Autoblog

Volvo mulling S80 R-Design?

Dan Roth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:35:00 EST

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]

Volvo mulling S80 R-Design? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wagons Ho! Volvo V70 gets R-Design treatment

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Volvo, UK

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.

Gallery: V70 RDesign

[Source: Volvo]

Wagons Ho! Volvo V70 gets R-Design treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo dropping "R", but adding "R-line"

John Neff — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Volvo

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]

Volvo dropping "R", but adding "R-line" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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