At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Volvo announced that the 2012 S60 R-Design sedan and XC60 R-Design crossover will receive significant horsepower and torque increases when they go on sale in the U.S. late this summer.
Both the S60 and XC60 R-Design models are powered by Volvo‘s most potent six-cylinder unit, the turbocharged T6 engine. Thanks to a series of upgrades, the T6 in the 2012MYs produces 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque, an increase of 21 horses and 29 lb-ft (39 Nm) of torque compared to 2011 R-Design models. Maximum torque is now achieved from 3,000 rpm and remains available throughout the rev range.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels via Volvo’s second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission with sport mode with new valves and lower friction for faster gear changes.
The S60 and XC60 R-Design models are offered as standard with Volvo’s Instant Traction and Corner Traction Control system with torque vectoring.
“The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models. Along with styling and suspension features that set them apart from other versions, our two newest R-Design models will have a higher ‘fun-to-drive’ quotient. I see that as a positive thing, and so will car buyers,” said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America.
Visually, S60 and XC60 R-Design models remain unchanged from the 2011 model year. The 2012 S60 R-Design is priced in the United States at $42,275 (€29,050), while the XC60 R-Design starts from $43,150 (€29,650).
By Dan Mihalascu
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