Back in April, Volvo announced it was canceling its high-performance R-badged models altogether after 2007 due to poor sales. While the R models may be going, Volvo has reportedly decided to begin offering a new sports package for its cars that will be called the "R-Line". Just like Audi's crop of S-Line models, the R-Line cars from Volvo would feature visual enhancements, interior upgrades, and some light mechanical tweaks including stuff like bigger wheels, lower profile tires, suspension and brake upgrades, etc. Unlike the soon-to-be-deceased R-badged cars, however, those badged with an R-Line emblem will probably not have hotted up engines. We're still holding out, however, for Volvo's CEO Fredrik Arp to make good on giving us a high-performance version of the new C30 hatchback. We'd like to officially vote for one inspired by the widebody Evolve C30 shown at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
[Source: Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Seminole @ Jun 18th 2007 3:40PM
The poor sales were do the the fact Volvo only made the S60R and the V70R. If they expanded the range I'm sure it would have sold more.
Seminole @ Jun 18th 2007 3:41PM
Oh and the fact that it only had 300hp, which could not compete against the AMG's or M's.
Paul @ Jun 18th 2007 4:11PM
Couldnt compete against Ms?
2005:
M3 - 333 HP/ 263 Torque...
S60R - 300 HP/295 torque... torque wins races... for FAR less... oh.. and its AWD... so take the money you save from going with the cheaper car - add some IPD performance mods... you have an M3 killer AND cash in your pocket.
Reuben @ Jun 18th 2007 3:46PM
Those were good cars though, I test drove an s60r last year, pretty fast and very nice for a good price. They actually competed with the bmw 540/545 class of car more than anything, and I think itll be a d@mn shame to see them go. My vote goes out for the supercharged v8 xc90 at sema 2 years ago I think.
simianspeedster @ Jun 18th 2007 3:53PM
The R line just wasn't competitive -- rough around the edges and too many compromises to compete with BMW and Audi in the performance category. Turning radius was the worst of any car I've ever driven.
Read my comment #17 from here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/09/volvo-dropping-r-models-after-this-year/
-SimianSpeedster
Cameron @ Jun 18th 2007 3:55PM
I don't even need more power in a hotrod C30, just leave the T5 and add AWD. The aftermarket will do the rest.
Now if only I didn't have to pay for the premium sound and other crap to get the "sport" suspension and body colored trim. I can get a nicely equipped and more practical WRX (not even TR!) for the price of the "2.0" C30.
C'mon Volvo, I'm pulling for you. I'd love to have a C30 in my driveway, just let me have the body colored trim and the sport suspension for the price of a WRX TR, then make the AWD C30 about $27K starting.
jorvis @ Jun 18th 2007 3:56PM
When it was time for my wife to get a new car recently she said she wanted something both safe AND fast. I didn't think there was much that was both until we found the S60R. Luxurious interior, great sound, amazing safety features, push-buttom customizable suspension and a turbo? Sold. :) We love it.
zach @ Jun 18th 2007 4:06PM
perhaps i'm missing something here... you wouldn't consider a performance model from any of the three major size ranges made by Audi/BMW/M-B to be both safe and fast??
i don't think there's anything wrong with the volvo; just think there are a lot more cars that fit that description that you seem to think there are.
zach @ Jun 18th 2007 4:07PM
"than", not "that". sorry
jorvis @ Jun 18th 2007 10:45PM
No, you're definitely right. We were just against both BMW and M-B mostly because of their brand names and the pseudo-elitism I associate with them. I know they are fine cars but they are just not at all our 'style'.
zach @ Jun 18th 2007 11:37PM
fair enough... hope you're enjoying the car.
i've never driven a S60 R, only taken a ride in one - seemed like a solid choice though... i have to admit i do have a certain affinity for the feel of a german car. one of those things that's hard to shake, i suppose.
Jason @ Jun 18th 2007 4:48PM
R-Line is a copy of Audi's "S-Line." Shame on Volvo.
Merkurwwu @ Jun 18th 2007 4:49PM
Volvos are designed for total safety, not just to do well in crash tests. There are countless instances of serious accidents where the car really DID make a difference- because accidents in the real world are al heck of alot different than those in a lab...
I think people like me buy an S60R because they're fun cars with a safety element. They look good and drive nicely. They may not be the best performers but they also don't have the d!ckhead-element that so many BMW and M-B lovers demonstrate every day on the road and on this forum...
Jamal @ Jun 18th 2007 5:01PM
R-Line is VW, com'on.
Pep Boys Sux @ Jun 18th 2007 5:05PM
A C30R would be wonderful. I'm tired of the auto press saying Americans will never buy hatchbacks. They're buying plenty of them right now. While a Mini Cooper S would top my two-door hatch wish list, the C30 would be the follow-up.
Captain Dan @ Jun 18th 2007 5:05PM
the problem with the S60R was it was price (and performed) between the BMW 330i and the M3 (((and in between other variations)))
The S60R was too expensive to compete with the 330i. In a comparison test at Car and Driver, the S60R took 7th out of 8 with other comperable $35k sport sedans. The 330i took top honors, followed by the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G35. The reason the Volvo was ranked low was because of it's price (in the $45's). Otherwise, the car was excellent.
Volvo needs to decide in what market they'd like to compete. Go for the every day sport sedan market, or the high performance sport sedan market?
Oh, by the way, i hate how C&D bends over for Honda.... bitches.
Dieselman @ Jun 18th 2007 5:08PM
#10, actually VW just launched in Europe an "Individual" line package for Golf, named...ta taaaa..."R-Line"...exterior, interior, wheels, etc...
So, Volvo...search another name, "R-Line" is already taken.
foo @ Jun 18th 2007 5:11PM
saw that volvo hatchback driving around my area w/ dist plates that thing was pretty quick.