboration with that same tuner. Together they have produced the S60 T6 Design that will be built in a limited 100 units and priced at €63,968 (around $81,000 at the current exchange rates).
This special edition will come painted in Black Sapphire metallic, and distinguished by 19-inch Diamond cut alloys with Pirelli tyres, a two-part front spoiler, and a rear diffuser bumper made of superlight plastic and carbon fiber. The interior will get an aluminum trimmed gear knob and pedals along with a limited edition plate which identifies the specific production number of the car.
Under the hood the engine has been tuned to deliver 330 Hp and 460 NM of torque. The 0 to 60 mph sprint is now made in 5.8 seconds, while top speed is still electronically limited to 155 mph.
Frankly, the two kits are similar so the customer’s best bet would be to just compare prices and go with the cheapest. Hey, it pays to be frugal.
Press release after the jump.
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