NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: More heart for Volvo's R-Design S60 and XC60
But a mystery unfolds: Volvo's higher performance R-Design S60 and XC60 are for the North American market alone?Doug Speck, president and CEO of Volvo Cars in North America has made the announcement that enthusiasts were awaiting. Volvo will offer buyers on the other side of the Pacific more grunt for their greenback, in the form of the R-Design variants of the S60 sedan and XC60 SUV.
Based on the same T6 engine that powers the cars in Australia, the powerplant is tuned for about 240kW (versus 224kW) and 480Nm (versus 440Nm) to drive the R-Design versions of the S60 and XC60 T6 models.
"The jump in performance will re-define these two R-Design models," Speck was quoted as saying at the New York motor show. "Along with styling and suspension features that set them apart from other versions, our two newest R-Design models will have a higher 'fun-to-drive' quotient. I see that as a positive thing, and so will car buyers."
Aussie buyers won't though, not if the upgrade is contained to the North American market. The Carsales Network contacted Jaedene Hudson, Public Affairs Manager at Volvo Cars Australia for word on when we might expect the tweaked models here.
"That actual engine upgrade that they've announced is part of a model year 12 roll-out for them -- the US market," Hudson answered. "Model Year 12 cars for us, traditionally, won't be in until September/October, but we know at this point in time that there are no changes to the T6 engine across our range.
"What we are assuming is that because [the American press material] says 'massaged', it's some sort of tuning kit. It's not a standard power increase from the factory..."
In effect the American arm of Volvo Cars will offer buyers a factory-approved aftermarket kit, but the Australian end of the operation is in no hurry to introduce the same option.
"There are no plans to introduce such kits in Australia..." said Hudson. "If it became available we'd look at it, but at this stage we have no plans."
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