Octane Magazine - Volvo S60R Driving Impression

Executive Flight:
Flight S60R to Nirvana: Now Boarding
Story and photos: Dan Hankin

When most people think Volvo, they think safety and longevity. With few noted exceptions, rarely is Volvo associated with performance. With the S60 R, Volvo just may change that perception.

While the S60 R does offer the safety, reliability, and refinement we've come to expect from Volvo, it also features downright impressive performance.

To start with, Volvo's turbocharged and intercooled 2.5 liter DOHC 20 valve inline five cylinder powerplant incorporates CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) on both intake and exhaust valves and delivers a peak 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm for manual transmission models and 6,000 rpm for automatics.

Transmission choices include a close ratio six speed manual or five speed Geartronic automatic with sequential manual shift mode.
Power is transmitted through an electronically controlled all wheel drive system with stability and traction control. Volvo's Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) semi-active chassis offers three chassis settings; comfort, sport, and advanced. Suspension is four wheel independent with electronically controlled Monroe-Ohlins shocks at all four corners. Stopping power comes from ventilated 13" four wheel disc brakes with four piston Brembo calipers with Electronic Brake Assistance and Electronic Brake Distribution. The R model also features quicker ratio steering compared to the standard S60 and aluminum 17"x8" Pegasus five spoke wheels wrapped in 235/45-17 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires.

What else do you get that the standard S60 doesn't? A revised front fascia with extended spoiler for greater downforce and a larger air duct to feed the intercooler, as well as a rear spoiler designed to reduce rear lift.

Driving the S60 R is an absolute pleasure. The overall fit and finish of the car is everything you'd expect of a fine European sedan, and both interior and exterior styling is elegant and tasteful. The heated leather sport seats offer adequate support and are fully adjustable. Gauges and controls are well placed within easy reach and in plain sight.

Turn the key and the R quietly wakes up, with little indication of the fury building inside those five cylinders. Clutch effort is surprisingly light and the shifter slips smoothly into first gear.

I am embarrassed to say that I stalled the car pulling out of the parking space. The R does not give gradual clutch feel the way most cars do. At half engagement the pedal suddenly feels like a see-saw with a fat kid on the other end. If you're too easy on the throttle when the see-saw comes over its axis, you're going to stall. A few stoplights down the street was all it took to get a good feel for it, but it did take a bit longer to master smooth upshifts under hard throttle. The six speed shifter gives positive feel with a reasonably short throw and no slop.

Volvo claims a zero to sixty time of 5.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. While we did not have a controlled environment to test those numbers in, our seat of the pants meter would nod in agreement. The R builds power so quickly and so quietly, it's hard to believe you're doing 110 at the end of the on-ramp acceleration lane.

Each of the S60 R's three active chassis settings offer the driver a distinctly different feel. In comfort mode the car absorbs every bump and imperfection I-64 can throw at it, cruising comfortably at 70 mph. In sport mode, the suspension tightens up, giving the driver good road feel without a punishing ride. In advanced mode, the suspension tightens even more, passing bumps, dips, and other road information up to the driver. Handling in advanced mode is ultra sharp and responsive.

Even at a healthy pace, the R exhibits no bad habits. Body roll is virtually non-existent, steering inputs are precise and instantaneous, and traction borders on the miraculous. Point the R into a late apex, stomp the accelerator, and check your rear view mirror for flashing blue lights.

Under normal driving conditions, the R's front wheels get 95% of the driving power. However, up to 70% of the power can be diverted to the rear wheels in an instant if the computer determines the power is needed there. Under hard first or second gear acceleration the R did give us a hint of torque steer, but the computer instantly redistributed power and smoothed it out. The AWD also engages so seamlessly you can't tell when it's working.

When it comes time to slow things down, the 13" Brembos take care of business with no drama. Volvo claims a 60mph-0 distance of 118 feet.

What's the verdict? The S60 R is tremendous fun to drive and is incredibly versatile. This is a car that will comfortably and reliably transport you to work every day, cruise comfortably for hundreds of miles packed with the family and a week's worth of luggage, and is equally at home at a weekend autocross or open track day. For those who need a bit more cargo space, Volvo even offers a V70 R sports wagon.

The R also has a unique ability among sporting cars to make a hero out of anyone. 300 horsepower has never been so manageable. This is not a car for the sports car purist who would prefer their car didn't do their thinking for them. But the R should be just the ticket for scores of driving enthusiasts that appreciate the electronic co-driver, or like the versatility of a daily driver that can double as the occasional track car. With an entry price of $41,500, Volvo should be able to put a few heroes behind the wheel.

Special thanks to Michael Kilgore and Phillips Volvo for making this driving impression possible, as well as Dave Harden and the crew at L3 Communications for allowing us use of their property and equipment for photographs.

Phillips Volvo is located at 4949 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach and 1010 West Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA. Visit them online at www.phillipsautomotive.com