Car of the Week - Sneak Preview : 2004 Volvo S60R and V70R

Car of the Week - Sneak Preview

2004 Volvo S60R and V70R

The combination of performance, safety, and value will soon have another definition with the appearance of the 2004 Volvo S60R and V70R. In the case of the V70, it will be the fastest wagon in the U.S. with its 300hp turbo engine creating 295 lb/ft of torque. In both models the most remarkable innovation is the Four-C (continuously controlled chassis concept) semi-active chassis with three driving modes. With a simple press of a button, the driver instantly changes the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle. In all modes, the system monitors the vehicle a mere 500 time per second making adjustments.

We drove the R cars on twisty desert mountain roads, the grooved pro racetrack at Las Vegas, and through bumper-to-bumper on the glittery Strip. The Four -C effortlessly changed identity to match the drivers whim. And we were most impressed by the way the system coordinated with the brakes to bring this speeding bullet from 100 to 40 with soft strength and almost no pitch at all. It takes a real effort to fight the feeling that the Laws of Physics no longer apply to you. This is indeed a well thought out, highly advanced integration of high tech systems. We'll have more on these later on, but for now here are the tantalizing specs...

STANDARD FEATURES

· Turbocharged 2.5-liter DOHC I-5 engine; aluminum cylinder head and block

· Dual Wide Range continuously variable timing on intake and exhaust camshafts

· Choice of 6-speed manual or electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission; automatic has Sport mode and Geartronic semi-automatic selections

· Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel-drive

· Four-C (continuously controlled chassis concept) semi-active chassis with three driving modes

· Brembo brakes

· Front and rear seat side curtain air bags

· Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS)

· Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)

· Unique R front fascia and rear spoiler

· Unique grille with matte silver frame

· DE (projector) lights in air dam

· Bi-Xenon high and low beam headlamps

· Soft leather upholstery with metallic effects

· Brushed aluminum "space ball" 6-speed gear lever (manual transmission)

· 3-spoke, leather-clad steering wheel rim in two-tone gray; air bag cover in charcoal leather with blue stitching

· Gauges in R-blue with "watch-dial" bezels

· Special R logo key with integrated remote controls

ENGINE

Configuration Transversely mounted, inline 5-cylinder Displacement 2,521 cc (153.8 cu.in.) Horsepower 300 @ 5,250 rpm Torque 295 lb.-ft. @ 1,950-5,250 rpm Top speed, mph 155* manual / 152* automatic, *electronically controlled top speed

DRIVETRAIN

· 6-speed manual or 5-speed Geartronic automatic transmission

· Electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system

· Dynamic stability traction control (DSTC)

SUSPENSION AND STEERING

· Four-C adaptive suspension with three switchable chassis mode: Comfort, Sport and Advanced Sport; adjusts shock absorbers continuously and almost instantaneously

· Servotronic speed-sensitive power rack-and- pinion steering

BRAKING SYSTEM

Calipers Brembo 4-piston aluminum, front and rear
Front Discs 330 x 32 mm (ventilated)
Rear Discs 330 x 28 mm (ventilated)
ABS Four channel system
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels 17 x 8 in. aluminum alloy (standard) 18 x 8 in. aluminum alloy (optional for S60 R)
Tires 235/45ZR-17 Pirelli P-Zero (standard) 235/40ZR-18 Pirelli P-Zero (optional for S60 R)