The new Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design: Dynamic design and sporty performance
The new Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design: Dynamic design and sporty performance
ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (March 27, 2013) - The new R-Design versions of Volvo S60 and XC60, which made their global debut at the New York International Auto Show, feature an outstanding blend of a renewed sports appearance, dynamic driving-focused chassis and engine output of substantial 325 horsepower.
"The new R-Design models are a perfect match for performance-minded individuals with a passion for exquisite details. In the new S60 and XC60 R-Design, we have turned up the visual volume of these popular models with meticulous attention to detail," says Doug Speck, senior vice president marketing, sales and customer service at Volvo Car Group.
"The S60 R-Design with lowered R-Design chassis, T6 engine and the optional 19-inch wheels hits all the right notes. The new sport seat embraces you while you enjoy the intense driving experience," he adds.
Unique new front
Both R-Design cars feature a redesigned face. The frameless Tech Matte Black grille has high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Designed emblem. The DRL lights in the outer corners reinforce the low, road-hugging impression.
"The front wheel arches are small design gems that enhance the car's sporty aura. The rounded end of the front bumper ‘wraps' around the dynamic Ixion wheel, which is now available in a redesigned 19-inch version for the S60 and a 20-inch for the XC60," says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Design Director.
At the rear, the unique diffuser with aero fins is flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design tailpipes.
New generation R-Design interior
The design team has dedicated a lot of attention to all interior details that emphasize the distinctive R-Design aura.
Adaptive Digital Display allows drivers to switch between three themes with different configurations and functionality - Elegance, Eco and Performance. In the R-Design versions, the Elegance theme boasts the iconic blue instrument dials.
The new sport seat featuring full leather upholstery is standard in the R-Design cars. The embroidered R-design logo with a blue "R" confirms the sporty aura. Full leather seats are available as an option.
"It makes a perfect addition to the in-command feel of a true driver's car," says Doug Speck.
"By blending inlays with a perforated look, black leather and contrasting stitching, the design team has created an interior with all details in perfect harmony, crowned by the black headliner. The new stainless steel tread plate with a bright blue ‘R' in the R-Design emblem is another exquisite detail."
Quicker acceleration with Advanced Quick Shift
Advanced Quick Shift (AQS) is transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change. This new feature is now available on all T6 engines and activated when the transmission is set to sport mode or when using paddle shifters. Gear changes are faster by as much as 50 percent between first and second, and as much as 30 percent on gear changes two through six.
This bolsters the sporty impression of the T6 and also produces fantastic acceleration results. Zero to 60 improves 0.2 seconds on the S60 T6 R-Design - from 5.5 to 5.3 on model year 2014 with AQS - while the XC60 T6 R-Design runs 0.4 seconds faster - 6.6 to 6.2 seconds on model year 2014 with AQS - compared to model year 2013.
Lower and firmer chassis
The R-Design Sport chassis is lowered 15 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis in the standard S60 and spring stiffness is 15 percent higher compared to the dynamic chassis in the standard S60. This gives responsive driving pleasure with full control.
"The driving experience should be so connected that it boosts the dynamics without making the chassis feel too raw. If the chassis is too firm, even smooth tarmac can feel bumpy. We aim for a sporting yet luxurious feel," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Group.
Monotube dampers
The S60 R-Design features rear monotube dampers, delivering compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly.
Stiffer bushings counteract oscillation and roll and movements are more controlled. The bushings that attach the rear dampers to the body are 20 percent stiffer compared with the Dynamic chassis. The front tie-blade bushing is a substantial 400 percent stiffer to counteract wheel bouncing and shaking. A strut brace under the hood ties together the suspension strut towers to stiffen up the body structure.
The XC60 R-Design chassis is also stiffer than the standard car and has more dynamic driving properties - without compromising ride comfort. Shock absorbers springs and anti-roll bars are adjusted and tuned to be firmer and more balanced. The result is improved control and a sportier, road-hugging drive.
Corner Traction Control
Just like in the standard variants, a range of electronic systems that sharpen the sporty driving experience backs up the chassis in the R-Design cars.
Corner Traction Control, which uses torque vectoring to provide for smoother cornering, is now also standard on the XC60. The DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) system also has several other functions that improve driving and safety properties, such as:
- Advanced Stability Control. With a gyroscopic roll-angle sensor the anti-spin system can deploy faster and with greater precision.
- Engine Drag Control prevents the wheels from losing their grip during engine braking on a slippery surface.
- The DSTC system also has a sports setting that makes it possible for the driver to disable the anti-spin function.
Driver orientated appeal
The new Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design will be available in all markets that sell the standard versions of these models. Volvo Car Group expects that around 10 percent of buyers will choose the R-Design version.
"The R-Design models, more than half of the volume will be snapped up by buyers who drive other car makes today. These cars also play a vital role for lowering the age of our customer base," says Doug Speck.