The 2012 Volvo R-Design Sees a Dramatic Increase in Power

Online, May 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Volvo has announced significant horsepower and torque increases to the 2012 R-Design. The new design will be present on the S60 R-Design Sport Sedan and the XC60 R-Design Crossover.

Both vehicles will be powered by Volvo's T6 turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine. The engine will now output 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque the 2011 R-Design models produced.

According to the Volvo Cars of North America CEO Doug Speck, "The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models." He expects the power increase to up the "fun to drive quotient," which will resonate within car buyers.

The upgraded R-Design, which was one of the most talked-about reveals at the recent New York International Auto Show, began as an after-thought to those redesigning the 2012 S60, who wanted to also see an increase in power. Some notable features of the new S60 include a stiffened body structure, improved steering response, shortened front and rear springs, monotube dampers, and faster gear changes, thanks to new valves and lower friction.

Besides the powerful engine, features that set the R-Design models apart include a five-spoke 18-inch diamond cut wheels, a lower front fascia with a glossy black grille, color-matched body components, a hexagonal pattern at the front and rear, sporty stance, sports seats, off-black leather upholstery, gear selector, sports pedals, and the R-Design logo.

The new Volvo S60 R-Design also promotes several safety amenities, including pedestrian protection with full auto brake, which helps detect both pedestrians and stopped vehicles through radar, a camera, and a central control unit.

The new Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design models will be available at Sanderson Volvo late this summer. For more information about these vehicles, their features, or Volvo technology, stop by Sanderson Volvo to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales staff or test drive a Volvo today.