Volvo mulling S80 R-Design?
Volvo has transitioned from R-badged cars delivering increased performance to R-Design vehicles carrying more visual horsepower, but no additional underhood muscle. Volvo's R-Design models are well-trimmed and attractive, and Volvo wants to see if there's interest in an S80 wearing more athletic trappings. A tentative step toward a full-blown R-Design S80 is being tried in the UK, where an R-Design interior package is available on Volvo's top sedan.
The toe-dip into full-on R-Design waters will indicate whether there's enough demand to warrant working up a body kit. Tack-ons would include a rear spoiler, sportier fascia, and sill extensions for more visual aggression. The typical R-Design chassis tweaks wouldn't be needed, since the S80 can already be had with a sport-tuned chassis, so really, Volvo's most of the way to an R-Design S80 already.
Volvo is also keeping up with its green consciousness by fitting Start/Stop to many of its models, and testing reaction to that system on the S80 is another area Volvo is researching. Putting a Stop/Start S80 into production is possible, but would require some substantial rewiring and would increase the cost of the car. Volvo spokesman Chris Wailes told Autocar that hybrids will be in the model mix for 2012, and will use the most efficient engine possible mated to hybrid equipment that should return better economy than what Honda and Toyota are currently serving. However, don't expect a hybrid Volvo S80 to compete with the likes of the Toyota Prius.
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado 10:50AM (8/02/2009)
Volvo has come a long way from the boxy designs of the past.
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skitch 11:11AM (8/02/2009)
yeah they rounded the edges
noidor 4:48PM (8/02/2009)
Have they fixed the suspension and the lifeless steering?
ASEVENSEE4 11:11AM (8/02/2009)
The S80 V8 AWD is pretty beefy, the ONLY problem with it is the horrible steering and steering wheel. I absolutely despise it.
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Rev 2:00PM (8/02/2009)
It's not beefy in any way, but the S40 has terrible steering, too (among many other terrible things).
A friend had one for a tiny bit. Strange vehicle. Decent interior, though...
MikeW 11:44AM (8/02/2009)
Where is the high output turbo inline 6?
Is direct injection in Volvo's near future?
Haldex 4 & rear 'eLSD'?
double clutch transmission to replace 6 speed auto?
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zamafir 1:45PM (8/02/2009)
... mostly on production Audis and VWs, in most of those cases for years and years :).
I'm with you though, I'd love to see volvo return to their roots now that FI is so damn common place, and innovate a bit more.
Zlimness 4:56PM (8/02/2009)
Actually its the sign for Iron
Zlimness 4:59PM (8/02/2009)
Disregard my comment. Wrong reply
Max 2:20PM (8/02/2009)
This thread is useless without (interior) pics!!!
^ :) seriously though. I would love to see the interior before a make judgment.
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Nick 2:47PM (8/02/2009)
Cool, now Volvo only has to change their gnarly looking logo/badge...what is it anyway? Isn't that the 'female' sign?
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Akzidenz 4:20PM (8/02/2009)
You got to be kidding?! "The female sign"??!! No, not really. Quite the opposite in fact.
Zlimness 4:58PM (8/02/2009)
Its the sign for Iron.
Kaveh 4:09PM (8/02/2009)
I had one of these as a loaner car for a day, so nice to drive in, better than a BMW or Mercedes. They should really have the sports model stock with BBS CH wheels, would look perfect.
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pickles 4:26PM (8/02/2009)
Volvo needs a 'sport' trim like it needs an backwards-driving F1 racing team. What it really needs is to tweek all its cars to get outstanding mileage- providing the same near-lux experience inside. These cars no longer have any nerve/character/distinctive-ness. Volvo used to mean bulletproof durability, race-worthy (ok- stock car racing) handling and of course the highest safety marks. Now, who cares? The interiors are nice but there's no specific 'gimmick' that makes Volvos stand out. I LOVED Volvos when I was a kid- now, eh, they almost look like Hyundais and their safety matches Honda/Ford/Acura. Volvo needs to OWN something like eco-diesel, eco fabrics, best-in-class handling (hello Ford Europe- lend a hand?). A cute trim package is as important as tossing a pebble in the Pacific Ocean. Zero impact. Think big, Volvo.
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jordanbrown 5:30PM (8/02/2009)
The S60 I drove turned almost as bad as my dads crew cab duramax silverado. Those things are not nimble.
Volvo needs to catch up with the times in many areas.
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ASEVENSEE4 12:42AM (8/03/2009)
The S60 is a design that dates back to 2000.. why compare? The S80 grips the road well.. just has NO steering feel and the steering wheel itself is just not good feeling in your hands.