A Volvo Ireland executive hit me with a double barrel question at a recent meeting. How do you make the most dynamic Volvo even more dynamic? It will also look and handle even better, he said.
He said: "You add the Volvo R-Design treatment to the new Volvo S60 for just €3,120.”
The new S60 R-Design mode has been created to deliver a dynamic driving experience in a coupé-style saloon. Featuring a specially developed chassis, Volvo says the new R-Design models ensure that the driving experience matches the cars’ sporting appearances.
Volvo says the enhanced sporting driving characteristics and styling offered by the R-Design is priced from about €3,000 more in Ireland and is available for all new orders. The carmaker anticipates the R-Design specification will be added to about 25 per cent of all S60s sold in Ireland.
The R-Design is available across the S60 range - not just the higher-spec variants. Customers can opt for an economical, efficient 2.0-litre D3 diesel, the 180bhp T4 petrol engine, or the range topping 205bhp D5, with all cars benefiting from the sportier looks of the R-Design variant.
The new Volvo S60 R-Design comes with a range of specially-developed design details both inside and outside.
The driver and front passenger sit in sports seats in which the backrest from the S60 is matched by a new seat cushion with even closer side support than before.
On the outside, the cars have an imposing redesigned front valance, while a distinctive diffuser houses twin exhaust tailpipes. To finish, unique five-spoke 18-inch diamond cut wheels emphasise the sporty overall appeal.
The special leather/textile upholstery is available trimmed in off-black and ceramic light, or in an all-black variant, both with contrasting stitching. The interior also features an R-Design steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals and floor-mats.
The chassis team has fitted a strut brace under the bonnet to stiffen the body structure, and at the rear, the S60 R-Design features monotube dampers. Unlike the twin-tube dampers previously used, the monotube system features compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly.
"This higher operating speed takes care of the initial roll tendency which can be felt just as you turn the steering-wheel. It's an effective way to improve the response and the connected feel," says Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars.
The front and rear springs have been shortened by 15mm and spring stiffness is 15 per cent higher compared to the standard-fit dynamic chassis in the S60. This makes the car easier to control and reduces any tendency to lurch.
The new corner traction control system provides even smoother progress in curves. In addition, the dynamic stability and traction control system has several functions that improve driving and safety properties.
You should well ask the question - are all the design and technological changes worth €3,120 more for the R-Design body kit treatment? It certainly looks more dynamic, and is beautifully finished. However, I'll reserve judgement until I drive the enhanced model and explore the promised more dynamic drivability.
