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By
EWAN KENNEDY
1 March 2004
It
still comes as a surprise to many Australians that Volvo has built
a number of high-performance models over the years. Genuine
performance machines, not simply standard models with a few more
horses and a fancy body kit.
Volvo has long used turbocharged engines for its ‘R’ models,
giving them a lot more grunt. As well as adding ‘proper’
sports suspensions that provided plenty of road grip.
Until recently, though, these sports Volvos were becoming more
hard-edged and less comfortable in their makeup. Great cars for
the serious drivers, but not particularly well suited to daily
commuting.
All that has changed with the latest hot Volvo, the S60 R. The
Swedish designers went back to their computer screens to try come
up with that rarest of cars; one that can be used to play at
racetracks at the weekend, yet which provides perfectly acceptable
comfort during the week.
The secret is the use of advanced electronics in many areas, but
particularly in the suspension system - the S60 R is a high-tech
delight.
The best example is that the suspension is widely adaptable; with
Normal and Sports settings. But the really interesting bit is the
virtually-competition suspension setup that's tagged as Advanced.
This gives you the track ability to really enjoy club sports days
as it provides a huge amount of grip. Not a lot of comfort, mind
you, so only the keenest of drivers will opt for Advanced in daily
driving.
Volvo's traction control system is also adaptable and works in
conjunction with the electronic suspension as required.
The engine is a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit with
constantly variable timing on all of its 20 valves (four over each
cylinder). Despite its high power output, and a big 400 Nm of
torque all the way from 1950 rpm to 6000 rpm, there’s a fair bit
of turbo lag, particularly off the line.
Fuel economy isn’t usually of paramount importance in a $100,000
sports model, yet Volvo gives it to you anyway. Commuting
conditions will see the engine use about 11 to 13 litres per
hundred kilometres, country driving will generally be lower than
an amazingly frugal nine litres per hundred. Track driving? Who
cares!
As this is a serious car, Volvo expects the majority of sales will
be of six-speed manuals. If you want the convenience of a
five-speed sequential automatic, you lose a lot of the engine’s
torque. Seems that the Volvo automatic can't cope with all that
output so the engine has had to be significantly detuned.
Power remains the same in the automatic models, but torque is 350
Nm, not 400. The result is that the auto is almost two seconds
slower to 100 km/h.
To help soften that loss of performance Volvo gives you the
automatic at the same price as the manual.
In the Euro fashion, the Volvo sports models carry a subtle body
kit, rather than a huge look-at-me wing and skirts. Not so subtle
are the 18-inch alloy wheels with very bold designs.
This is a fast luxury car, with a roughly equal emphasis on the
fast and the luxury. Passengers certainly won’t feel as though
they are riding in a competition car. There is a choice of several
interior leather trims and an upmarket audio system.
Unlike most competitors, the S60 R is sold as a station wagon as
well as a sedan. The wagon is tagged V70 R and is perfect for the
owner who wants luggage-hauling practicality in their sporty
machine.
So, the next time you hear someone mutter, “Bloody Volvo
driver” it might be because their supposedly quick car has just
been beaten off the lights by a Volvo station wagon.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Volvo S60R 2.5-litre four-door sedan - $98,950
Volvo S70R 2.5-litre five-door wagon - $102,950
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard on both models
Air Conditioning: Standard on both models
Automatic Transmission: No-cost option on both models
CD Player: Standard on both models
Central Locking: Standard on both models
Cruise Control: Standard on both models
Power Windows: Standard on both models
Driver Airbag: Standard on both models
Passenger Airbag: Standard on both models
Front Side Airbags: Standard on both models
SPECIFICATIONS (Volvo S60R 2.5-litre four-door sedan)
ENGINE
Capacity: 2.521 litres
Configuration: Five cylinders in line
Head Design: Turbocharged, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Bore/Stroke: 83.0 x 93.2mm
Maximum Power: 220kW @ 5250rpm
Maximum Torque: 400Nm @ 1950-6000rpm
DRIVELINE
Driven Wheels: All-wheel-drive
Manual Transmission: Six-speed
Automatic Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.77:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4606mm
Wheelbase: 2715mm
Width: 1804mm
Height: 1431mm
Turning Circle: 13.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 1637kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 68 litres
Towing Ability: 1600kg (with braked trailer)
Front Suspension: Coil spring strut, lower link, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Independent, multi-link, coil spring, anti-roll
bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc
Standing 400 Metres: 14.4 secs
FUEL CONSUMPTION
City Cycle: 12.2 L/100km
Highway Cycle: 8.5 L/100km
STANDARD WARRANTY
Three years/unlimited km
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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