Volvo Announces More Horsepower, Torque for 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design and XC60 R-Design - Web Exclusive

Saturday, April 23, 2011


2012 Volvo S60 R Design Xc60 R Design Driver Side
The 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design sport sedan and XC60 R-Design crossover will get significant horsepower and torque increases when they go on sale late this summer, the company announced today at the New York International Auto Show.
2012 Volvo S60 R Design Xc60 R Design Front
"The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. "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."
2012 Volvo S60 R Design Xc60 R Design Rear
The 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, 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.
2012 Volvo S60 R Design Xc60 R Design Rear
Ride control and confidence inspiring handling are nothing without the appropriate muscle and the S60 R-Design won't disappoint. The turbocharged T6, displacing 3.0 liters, is the most powerful six-cylinder engine currently offered by Volvo. Maximum torque now is achieved from just 3,000 rpm and remains available throughout the rev range. Power is transmitted to the wheels via Volvo's second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission with sport mode. New valves and lower friction mean faster gear changes than before. Similar to the S60 T6, the S60 R-Design will be offered standard with Volvo's electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction® and Corner Traction Control with torque vectoring. Corner Traction Control uses torque vectoring for smoother cornering. This technology is a further refinement of the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC). When cornering, the car's inner driven wheel is braked while, at the same time, more power is transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to take the corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.
2012 Volvo S60 R Design Xc60 R Design Driver Controls
Helping to set the S60 R-Design apart from the S60 are a number of visual design cues. On the outside the cars have an imposing redesigned lower front fascia with a grille painted in glossy piano black. The sporty stance is further 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, 90mm twin exhaust tailpipes and unique R-Design exclusive five-spoke 18-inch diamond cut wheels emphasize the sporty overall appeal. The introductory, R-Design exclusive color is Passion Red but the Volvo S60 R-Design also will be available in four other colors. Additionally, the S60 R-Design features a rear trunk spoiler and standard Dual Xenons with Active Bending Lights.
2012 Volvo S60 R Design Xc60 R Design Gear Selector
On the safety front, the S60 R-Design is available with Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This driver assistance system consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the S60's grille, a camera fitted in front of the inside rearview mirror and a central control unit. The radar's task is to detect any object in front of the car and to determine the distance to it while the camera determines what type of object it is. Up to 22 mph, the system helps the car avoid hitting a pedestrian. At higher speeds, the system helps mitigate the severity of an impact.

0 comments:

Post a Comment