Volvo S60 R

updates give this fastest of Volvos a broader appeal...

What's New
Give yourself a pat on the back if you can tell just by looking at the photo on this page that this the facelifted Volvo S60 R. To the uninitiated, it may look like an S60 with big wheels, but about two years ago, Volvo launched the original S60R to compete against the likes of Audi and BMW.

Without recourse to garish body kits or huge spoilers, Volvo's designers have managed to make its sportiest model look, well, sporty.

From the exterior only its 18-inch alloy wheels which are now a darker shade of matte metallic grey and the liberal application of R badges clue the passer-by that this isn't your father's Volvo.

How it Performs
As with before, the heart of R's anabolic treatment is a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder powerplant that produces 300bhp that drives through all four wheels.

Previously, utilising the engine's full 400Nm of torque meant that you had to opt for the variant with a manual transmission. The five-speed automatic model had to make with 50Nm less to save itself from self-destruction.

With the facelifted R however, Volvo's engineers have bestowed it with a stronger six-speed self-shifting unit that's capable of handling the full monty of torque.

Those familiar with the automatic gearboxes in the S60 models will find that the lever of the R's new auto 'box is a lot smoother to actuate and requires a mere flick of the wrist rather than a muscular forearm to take it from Park to Drive.

The R's other party trick, the Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) suspension continues to pull duty in the latest model. Computers in this active system constantly adjust the suspension on each wheel to keep the car's body level at all times and give it its occupants the sensation that the S60 R is suspended from a hook in the sky giving rise to its technology, 'Skyhook'.

It also allows the driver to choose between three levels of firmness, Comfort, Sport or Advanced with the latter only being suited to a racetrack. We expect though, that most drivers will simply leave it in Comfort as it seems to be adequate enough for almost any application.

How it Stacks Up
With an interior that's significantly upgraded from the rest of the S60 range, you'll always be reminded that you're in a very special car. When put your foot down and its ability to go from 0 to 100kmh in 6.7 seconds leaves removes any lingering doubt.

Technical Specifications

MODEL VOLVO S60 R ENGINE Engine: 2,521cc 20V in-line 5 Max Power: 300bhp at 6,000rpm Max Torque: 400Nm at 1,850rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic TOP SPEED 250 kmh (limited) 0-100km/h 6.7s