Volvo dropping "R" models after this year
Back in February, we reported that Volvo would be eliminating its remaining R-badged offerings in the future; specifically the S60R and V70R. At the time, there was discussion that other models in Volvo's line-up may get R-worthy tweaks when these two models were nixed. Another rumor that Volvo may kill off the "R" designation altogether was floated, and although we thought it was unlikely, we figured time would tell.
Tell it has, and according to an article in Automotive News, the 2007 model year will be the last for the Rs.
Slow sales of both the S60R and V70R were the final nails in the coffin of Volvo's hotted-up models, which originally began with the T5R back in 1995. While US sales of these high performance sedans were the highest of any country, the numbers haven't justified the extra expense here or abroad, leading to Volvo's decision.
Thankfully, Fredrik Arp, Volvo's CEO, made it clear that Volvo will continue to develop more driver-focused machines -– pointing out the new C30 hatch and V8-powered S80 –- so the automaker is merely deleting the consonant, but its ethos will remain intact.
However, don't expect anything soon, as Arp is quoted as saying that, "We are working on the next phase, but it will not be immediate." So does that mean no AWD, 250+ HP C30? We hope not, but again, time will tell.
[Source: Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh 7:28AM (4/09/2007)
On the one hand, the Rs were the only Volvos I'd ever personally consider. Specifically the V70R as among the few vehicles you can get with a third row and manual transmission that might actually be fun to drive.
On the other, I never actually bought one, did I?
My site's page for the S60 and V70, including the R models:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/S60.php
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Avinash machado 7:44AM (4/09/2007)
I think that perhaps Volvo should launch a more upmarket and bigger sedan to compete with S-Class and and 7 Series. The profit margins on these cars is quite good.
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JB 7:50AM (4/09/2007)
It's too bad, but Volvo was stretching a bit with the latest R models. I drove the Rs at Chicago motor speedway at a public volvo event.
They were very nice, with a growly engine note only 5 cylinders could produce. The suspension settings actually did seem different and it was an entertaining drive.
However, the additional cost (and complexity) made me nervous. I also appreciated the P-zero summer tires, but I think a lot of people aren't into buying a car that isn't all-season capable from the factory - requiring a set of snows.
I would only consider owning an R model for a few years before all the R systems needed work/replacement. I have a feeling it will get expensive.
I think a lot of Volvo buyers expect durability and reliability and are savvy enough to realize that if it isn't there, it can't break. Plus, a lot of Volvo owners don't need 300 hp or adjustable suspensions. I wish I could use 300 hp on my commute, I barely get to the speed limit with all the traffic.
In the end, I don't think the cost of trying to lure BMW or other luxury performance owners into an R justified the cost to Volvo. That's a difficult group to woo, plain and simple.
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Bob 8:35AM (4/09/2007)
That's too bad. These were well engineered cars and the perfect Q-ship. Volvo's turbocharging expertise really comes through with this engine. Just never really had much of a marketing push from the factory. In fact I can't remember the last R ad I saw, if any.
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Anthony Gentavoe 8:34AM (4/09/2007)
I love my S60R. The fact that they have not been selling well for a couple years and that Volvo is under Ford ownership, means that great deals can be had, taking the cost factor out of the equation. We bought our 2005 that stickered for just over $43k for under $36k, out the door. It's a lot of car for that money.
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omar 4:33PM (4/09/2007)
Volvo CEO Fredrick Arp speaks about preparing for the next stage. After some quite extensive searching we know for sure that Volvo is bringing forth a large most luxurious estate car V90 (to compete with R class benz), and knowing the Volvo brand they will spin off a new larger sedan s100 (compete with the 7 series and s class). It is for sure that this sedan will not be the size of an s class, but rather along the lines of a maserati quattroporte. This wagon and sedan, will soon be released as the concept vechile was already produced back in 2004 as the VCC estate.
Also notice volvos' recent alignment of the S80 and v70. Before the v70 was the wagon for the s60, but know its the wagon for the s 80. Volvo has decided to stop production og the R vechiles which chiefly included the s60 and v70. This is another sure move that Volvo is probably getting ready to drop the S60 sedan also, because Volvo personnel tells that the next generation s40 will grow in size to replace the current s40 and the s60. Only time will tell and confirm what is to come.
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Michael Karesh 8:56AM (4/09/2007)
#2:
The new S80 ought to have been larger than it is. Compare the front and rear legroom specs for the S40, S60, and S80 sedans and you'll find that they're within an inch of one another. Ridiculous.
Someone pasted my critical review of the S80 onto a thread over at SwedeSpeed.com, a Volvo forum, and even many of the Volvo faithful agreed with it. If the car can't even win over many of the faithful, how's it going to make conquests? C&D recently concluded their own review by saying the new S80 would have likely placed dead last in their last comparison test of midsize luxury sedans.
So Volvo's problems extend beyond failing to make a go of the R. Their product strategy seems more than a little confused at the moment.
My site's page for the S80, which includes a link to my review:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/S80.php
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Stéphane Dumas 10:03AM (4/09/2007)
#3 JB, you have a good points. Instead of targetting directly BMW buyers, how about targetting the ones who wants a BMW but can't afford it? I ponder if Volvo should work on a modern reincarnation of the 240(260), 740(760)/940(960) series? A RWD sedan could be use as a hidden ace for Volvo.
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James 4:02PM (4/09/2007)
It's actually sad. The V70R was truly the only way to carry around a baby stroller in style.
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jj 11:57AM (4/09/2007)
Bummer, I really like these cars. But I saw the writing on the wall as soon as they came out. Big prices and a slight mismatch between the product and their traditional customers equals slow sales; can't really blame them for dropping the product at this point.
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MikeW 12:45PM (4/09/2007)
What if it is just a naming convention? The turbo inline6 281hp,295ft-lbs, and maybe a HO (big twin scroll mono turbo?) 330hp, 350ft-lbs would do well in the rest of the Volvo lineup.
It was fast enough in the C&D review, and more power couldn't hurt the XC90 aswell.
I liked it where they panned the haldex pre-x system 'Volvo's AWD system seems set up solely to increase the traction under acceleration.'
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jj 12:31PM (4/09/2007)
Karesh, no one is interested in your bogus web site.
Some day you'll learn to quit pushing it so hard.
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Chet 1:37PM (4/09/2007)
The R models were the only ones that caught my attention... but they were a little too much for a little too little... and when they first came out, they were unobtainable, with a long waiting list, at least according to the dealers we contacted.
Fast forward a couple of years, when the rest of the market has improved and the Volvo Rs haven't, and -- shock! -- they're not scorching the sales charts.
Volvo's just being responsible. Better to put the R away until you can afford to make it mean something than to flog it into mediocrity.
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heneedsplugs 5:03PM (4/09/2007)
Re: jj
Do you realize that he does this to increase the amount of traffic and backlinks to his site? This, in turn, increases search engine relevancy. Honestly, I wouldn't be suprised if he did this at multiple sites.
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James Ding 12:52PM (4/10/2007)
I just went to the NY Auto Show and had sat in the R. Can anyone who owns one tell me the virtues nad faults of the R. Thanks Jim
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Matt 9:19AM (4/11/2007)
Volvo lost its focus on the R's a long time ago and they're no great shakes at awd to boot. I own a 97 850 R and it is my baby. I've considered buying an S60, but its just too heavy to be what it is intended to be with the existing 5 cyl power plant. Less would be more. That power plant in a C30, though - bitchin.
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SimianSpeedster 2:26AM (4/12/2007)
We strongly considered an R70 car for my wife (she likes fun cars) before buying an A4 Avant instead.
Strengths:
- Subtle/tasteful appearance upgrades
- Adjustable suspension
- No nonsense interior
- Competitive price (dealer was hungry because these aren't selling)
Weaknesses
- Huge turning radius. I know this shouldn't be a deal killer, but it was really bad.
- Odd power delivery
- Odd engine noises -- turbo I5 is not the sportiest sounding thing around
- Haldex still feels like a front-driver. I've owned 3 Haldex cars (R32, TT and MazdaSpeed6) and it's not the same as having a central diff like the Audi torsen Quattros
- Nav system was a complete tack-on solution. Factory installation results an exposed wire on the dash (not kidding) for the nav system controls near the instrument pod.
- Firmest suspension setting totally unusable, middle setting still too firm for day-to-day driving
I liked the car more than my wife, but we realized that the few charms would quickly grow thin with all the drawbacks. Still, I'm sorry to see Volvo kill the R brand -- I was hoping for an R30 or R40 soon.
-SimianSpeedster
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