Following hot on the heels of the launch of Volvo’s stunning new S60 models, the Swedish manufacturer has expanded the range with sporty new R-Design variants and a powerful yet fuel efficient T5 model that debut’s Volvo’s all new 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol GTDi powerplant.
The new R-Design models are offered with both the new front wheel drive T5 version and the powerful 3.0-litre six cylinder turbocharged all-wheel-drive T6, combining both aesthetic enhancements and chassis modifications to deliver a sports car feel that matches the car’s appearance.
“The all-new S60 marks the beginning of a new approach to our successful R-Design. We’ve gone one step further this time, with our sights set on creating a cohesive whole, an integrated blend of sporty looks and an exciting drive,” says Paul Welander, Senior Vice President Product Development at Volvo Cars.
“In the R-Design chassis we’ve sharpened the steering, the agility and the solid overall impression still further compared with the dynamic chassis in the all-new S60,” says Welander.
From the outside, the new R-Design S60 models are immediately recognisable thanks to a redesigned front apron that includes a glossy black grille, colour matched body components, larger intakes to the rear diffuser and twin tailpipes and the distinctly sporty five-spoke 18-inch IXION diamond cut alloy wheels.
Inside, the sports theme continues with sports seats with larger bolsters on the squab trimmed in R-Design leather, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, sports leather gearshift lever, sports pedals, and R-Design floor mats, trim inlays and watch-dial instrumentation.
The new R-Design S60 models have undergone much more than simply aesthetic changes, with a raft of modifications to the chassis as well.
Overall, the sports chassis has been lowered by 15mm at the front and rear with the springs having been stiffened by 15 per cent with stiffer anti-roll bars. The rear twin-tube dampers have been replaced with monotube dampers for a quicker response while the bushings that attach the rear dampers to the car’s body have been stiffened by 20 per cent.
A new strut brace has also been added under the bonnet to further improve the car’s rigidity and make the steering feel even more responsive with a distinctive contact with the road.
These chassis modifications are present on both the T6 and new T5 S60 R-Design models providing a sporty drive experience that befits the power and performance of the engines.
While the powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine is already a familiar Volvo S60 powerplant, the all-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the T5 S60 marks the introduction of the first of a new generation of compact GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct injection) powerplants.
With a maximum power output of 177kW at 5500rpm and peak torque of 320Nm across a very broad rev range from 1800rpm to 5000rpm, the compact and lightweight engine produces the performance of a larger engine with the fuel economy of a small four cylinder.
The new all-aluminium 16-valve engine meets the latest Euro 5 emissions standards. The S60 T5 has a combined fuel consumption of 8.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 193g/km. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
In order to achieve such efficiency, Volvo has used advanced technology with a world first turbocharger made of sheet steel rather than cast iron that is the market’s smallest turbocharger in relation to engine output.
This, together with a sheet steel exhaust manifold has helped to both reduce the weight of the engine as well as improve heat control. Alongside the direct fuel injection and variable valve timing for both camshafts, this further boosts the engine’s efficiency. Mated to Volvo’s smooth and effective six-speed dual clutch Powershift transmission, the new engine is a formidable force in the new S60 T5.
With a Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price starting at $51,950, the new S60 T5 model also introduces a new entry price point but at the same time it comes very well equipped sharing its same high standard specification with the mid-range turbodiesel S60 D5 AWD.
Standard equipment includes Electronic Climate Control, cruise control, leather trim, High Performance Sound system, power windows, retractable exterior mirrors and driver’s seat, Bluetooth, rear park assist, rain sensor wipers and17-inch alloy wheels.
As with the entire Volvo S60 range, the T5 is also fitted with an array of standard safety features including City Safety, ABS, DSTC, driver and front passenger front and side airbags and full length side curtain airbags, Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and the latest generation Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), which can now be activated by severe impacts in front of the A-pillar and behind the C-pillar.
The new S60 T5 R-Design is priced from $56,150 while the new top of the range S60 T6 AWD R-Design starts at $69,150.
S60 model range
S60 T5 177kW/320Nm 2.0 4 cyl 6-sp Powershift $51,950
S60 T5 R Design 177kW/320Nm 2.0 4 cyl 6-sp Powershift $56,150
S60 D5 AWD 151kW/420Nm 2.4 5 cyl 6- sp Geartronic $57,950
S60 T6 AWD 224kW/440Nm 3.0 6 cyl 6- sp Geartronic $64,950
S60 T6 AWD R Design 224kW/440Nm 3.0 6 cyl 6-sp Geartronic $69,150
