Volvo S60 2012: Scandinavian Adrenaline

On the power side of the equation, Volvo has called on Swedish motorsports firm Polestar Racing, a collaborator since 1996, to work its magic on the S60’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. While no internal changes were made (and intercooler and injector sizes remain status quo), boost pressure rises from 13.0 psi to 14.5, resulting in 325 bhp (up from 300 bhp, and peaking 200 rpm lower at 5400 revs). Torque climbs from 325 lb.-ft. to 354, not giving away anything down low yet gaining a healthy bump in the 2000–4000 rev range. As before, the engine’s paired with an Aisin/Warner Geartronic 6-speed automatic driving through a Haldex all-wheel-drive system than normally apportions torque 90/10 front/rear, yet can send the Full Monty rearward if necessary. Additionally, on hard acceleration from standstill, a premeasured slug of 79 lb.-ft. goes to the rear wheels for a crisp launch. Volvo claims a 5.5-sec. dash to 60 mph.

Chassis changes do firm up the suspension in a positive way. Springs are 15 percent stiffer and lower the car 15 mm, the front anti-roll bar grows from 21 mm to 23, the rear subframe bushings are 20 percent stiffer, and the rear suspension’s trailing links now have a chassis attachment bushing that’s four times(!) stiffer. Additionally, the rear shocks are now a quicker-reacting monotube design. While we’d hoped for an upsized wheel/tire package, the R-Design’s are equivalent to those on the Dynamic Package offered on lesser S60s…235/40R-18s on 18 x 8-in. wheels. The rolling stock looks especially handsome, the wheels a unique cranked-spoke design with a machined face, fitted with nicely grippy ContiSportContact 3s, the optional summer-only tire.

How does it all work? Quite nicely, as we found on our road drive north of Yountville, California, and on several laps around Thunderhill Raceway just outside the town of Willows. The Geartronic 6-speed downshifts quickly and decisively, and the natural-feeling electric-assist steering weights up in a linear fashion with increasing lock and cornering loads. The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DTSC) is partially defeatable (a three button-push process through a menu system; a single dedicated button would be a better solution), but when in Sport Mode, it intervenes only when you’ve utterly botched the corner, as we found on the track. At the limit, there’s steady mild to moderate understeer, but the rear tires can be coaxed into participating with some slight lift-throttle yaw. Sport mode also bumps the shift points.

Exterior Design
Coupe with four doors
The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo.

But it is still an unmistakeable representative of Scandinavian design at its best. Virtually all the lines were penned to carve out the "coupe with four doors" profile. The C-pillar stretches sensually all the way to the tail lamps - and the slim coupe-like roof line is accompanied by a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body, creating a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlamps at the front to the tail lamps at the rear.

R-Design with extra spice
The all-new Volvo S60 R-Design comes with a range of specially developed design details both outside and in.
On the inside, the driver and front passenger sit in sports seats in which the backrest from the S60 and V60 is matched by an all-new seat cushion with even closer side support than before.

Volvo Cars' chassis experts have taken the next step on the road to a more and more exciting driving experience. In the R-Design chassis they have sharpened the steering, the agility and the solid overall impression still further compared with the dynamic chassis in the all-new S60.

Exterior styling kit
An exterior styling kit gives the customer an opportunity to further enhance the already sporty appearance. The styling kit comes as an accessory. It includes front and rear skid plates, a front deco frame, side scuff plates, exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior colours
The following exterior colours are available:
Black Stone 019
Passion Red 612
Ice White 614
Cosmic White 481
Black Sapphire 452
Savile Grey 492
Silver Metallic 426
Electric Silver 477
Caspian Blue 498
Seashell 484
Electrum Gold 703
Vibrant Copper 704
Flamenco Red 702