“We’ve long been complaining about the R-Design Volvos getting no bumps in power to match the visual and suspension changes. In fact, every time we’ve sat down with Volvo of North America president Doug Speck, the conversation always seems to end up on that subject and he always answers, ‘I know, and I’m working on it.’ Well, he was being honest and Swedespeed readers, we’re happy to say we have all been heard.” —Swedespeed.com
This has been my beef with Volvo as well. Why use the R moniker if the car won’t perform any better. The original S60R was a beast to drive with all that added power. Many of us were a bit disappointed when the R-Designs came out with little more than an appearance package. What were they thinking?
The article goes on to say that Volvo finally got the message. The R-Design versions of the 2012 S60 T6 AWD and XC60 T6 AWD will get a bump from 300 hp to 325 hp. Torque will also jump from 325 ft/lbs to 354 ft/lbs. The added power ought to put a smile on a few faces—mine included!
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