The new Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design

Volvo Car has announced the launch of the all-new S60 and V60 R-Design models.

With R-Design models accounting for up to 60 per cent of some model lines, and 25 per cent overall, the UK is expected to be one of the largest markets for Volvo’s new S60 and V60 R-Design models and they are set to appeal to those British buyers who appreciate the sporting driving.

Wide range of engines, with new petrol and diesel engines R-Design is available across the S60 and V60 range - not just the higher-spec variants. Customers can opt for an, 2.0-litre D3 all the way through to the high-performance T6, with all cars benefiting from the sportier looks of the R-Design variant. In total, customers can choose from a total of four petrol and two diesel units.

Sports seat with new seat cushion On the inside, the driver and front passenger sit in sports seats in which the backrest from the S60 and V60 is matched by an all-new seat cushion with even closer side support than before.

The chassis team has fitted a strut brace under the bonnet to stiffen up the body structure and at the rear, the S60 and V60 R-Design feature monotube dampers.  Unlike the twin-tube dampers previously used, 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.

Shorter, stiffer springs The front and rear springs have been shortened by 15 mm and spring stiffness is 15 per cent higher compared to the standard-fit dynamic chassis in the S60 and V60.

Even firmer bushings The bushings with which the rear dampers are attached to the body are 20 per cent stiffer compared with the dynamic chassis in the S60 and V60. The front tie-blade bushing, attaching the rear sub-frame to the car, is a massive 400 per cent stiffer than before to counteract wheel bouncing and shaking.

Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring to make for smoother cornering. The technology is a further refinement of the DSTC traction control system.

When cornering, the car’s inner wheel is braked so more power is transferred to the outer wheel. This gives the driver a tighter line in the curve, with reduced understeering tendency.

The DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) system has several functions that improve driving and safety properties, such as:

• Advanced Stability Control. With a new gyroscopic roll-angle sensor it is possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-spin system can deploy faster and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control provides a huge improvement in driving properties and in emergency avoidance manoeuvres during dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces.
• 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 drive more actively. By disabling the anti-spin function, the car allows more pronounced oversteer.

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• VOLVO R-DESIGN
• UK: pricing and specifications for the Volvo V60

• [VIDEO] Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid going to Detroit
• Volvo XC 60 R Design
• Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid starts at Eur 57,000
• Volvo V60 launched in Malaysia
• Volvo V40 R-Design leaked ahead of Paris debut
• VOLVO R-DESIGN
• UK: pricing and specifications for the Volvo V60