
Click above for more high-res pics of the Volvo V70 R-Design
Once upon a time, there was a subtle wagon called the V70R who's meek outward appearance belied the snortiest turbo 5-cylinder Volvo has ever put in a production car. All-wheel-drive helped the power get to the ground instead of immolating the front tires, and the R sat atop the V70 trim-level range. Alas, the R is no more. While it was awesome and amusing, it was also outgunned by the competition, even with 300 hard-breathing horsepower. Still, there are those who desire the look and demeanor of the R, while finding no fault with the lesser powertrains that Volvo offers.
Those buyers can find what they're looking for with the new V70 R-Design package on the third generation wagon. Since the demise of the R, the V70 has moved up to become the wagon version of the S80, and the R-Line package adds a little visual oomph and chassis verve to the big estate. Ride height has been reduced and thicker swaybars are added, along with higher durometer bushings in the suspension. Like we saw on the C30 R-Design, matte finish metal accents are added to exterior pieces like the mirror housings and grille surround. Sporty-looking exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels round out the exterior changes. The interior gets blue-faced gauges, unique metal trim pieces, and Volvo's already excellent seats get R-Design logos and sportier bolstering. The R-Design package adds £2,000 or so to the price of a UK V70, a decent price for a handling upgrade and a hunkered look. Volvo hasn't decided whether to bring it to the United States yet. If it does come to the North American market, the V70 R-Design will be a 2009 model, and we'll know by early summer if we have to look longingly across the pond for a clean-looking, sporty-driving wagon.
[Source: Volvo]













Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torrent @ May 8th 2008 12:48PM
I WANT MY G8 GT SPORTWAGON GODDAMMIT!!!!!!!
1337 @ May 8th 2008 1:16PM
Finally, a true competitor to the Ford Fusion SE Sport Appearance Package!
Red @ May 8th 2008 1:29PM
rofl....if I could high five you right now, I would. lol
KeithM @ May 8th 2008 1:17PM
Sticking a cosmetic R on it sounds like a decision made in Dearborn not Sweden. Thanks Ford - just what we all wanted - more badge engineering.
1337 @ May 8th 2008 1:30PM
Yeah, the domestics are having a fun time with badge engineering on the Swedes. How about that 9-3 Aero X? Wow, only 40 grand? I woulda paid 60 for it!
sarcasm.
psu48187 @ May 8th 2008 1:34PM
Actually that's not what badge engineering is. See the recently departed GM Minivans for a proper example.
Also if I'm not mistaken the V70 will be getting the Turbo 6 for 2009 (the same engine the S80 receives). Too bad it won't come with a manual though.
yacoub @ May 8th 2008 1:56PM
The whole "R-design" thing is such a joke when not that many years ago they actually had an "R" designated model that had more power output to match up with the sportier suspension and appearance changes. The S60 R and V70 R were actually pretty cool. Nothing cool from Volvo anymore though.
EuropaCar @ May 8th 2008 2:00PM
sad but true
Scott @ May 8th 2008 2:44PM
Yup, looks like I'll be keeping my 04 V70R with it's 6-speed Manual for a while. This post was such a tease, my heart skipped a little when I saw the picture, then I read the headline.....Lame!
havoc @ May 8th 2008 2:02PM
i would prefer if they offered it as an "ARRrr" design, and it came with a jolly roger, and 8lb cannons
bob cobb @ May 8th 2008 2:50PM
Hot, dont think Ill be able to afford it though :(
Alex @ May 9th 2008 11:21AM
I really like Volvos but this R-design stuff makes no sense, Audi can get away with something similar with their S moniker only because there is a real S to back up the styling. This just seems like the Swedish equivalent of all those special editions put out by GM in the 90s. Anyone remember the Michael Jordan edition blazer? Or the Olympic edition Buick regal? Lame
decx09 @ May 10th 2008 12:52AM
This Volvo have a nice stylish design, similarly like the Volvo C30, though C30 is a smaller wagon. But its features are similarly the same. For auto enthusiasts like me, you have to read this blog and see the similarities between V70 and C30.