Model Overview: 2007 Volvo V70 R

Model Overview: 2007 Volvo V70 R

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

V70 R: $40,940

Destination: $695

The V70 R is a charismatic blend of wagon versatility, Volvo safety and high-performance ride, handling and turbocharged power. Thus, having a family doesn’t mean sacrificing the virtues of a cutting-edge European sports machine. Subtle changes for 2007 include new side mirrors with integrated turn signals. This adds a touch of luxury along with increased practicality by flashing three times with a single press of the steering wheel stalk.

Offered in a single, well-appointed model, the V70 R’s list of standard equipment grows even longer for 2007. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a compass in the rearview mirror, a sunglass holder, power child rear door locks, a grocery bag holder and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area are included.

Volvo’s five-cylinder 2.5-liter in-line turbocharged power plant produces 300 horsepower and 295 ft.-lbs. of torque. The engine reaches maximum torque at 1,950 rpm, thanks to a larger cylinder bore and a turbocharger with a maximum charging pressure of about 1 bar. This raises the temperature of the intake air, so the V70 R is fitted with twin intercoolers. The engine is equipped with Dual Wide Range CVVT continuously variable valve timing, on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. CVVT adjusts the valve opening times to suit the engine speed and load, lowering fuel consumption and reducing emissions, while increasing performance. To withstand the increased stress, pistons and connecting rods are heavily reinforced and cylinder head cooling is enhanced.

To embrace the connectivity between the car and driver, the standard six-speed manual gearbox has a short-throw shifter for rapid gear changes. The V70 R’s optional six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission takes driving enjoyment to the next level by enabling the full torque and horsepower of the engine to be used. Factory measured 0 to 60 mph acceleration is 5.6 seconds for the former and 6.5 seconds for the latter.

All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™ is a standard V70 R feature designed to enhance road grip. Computer-controlled Haldex AWD delivers up to 50 percent more torque to the rear axle only when needed, such as during takeoff. Instant Traction employs a one-way pre-charging valve to the AWD system that maintains a torque load of 59 foot pounds, which is available instantly. Prior to Instant Traction, if the AWD system sensed that the front wheels were losing traction, one-seventh of a wheel rotation occurred before it began redirecting torque to the wheel with traction. That rotation could influence performance under certain conditions.

Performance by Volvo also means the safety of handling and control that comes from the unique Volvo Four C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept). With this active chassis system, which compensates for road variances using a sophisticated network of sensors, All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™, DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control), and “performance on demand” versatility, the V70 R remains the wagon of choice for families with high expectations.