More Rs and tuner parts to warm Volvo line-up

Volvo Australia has confirmed an expansion of its R-Design model range and is close to finalising a partnership with German Volvo specialist and tuner, Heico Sportiv. The news of the new R-Design models and the Heico tie-up were confirmed at last weekend's local launch of the S80 T6 (more here).

R-Design is Volvo's equivalent of BMW's M Sport kits. The kits typically feature suspension mods, a body kit and interior upgrades. No engine performance upgrades are currently included in the kits.

Already available as add-ons for the Swedish carmaker's C30, S40 and V50 T5 models, R-Design packs will now be offered for the XC90 range and Volvo's hottest estate, the V70 T6.

The new Volvo V70 T6 R-Design makeover features unique 18-inch Cratus alloy wheels and lowered (front 20mm, rear 15mm) "sports-tuned suspension", says Volvo. Changes include spring and antiroll bar settings as well as firmer suspension bushings. Other external changes include a colour-matched rear spoiler and 90mm diameter chrome exhaust tips.

Inside there's a leather R-Design steering wheel, new gauges and bolstered two-tone R-Design seats. Alloy pedals and interior trim complete the sports make-over.

The R-Design upgrade for the T6 is priced at $4175. This takes the T6's sticker to $73,125.

The R-Design upgrade kit is available on all three XC90 models -- D5, 3.2 and V8 models -- and is priced at $6000. In the case of the V8, the XC90 V8 R-Design replaces the XC90 V8 Sport.

To make music on the inside, the car comes equipped with Volvo's Dynaudio Premium Sound system, complete with 12 speakers and six-stack CD player. Other standard features include Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, Auto Dim rear view mirror, Rain Sensor wipers and Volvo's anti-allergenic Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).

To make music on the outside, the XC90 V8 R-Design departs with tradition and features a special quad-pipe exhaust system. Though no performance gains are claimed, a beefier note is promised.

Suspension is upgraded with all the R-Design XC90 models, however, the V8 utilises the "enhanced" suspension from the XC90 V8 Sport. This features stiffer anti-roll bars, upgraded dampers, sports-tuned speed-dependent steering and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Says Volvo: "All this complements the V8's self-levelling Nivomat suspension system that is also part of the R-Design package."

Volvo offers 20-inch wheels as a $1600 option.

Inside the XC90 V8 R-Design gets restyled leather sports seats, silk matt-finish trim, brushed stainless sillplates, sport steering wheel, revised gauges and "sports carpets with contrasting piping".

But while the R-Design models give the Volvo range a boost, it's the potential tie-up with Heico Sportiv that has Volvo insiders excited.

A German company, Heico calls itself "The Home of High Performance for Volvo." It offers everything from modest body add-ons through to suspension and brake mods and engine upgrade kits... How's a 232kW/460Nm V70 T6 sound... Or a body-kitted 191kW/380Nm C30 T5 complete with limited slip front diff, 18-inch wheels, quad exhaust and six-piston brakes?

A history of working closely with Volvo Germany has seen the Weiterstadt (near Frankfurt) company enter into a "framework agreement" with Volvo Cars Overseas Corporation (VCOC).  Says Heico, "the agreement enables direct and official collaboration with the Volvo sales companies in very dynamic markets such as Australia, Brazil, etc..."

According to Volvo Australia's Marketing Director Matt Braid, the local arm of the Swedish brand is working on offering non-performance enhancing Heico parts (bodykits, alloys, etc) through its dealer network in the near future.

"We're working with VCOC and Heico to structure a program via which we can offer a range of non-performance parts through our dealer network here in Australia," Braid told the Carsales network. 

"We aren't able to confirm a start date, but we're keen to get it up and running as soon as possible."

Carsales Network understands Volvo Australia is also currently evaluating a range of Heico tuning parts including exhausts. Indeed, Volvo boss Alan Desselss' own S80 V8 sported a particularly healthy exhaust note at last weekend's unveil of the new T6 model (more here).

According to Braid, however, performance parts are, at this stage, problematic.

"Like most manufacturers, the problem we have is that almost every performance part affects ADR certification. We're looking at our options but at this stage we are unable to offer the Heico performance parts via Volvo Australia."

Some Volvo dealers are already working with Heico direct, however, insiders say.

"Heico has a great reputation for quality and works closely with Volvo itself. We'd like to be in a position one day to be able to endorse the performance parts. In the meantime, we will carefully monitor the response to Heico overall with a view to extending the offering if there is sufficient demand," Braid said.

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