2011 Volvo S60 R-Design

Introducing the all-new Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design - designed with true sports-car feel and featuring a specially developed chassis to ensure that the driving experience matches the car's appearance.

"The all-new S60 and V60 are our sportiest models ever. With R-Design they are even sharper. They're the natural choice for true connoisseurs," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President Product Development at Volvo Cars.

Sporty, sportier, sportiest - in order to keep the superlatives in check Volvo Cars has taken an holistic view of the all-new Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design, with the design and chassis being developed in parallel into a single cohesive offer.

"These cars have been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car. And with R-Design, we are attracting a younger target group. We expect that 10 percent of all S60 and V60 customers will choose the R-Design option on markets where it is available. We aim to win over one-third of these customers from competing brands," says Magnus Jonsson.

Volvo Cars' chassis experts have taken the next step on the road to a more and more exciting driving experience. "In the R-Design chassis we've sharpened the steering, the agility and the solid overall impression still further compared with the dynamic chassis in the all-new S60 and V60," says Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars.

Redesigned front

The all-new Volvo S60 R-Design and Volvo V60 R-Design come with a range of specially developed design details both outside and in.

On the outside the cars have an imposing redesigned front with a grille painted in glossy piano black. The sporty stance is further enhanced with colour-matched body components, details in matt special finish and a hexagonal pattern that is repeated both front and rear. Distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes and unique five-spoke 18-inch Diamond cut wheels emphasise the sporty overall appeal.

The introductory colour is Passion Red but the Volvo S60 and V60 R-design are also available in choice of another seven colours.

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 seat cushion shapes itself to the occupant's body but is nonetheless firm, thanks to a combination of two layers each with a different degree of hardness. As a result, drivers of different sizes all enjoy the same excellent side support," explains Magnus Jonsson.

The special leather/textile upholstery is available in a version trimmed in off-black and ceramic light, or in an all-black variant, both with contrasting stitching. The interior also features a special steering wheel, gear selector, sports pedals and floor-mats.

Introduced in autumn 2010

Magnus Jonsson summarises: "The all-new S60 and V60 mark the beginning of a new approach to our successful R-Design. We've gone one step further this time, with our sights set on creating a cohesive whole, an integrated blend of sporty looks and an exciting drive. They take our quest for authentic sportiness another step forward."

The all-new Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design will be introduced in autumn 2010. Their biggest markets are Great Britain, the USA (only the S60 R-Design) and Central Europe.

"R-Design has already helped increase our sales and lower the age of our customer base. We believe that the all-new S60 and V60 R-Design will give this trend a substantial boost," comments Magnus Jonsson.

Even sharper and more exciting Volvo drive

Following in the tracks of the all-new Volvo S60 and V60, Volvo Cars' chassis experts are now taking the next step on the road to car enthusiast paradise.

The result is the Volvo S60 and V60 R-Design - even sportier, even more dynamic and even more exciting.

"Refining a chassis is a bit like being an athlete looking to break new records. Once you're beaten one record, you're immediately focused on the next. In the R-Design chassis we've sharpened the steering, the agility and the solid overall impression still further compared with the dynamic chassis in the all-new S60 and V60," says Stefan Sällqvist, manager of vehicle dynamics at Volvo Cars. He adds: "The driving experience should be so connected and compact that it feels as though the car has been milled out of a single block of aluminium."

After developing the all-new S60 and V60, which are Volvo Cars' most dynamic models ever, the chassis team focused on further refining a number of details.

"The challenge was to boost the dynamics without making the chassis feel raw. If the chassis is too firm, even smooth tarmac can feel bumpy. We wanted a distinct yet plush feel." relates Stefan Sällqvist.

Source:netcarshow