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New York 2011: Volvo gives S60 R-Design more power

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Khatir Soltani
At the 2011 New York International Auto Show, Volvo shed some extra light on the newly-updated S60 R-Design sports sedan, which will get significant horsepower and torque increases when it goes on sale at $50,325 late this summer.

The R-Design package boosts the T6 engine's output to 325 horsepower (+25) and torque to 354 lb-ft (+29) at 3,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed Geartronic autobox with sport mode.

The front and rear springs have been shortened by 15 millimetres to solidify handling without compromising ride quality. Also helping is the automaker's electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system featuring Instant Traction and Corner Traction Control with torque vectoring. The latter is a further refinement of the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system.

Photo: Volvo

Visually setting the S60 R-Design apart are 18-inch, 5-spoke diamond cut wheels, a performance exhaust system with twin chrome tailpipes, colour-matched body components and a rear spoiler.

Meanwhile, the interior comes with sport seats in off-black leather with contrasting stitching, a sport steering wheel with R-Design logo, and sport pedals, among other features.

On the safety front, available Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake uses a radar unit integrated into the front grille and a camera fitted in front of the inside rearview mirror to detect any object or pedestrian ahead and avoid a collision.

In related news, Volvo announced that the XC60 R-Design crossover, also set to go on sale this summer at $53,695, will use the same powertrain as the S60 R-Design.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada