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) 

- Editor

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