Volvo Adds R-Design to V70 Wagon

Although Volvo's R performance cars have been off the market for over a

year, their spirit

lives on in the Swedish brand's sport appearance cars, in a

package called R-Design. Volvo first started applying the sporting

treatment to its smaller vehicles - the C30, S40, V50 - and the XC90.

Now, the Volvo is introducing an R-Design version of the V70 station

wagon.

From

the outside, the V70 R-Design is simple, yet clean looking. The only

major additions are matte metal trim on the side-view mirrors, grille

and air dam, plus a rear spoiler.

Inside,

the R-Design features sportier seats with unique leather trim. In the

photos you see here, it's a bold contrast of light and dark leather,

embossed with the R-Design logo. In addition, the V70

R-Design gains new instruments that are lit in blue (a tribute to the

V70 R), and the center console is finished in aluminum trim instead of

wood, plus stainless steel sill plates.

It

isn't just all show either - Volvo's engineers have fettled with the

V70's suspension to give it a more dynamic driving experience. The

R-Design car sits lower than the standard model, and features different

dampers as well as new bushings and thicker anti-roll bars. The

combination will firm things up, but Volvo hasn't compromised on comfort. And while it may not necessarily be as performance oriented as

the R was, it's a step forward for enthusiasts, especially since the

package is available on the 281-hp turbocharged all wheel drive T6

variant.

Volvo of North America will be importing certain versions of the R-Design cars, although the V70 has not been confirmed.