I can't be completely sure that hell has frozen over, but I¹m pretty certain
I just drove a 300-horsepower Volvo sedan. New for 2004 from Volvo (yes,
boxy and safe Volvo), the S60 R is a turbo-charged, exceptionally fast,
impossibility now in existence. Please sit back, remain calm and allow me to
explain this occurrence.

Perhaps the key to the new model is the letter R, as in racy, rambunctious,
or rebellious. It¹s hard to apply any of these terms to the traditional
Volvo culture. Although many Volvo owners have been rebels in esoteric areas
of human endeavor such as the arts and sciences, on the road they were often
characterized, perhaps unfairly, as being slow and distracted.

From the business end of things, there are good reasons why Volvo has
elected to join the ranks of the bad boys and girls. Everybody in the auto
industry wants to enter and compete for prestige in the sports sedan market.
For 2004, Volvo introduces a sedan built around a new turbocharged 2.5-liter
five-cylinder 300-horsepower engine wrapped in the plain-vanilla body
structure of the mid-size Volvo 60-series.

But that's not the only reason Volvo has made this leap to power. Over the
last few years the high-end performance-oriented European manufactures,
namely, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have all introduced high levels of
safety content. These super-safe cars have reduced Volvo's lead in this area
to marginal. And so, the S60 R is payback time for Volvo.

Volvo's new super sedan features an active, computer-controlled suspension
that continuously monitors both road conditions and vehicle attitude to
maximize control dynamics. It also employ a sophisticated all-wheel-drive
system to ensure maximum traction. Base MSRP for the S60 R has been set at $36,825, although you can easily run the price up to well over $40,000 with
options. 
 
The buyer has the choice of either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed
manual transmission.  Although the manual transmission gets the job done, in
operation the unit does not seem quite as firm or solid in operation as some
of its competitors. It lacks the tight, precise feel that I expect from a
vehicle aimed at the performance market.

The new turbocharged engine features variable valve timing, reaches maximum torque at an amazingly low 1,950 rpms, and provides killer acceleration. Let's examine the numbers: The Volvo S60 R will scoot from zero to 60 miles per hour in a scant 5.4 seconds when equipped with the manual transmission.

Top speed is 155 mph. One word of caution about the performance figures: The S60 R when equipped with the manual transmission is less powerful and its acceleration drops to 7.4 seconds for the zero to 60 mph sprint.

If you are seeking an engine with a large growl, you'll be disappointed in
the hot Volvo. Surprisingly, the Volvo S60 R¹s exhaust note sounds just like
every other Volvo, more purr than bark. While those addicted to adrenalin
may be disappointed, the engine sound falls in line with the stealth nature
of the S60 R.

In true Volvo fashion, performance is not limited to speed. The super Volvo
is equipped with large Brembo brakes that will bring the car to a complete
stop in just 118 ft from 62 mph. The only problem with this kind of
deceleration is that if you slam on the brakes in a panic stop and are being
tailgated, you may end up with an unwanted visitor in the back seat.
Nevertheless, I¹d still opt for the vitamin-enriched braking system. The S60
R is also equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, which can help
keep all of the car¹s power pointing in the right direction, particularly on
challenging curves or on slick road surfaces.

The S60 R suspension and all-wheel-drive systems add up to amazing road
holding ability. But if there is one criticism, it is that I would prefer a
little more steering feedback. Although the car is very capable, to exploit
the S60 R's true potential requires a stronger communication bond between
car and driver. 

 
Vehicle: Volvo S60 R

Price as tested: $39,400
Engine:
         Type: Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five
         Horsepower: 300 @ 5,500 rpm
         Torque: 295-ft. lbs. @ 1,950 rpm
Fuel economy, manual transmission
         City - 18 mpg
         Highway - 25 mpg
Curb Weight: 3,571 lbs.