Model Overview: 2012 Volvo S60

Model Overview:  2012 Volvo S60

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

S60 T5: $31,150

S60 T6 AWD: $37,900

S60 T6 AWD R-Design: $42,500

Destination: $875

With the introduction of an all-new enthusiast-inspired S60 R-Design sport sedan, Volvo now offers three distinct S60 models for 2012. When the S60 was introduced last year, it was dubbed "the sportiest Volvo ever." With a significant increase in horsepower and torque, a new Sport Chassis, unique styling cues and interior treatments, the R-Design becomes "the sportiest and most dynamic Volvo ever."

The S60 R-Design's 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine puts out a remarkable 325 horsepower and a stout 354 lb.-ft. of torque to become the most powerful six-cylinder currently offered by Volvo. This represents net gains of 25 hp and 29 lb.-ft. compared to the T6 AWD. Zero to 60 mph drops to 5.5 seconds (from 5.8 seconds with T6 AWD) while fuel economy remains unchanged from the T6 AWD at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

As it becomes the S60 midrange model, the T6 AWD continues to be equipped with the same 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine found in the R-Design. The T6 AWD delivers 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is achieved from 2,100 rpm and remains available throughout the rev range.

Positioned as the most attainable S60, the front-drive T5 offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. For this model, maximum torque is available at just 1,800 rpm. Coupled with its lighter weight as a front-drive model, the T5 is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds, compared to 5.8 seconds for its more potent T6 sibling.

Along with the increase in power, the new S60 R-Design boosts the "fun to drive" factor with its new Sport Chassis. Taking the R-Design to the next level required a critical dissection of the already capable S60 chassis and the addition of a number of performance enhancing sub-systems. Volvo's chassis team fitted a strut brace under the hood that ties together the suspension strut towers. This is a classic method of stiffening up the body structure and to improve steering response.

At the rear, the S60 R-Design features monotube dampers. Unlike the twin-tube dampers used in the S60 T6 AWD, 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.

The front springs have been shortened by 15mm to give the R-Design more visual attitude. Spring stiffness is 15 percent higher compared to the Dynamic Chassis in the T6 AWD. The bushings with which the rear dampers are attached to the body are 20 percent stiffer compared with the T6 AWD. The front tie-blade bushing, or the attachment to the rear of the car, is a massive 400 percent stiffer than before to counteract wheel bouncing and shaking.

Power is transmitted to the wheels on all S60s via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission with sport mode. New valves and lower friction mean faster gear changes than before. Like the S60 T6 AWD, the R-Design is fitted with a standard electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction plus Corner Traction Control with torque vectoring.

On the outside, the S60 R-Design has an imposing redesigned lower front fascia with a grille painted in glossy piano black. The sporty stance is enhanced with color-matched body components, details in matte finish and a hexagonal pattern that is repeated both front and rear. Incorporated within a sporty rear exhaust baffle are distinctive 3 1/2-inch twin exhaust pipes. Unique R-Design 18-inch "Ixion" alloy wheels emphasize the sporty appeal. Passion Red is an exclusive R-Design color while four other hues are offered. Additionally, the R-Design features a rear spoiler and standard Dual Xenon Gas Discharge Headlights with Active Bending Light (ABL).

Inside the R-Design driver and front passenger sit in sport seats in which the highly supportive backrest is matched with an all-new seat cushion with deeper side bolsters. The exclusive standard upholstery is Off-Black leather with contrasting stitching and sport-oriented texture accents with embossed R-Design logo across the front-seat backrests. The interior also features an R-Design sport steering wheel, gear selector, sport pedals, floor mats and blue watch-dial instrument cluster.

All S60s deliver outstanding performance, superb driving dynamics and innovative technology. They also offer significant advancements in safety systems, state-of-the-art luxury and infotainment solutions.

Emotionally charged styling sets the tone for the promise of a great drive. Often described as the "Volvo with an attitude," the S60 stands out from the crowd with a revolutionary design that creates a strong sense of motion. The S60's profile radiates the look of a four-door coupe with a twist. The slim roofline is accompanied by a distinctive contour on the shoulders of the lower body, creating a "double wave" that stretches from the headlights to the taillights.

When viewed from the front, the S60 makes a powerful impression. The dramatically shaped grille flanked by V-shaped positioning lights sports a large Volvo iron mark. The S60's unmistakable profile is even visible in the dark. Volvo's designers strategically applied LED technology to create distinctive yet fluid light streams front and rear. The front positioning lights, front side marker lights, turn signal indicators mounted in the outside mirrors and taillights use LEDs for increased visibility and nighttime drama. 

Driving dynamics have been fine-tuned for the S60 T5 and T6 AWD with a choice of three unique designs. The Dynamic Chassis, standard on the T6 and optional on the T5, places the focus on optimizing control and agility. The T5 comes with a Touring Chassis, placing the greatest emphasis on ride comfort. The Touring Chassis is also available as a no-charge option for the T6. The major difference between the two is in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Both offer exceptional ride and handling qualities, yet the Touring Chassis has been tuned to provide a smoother ride on poor road surfaces.

Volvo's FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis, available as an option on the S60 T6 AWD, employs sensors that continuously monitor the car's behavior and adjust the dampers in fractions of a second to suit the current driving situation. The driver can select from three different settings: Comfort, Sport and Advanced.

All S60s are equipped with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) as part of a suite of electronic systems to help optimize handling and control. Advanced Stability Control uses a roll angle sensor to detect and react to oversteer at an earlier stage and understeer in situations such as slip build-up. These situations may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator while steering, such as when leaving a highway slightly too late. It also improves handling in evasive maneuvers. DSTC includes a sport mode setting to allow controlled wheel slip for performance driving.

Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring is another technology to help improve handling by redistributing torque to the outer wheel to help "steer" the car around a turn. This feature operates on the front wheels for the S60 T5 and both the front and rear wheels for the S60 T6 AWD and R-Design. Enthusiast drivers will immediately notice a significant reduction in understeer as the system seamlessly applies the appropriate amount of power to the outside tire(s).

Among the other driver assistance systems that debuted on the S60 is Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This world-first technology actively helps the driver avoid accidents. Volvo's radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if anyone walks out into its path, and then automatically activate the S60's full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time. The system can avoid a collision at speeds up to 22 mph. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is part of the S60's optional Technology Package that also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

The S60's standard safety systems include City Safety, another world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.

Volvo has equipped the S60's luxurious cabin with a remarkable infotainment system. The standard Volvo Sensus system manages information from the audio unit, navigation system (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a seven-inch high-definition color monitor in the upper part of the center console. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit his or her needs. All functions can be operated by a thumb-activated rotator located on the right steering-wheel spoke or via buttons on the center control panel located below the screen.

A standard high-performance multi-media system includes a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, AUX and USB inputs, MP3 capability, 160-watt amplifier and eight speakers. Also included is Bluetooth hands-free phone interface with audio streaming and SiriusTM Satellite Radio with a complimentary six-month subscription.

Selecting the optional Multimedia Package adds the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II® Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier and 12 premium speakers. The package includes the Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, DVD map data and remote control, and a rear park assist camera.

The S60 is one of two cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories' MultiEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theater markets, like IMAX. Included with the Premium Sound System, MultiEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin's acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage effects for everyone in the car.

Sport front and rear seating is standard on the S60 T5 and T6 AWD, along with a sport leather steering wheel and Shimmer Graphite aluminum inlays. Leather seating surfaces are standard on the T6 AWD and optional on the T5 with the Premium Package. T-Tec textile upholstery is standard on the T5.

Those who desire the warm look of wood can select the Urbane Wood inlays option for the T5 and T6 AWD. This veneer is made from real wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is certified by the Forest Steward Council. The wood is dyed and artfully layered together, creating a pattern inspired by the exotic grain of the African Zebrano, which is a threatened species.