19 replies to this topic

[Che'_Moderator]

VOLVO XC60 GETS THE R-DESIGN TREATMENT

* Sports-inspired R-DESIGN specification joins the XC60 range
* Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System now available as an option on the Volvo XC60

Volvo has announced first details of the latest car in the R-DESIGN stable - the XC60 R-DESIGN. Showcasing a series of sporty visual features, the R-DESIGN package also adds a specially tuned sports chassis and sharper driving characteristics, enabling customers to enjoy the XC60's practicality together with more dynamic handling and distinctive styling.

The new XC60 R-DESIGN will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go into production in November 2009. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale-date.

Dynamic driving characteristics

The new dynamic driving properties of the XC60 R-DESIGN have been possible with the introduction of a stiffer chassis and stiffer damping. This has been achieved without impacting dramatically on ride comfort allowing passengers to continue to enjoy a comfortable ride on any type of road surface. The chassis has not been lowered ensuring that the XC60 R-DESIGN maintains its ground clearance for off-road adventures.

The more direct steering gear ratio also significantly improves the driving experience. Owing to faster steering response, the driver benefits from a more nimble feel and more precise communication with the road surface.

Refined sports styling

On the outside, the new car features the typical R-DESIGN attributes already seen on the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon, V50 Sportswagon, V70 premium estate and XC90 SUV R-DESIGN models. Exterior highlights include door mirror housings, trim mouldings and décor trim all in matte silk metal finish, rear skid-plate, side scuff plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The 18" five-spoke Cratus aluminium wheels are only available on the R-DESIGN model and, for the first time, an option of 20-inch alloy wheels can be specified on the XC60.

The lower section of the car is also colour-matched to the rest of the body, instead of the matte black trim found on the standard S, SE and SE Lux models. This creates the impression that the car sits closer to the ground giving it a more dynamic look - even though ground clearance remains unchanged.

Inside the car, a metal finish is the dominant theme, with aluminium inserts in the steering wheel, door mouldings and the centre stack. The sports pedals are made of brushed aluminium, with rubber inserts for precise grip, feel and control. The steering wheel is trimmed with perforated leather and features the engraved R-DESIGN emblem offering the driver a constant reminder of the car's dynamic driving properties.

The dark centre stack features a décor with a circular pattern that expands outwards in a dynamic way. This pattern reoccurs in the striping on the seats. Furthermore, the seats are available with the choice of two colour combinations, either light beige with black accents or black with light beige accents.

To give better cornering support and increased comfort in the front seats, both have been given an advanced sport seat design with two firmness levels in the backrest and seat cushions, thus providing a body hugging yet comfortable seating position.

Volvo XC60 R-DESIGN - An overview

Exterior:

* Grille in silk metal finish with R-DESIGN badge
* Door mirror housings in silk metal finish
* Five-spoke 18-inch aluminium wheels - Cratus (20 inch optional)
* Sill mouldings in aluminium look
* Twin chromed tailpipes
* Colour-matched lower body mouldings
* Chrome-plated rear skid-plate with black mesh
* Sport chassis
* 7 body colours to choose between including the R-DESIGN unique colour Passion Red

Interior:

* Embossed R-DESIGN emblem in the front backrests
* Watch Dial instrument with blue gauges, unique to the R-Design model
* R-DESIGN sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather
* Sports pedals in aluminium
* R-DESIGN centre stack trim with a new décor pattern
* Gear selector trimmed with perforated leather
* Off-black sports mats
* Unique upholstery in smooth leather with a choice of two colour combinations: off-black with soft beige inserts or vice versa
* Sport seats for great cornering support and comfort

R-DESIGN a success for Volvo Cars

R-DESIGN was launched in 2007 to satisfy the interest from car buyers who want to equip their cars with sporty, personalised options. Today R-DESIGN is available across the majority of the Volvo product range including the C30, S40, V50, S80, V70, XC60 and XC90 models. With R-DESIGN, owners get exclusive design details and, on some models, a dynamic sport chassis.

Rear Seat Entertainment now available in the Volvo XC60

Keeping rear seat occupants entertained, especially children, has never been easier with Volvo's Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE). The System includes a screen and DVD player fitted to the back of each front head rest. An RSE option is already available in the V70, XC70, S80 and XC90, however, Volvo is pleased to announce that RSE is now available for all XC60 customers at a cost of £999 including fitment and VAT.

The XC60 system consists of two bright LCD screens in 7" widescreen format mounted in the

front headrests. The screens can also be tilted to minimize the risk of sun dazzle and reflections in bright conditions.

The DVD players are integrated into each screen and enable rear seat passengers to watch different movies. Discs are inserted from underneath, making it easier for children to use, and also prevents small things from being inserted down into the DVD device. The system is equipped with AUX inputs that allow the connection of external sources such as iPods®, MP3 players and games consoles.

The RSE system also contains two wireless headsets and a wireless remote control. All the devices have been thoroughly tested and fulfill Volvo's high safety demands.

[ACES70]

The tighter steering response peaks my interest. I drove one of the T6s and it felt very drab and slow. I guess it felt larger than I was hoping it would.

[flyfishing3]

needs VS option packages.

[ErikS]

Che'_Moderator, on 25 August 2009 - 03:08 PM, said:

the R-DESIGN package also adds a specially tuned sports chassis and sharper driving characteristics, enabling customers to enjoy the XC60's practicality together with more dynamic handling and distinctive styling.

I'm guessing its the S80 sports chassis?

I wonder what the fully loaded with all the trimmings price tag will be, I'm guessing mid $50,000 +.

[Che'_Moderator]

ErikS, on 25 August 2009 - 05:38 PM, said:

I'm guessing its the S80 sports chassis?

I wonder what the fully loaded with all the trimmings price tag will be, I'm guessing mid $50,000 +.

Probably. Way too much for a Ford. Thats well into Nissan and BMW territory.

[ACES70]

Sticker on the Fully loaded T6 I drove was $59,185. City Safety, rear dvd's, backup cameras, etc.

Way too much IMO

[VS Legend]

ACES70, on 25 August 2009 - 06:08 PM, said:

Sticker on the Fully loaded T6 I drove was $59,185. City Safety, rear dvd's, backup cameras, etc.

Way too much IMO

Too much on the sticker for many people who would like one, but it's competitive with a fully loaded Audi Q5, which is their target competition. Remember that price tag includes a bit more gimmicky stuff than the Audi, though I think the Audi's still a better choice unless you have a strong affinity for Volvo as many of us do. Also, my Volvo dealer is a lot more willing to budge on price than my Audi dealer is (as long as its not built to order), and a comparably equipped Volvo tends to be considerably cheaper after negotiations and loyalty discounts.

Regardless, the pictures I've seen of the R-design package don't impress me enough, and I don't really plan on driving any XC60 I buy like a sports car anyway. I'd prefer comfortable and relaxed handling for this vehicle, not something rigid and sporty.

[ErikS]

VS Legend, on 25 August 2009 - 07:29 PM, said:

Too much on the sticker for many people who would like one, but it's competitive with a fully loaded Audi Q5, which is their target competition. Remember that price tag includes a bit more gimmicky stuff than the Audi, though I think the Audi's still a better choice unless you have a strong affinity for Volvo as many of us do. Also, my Volvo dealer is a lot more willing to budge on price than my Audi dealer is (as long as its not built to order), and a comparably equipped Volvo tends to be considerably cheaper after negotiations and loyalty discounts.

Regardless, the pictures I've seen of the R-design package don't impress me enough, and I don't really plan on driving any XC60 I buy like a sports car anyway. I'd prefer comfortable and relaxed handling for this vehicle, not something rigid and sporty.

FWIW we paid $38,500 USD for the T6 AWD in June of 2009. They wanted $42,500. Black sapphire metallic paint, black leather interior with silver trim. Convenience package, built in booster seats, BLIS, park assist.

We love this Volvo.

[dmelviØØ7]

ErikS, on 26 August 2009 - 01:11 AM, said:

FWIW we paid $38,500 USD for the T6 AWD in June of 2009. They wanted $42,500. Black sapphire metallic paint, black leather interior with silver trim. Convenience package, built in booster seats, BLIS, park assist.

We love this Volvo.

I'm gonna stand by them. I think they are great, I can't wait to take one home for the weekend

[volvotech97850]

Che'_Moderator, on 25 August 2009 - 05:58 PM, said:

Probably. Way too much for a Ford. Thats well into Nissan and BMW territory.

Isn't that their goal? I was under the impression that "Volvo" was trying to compete with those brands.

[Korruption]

Yeah... that's all nice... but what's the bolt pattern on this? I'm assuming 5x108mm? Those 18" cratus wheels would look cool on my 70.

[Che'_Moderator]

volvotech97850, on 26 August 2009 - 04:13 AM, said:

Isn't that their goal? I was under the impression that "Volvo" was trying to compete with those brands.

Apparently only in price though.

[volvotech97850]

Che'_Moderator, on 26 August 2009 - 02:43 PM, said:

Apparently only in price though.

I see your point.

[johnloves850's]

Che'_Moderator, on 26 August 2009 - 02:43 PM, said:

Apparently only in price though.

how so only in price?

[yangotang]

johnloves850's, on 03 September 2009 - 04:35 AM, said:

how so only in price?

he means (i think) that they are missing substance, in which i agree...

[ErikS]

yangotang, on 18 November 2009 - 06:52 AM, said:

he means (i think) that they are missing substance, in which i agree...

The interior definitley lacks in substance, my 850 interior is nicer, so no competition w/other premium brands that don't skimp on the details. The "R" design probably gets a little closer, but still not close enough.

The technology, safety and performance is not lacking. After 6 months of ownership, nothing but from me.

[brotherrenault]

Volvo XC60, it's great SUV car, 2953 cc, 285 HP, 400 Nm tork, as a monster Volvo XC60

[Chilled Man]

Drove one rides like truck and the seats arent that comfortable.

[Young Burnsy]

Red is gross.

[ErikS]

Chilled Man, on 19 January 2010 - 02:52 PM, said:

Drove one rides like truck and the seats arent that comfortable.

Well, its a 4100 lb SUV, what did you think it would ride like?

Got a letter for two recalls.

Seat belt:

http://wheels.blogs....t-belt-failure/

Fuel line:

http://injury.thegom...fuel-line-leak/

Still loving it.