Volvo Adds Sportier R-Design Treatment to 2012 S60, XC60
Generally speaking, when Volvo introduces a new R-Design model to its line-up, the changes are mostly cosmetic, but for two of its most popular new models, the factory tuning applies as much to the cars' engines as it does their exterior. Later this summer, Volvo will introduce 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design and 2012 Volvo XC60 R-Design with improved styling and performance. The S60 R-Design will have a starting MSRP of $42,275 while the XC60 R-Design will start at $43,150.
Volvo already offered an R-Design version of the XC60 back in 2010, but the 2012 XC60 R-Design - and the 2012 S60 R-Design - now gets more power under the hood. Based on the same platform, the S60 R-Design and XC60 R-Design both use the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (T6) that puts out 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque compared to 300 hp and 325 lb-ft for the standard engine. Both models will continue to use the six-speed 'Geartronic'? transmission, but Volvo promises faster shift points thanks to reworked internal components. Volvo did not announce acceleration times for the new S60 R-Design and XC60 R-Design, but it will likely be slightly faster than the standard T6 versions of both which can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per in 5.8 seconds and 6.9 seconds, respectively.
Not only will the 2012 S60 R-Design get this more powerful engine, it will take things a step further with improved chassis and suspension tuning to help deliver better handling. To give the S60 R-Design a sportier ride quality that many expect from European sport sedans, Volvo is redesigned the dampers and stiffened up the chassis for more agile cornering abilities. Volvo started out by lowering the S60's suspension by 15 mm and stiffened the spring rate by 15 percent, while the rear dampers now feature a monotube design (instead of twin tube on the standard S60) that are 20 percent stiffer allowing the suspension to react faster. This is all finished off with a strut tower brace under the hood.
Like the S60 T6, the R-Design model will offer all-wheel drive with torque-vectoring Corner Traction Control. This system works in conjunction with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) to further optimize the car's cornering by apply the brakes of the inside wheels at the same time as it sends more power to the outside wheels which Volvo says helps to reduce understeer.
As far as styling goes, Volvo did not release any images of the new 2012 XC60 R-Design, but it did show off the S60's sportier look which definitely complements the added engine power with an equally aggressive exterior styling. More aggressive front and rear fascias give the car more attitude, but the rear view of the car is most distinguishable with its bright dual exhaust outlets, center diffuser and the small decklid spoiler. Exclusive 18-inch, five-spoke wheels add to eye-catching design. Inside, this package adds sport bucket seats wrapped in black leather feature are embossed with the R-Design logo, a sport steering wheel, sport pedals and blue-lit watch dial instrumentation gauges.
When it comes to the 2012 XC60 R-Design, the final product is pretty much unknown at this time, but it will probably feature similar styling changes as the current XC60 3.2 R-Design. The biggest change Volvo made to this R-Design crossover was replacing the matte-finished, grey plastic lower cladding with body-colored panels for a sportier monochromatic look. Silk metal finish trim was also added to the front fog lamp surrounds, upper and lower grille opening, the door mirror housings, rocker panels and the rear fascia. Stylish 18- and 20-inch aluminum wheels should also carry over from the current R-Design to the new T6 model. Many of the changes inside the XC60 R-Design match that of the S60 such as the embossed, sport-bucket seats, the sport pedals and blue-lit watch dial instrumentation gauges.
With that added styling and power comes a higher starting price "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."