2015.5 VOLVO V60 T6 R-DESIGN TESTDRIVENOW.COM

2015.5 VOLVO V60 T6 R-DESIGN QUICK TAKES

Volvo expands its lineup for 2015 with the launch of the all-new V60 sport wagon.

With its dynamic design, three levels of performance, innovative safety technologies, luxury features and versatile cabin, the V60 writes an exciting new chapter in Volvo’s 60-plus years of wagon excellence.

For midyear 2015.5, Volvo introduces several new features to the V60 lineup:

New Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscriptions are standard.
New Sensus Navigation with Map Care is standard on Premier and Platinum trim levels and all T6 models.
New Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System is standard on Platinum and optional on other trim levels.
New Convenience Package is standard on Platinum and available on all other trims.

Athletic Sport Wagon Design
Based on Volvo’s award-winning S60 architecture, the V60 takes sport wagon styling to the next level with its dramatic road presence.

The pronounced wedge shape and slim coupe-like silhouette create a gentle yet powerful double wave from the headlights at the front to the taillights at the rear.

The designer’s focus was on retaining the S60’s coupe-like profile, while increasing cargo space at the rear. The dip in the middle of the double wave visually pushes the car down enhancing its stance and making it look sleeker and lower. The sculpted hood and short overhangs also emphasize its athletic stance.

Dynamism is further enhanced by what Volvo’s design team calls the “racetrack” design. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead continue to flow organically, continually, echoing the smooth shapes of the racetrack.

Drive-E Technology Debuts
The V60 becomes the first Volvo to offer exciting new Drive-E technology.

V60 T5 front-wheel-drive models are fitted with Volvo’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection that delivers 240 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A unique overboost function increases maximum available torque to 280 lbs.-feet for the first 10 seconds of open throttle between gears two through eight.

When teamed with the new standard eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission, the smaller, lighter Drive-E engine delivers low emissions and high fuel economy. Also new is the start/stop feature, which automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal.

New ECO+ introduced with Drive-E is a fuel-saving technology that optimizes shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated by the driver, ECO+ can improve fuel economy by five percent depending on driving style, temperature and climate.

ECO+ functions include:
Start/Stop – The start/stop functionality is modified to allow the engine to shut down at 7kph/4mph as the car coasts to a stop.
ECO-coast – Helps conserve kinetic energy by enabling the vehicle to coast. The engine “brake” is disengaged and engine speed drops to idle speed when pressure on the accelerator is released.
ECO-climate – The air conditioning compressor is disconnected to reduce auxiliary loads. Pressing the AC button restarts cooling or the driver can deactivate ECO+.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES REVIEW OF THE 2015.5 VOLVO V60 T5 DRIVE-E.

Deliver the Goods Rain or Shine
Volvo’s electronically controlled All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™ is standard on the midrange V60 T5 AWD. These models employ Volvo’s signature 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to an efficient six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission.

All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction provides the best possible grip in all situations – on wet, slippery or completely dry roads. The advanced Haldex® AWD system delivers power to the wheels with the best grip. When a tire loses traction, power is reduced to that wheel and instantly transferred to the more sure-footed wheels.

Most Powerful Wagon in Volvo History
Volvo created the V60 T6 AWD R-Design especially for those who crave performance and a more sporting driving experience. It comes dressed with distinctive R-Design visual cues, revved by the performance-tuned T6 engine and enhanced with Advanced Quick Shift transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change.

On the outside, the R-Design features unique front styling with a bolder, expressive appearance. The frameless Tech Matte Black grille has high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Design emblem. The LED daytime running lights in the outer corners reinforce the low, road-hugging impression.

The front wheel arches enhance the car’s sporty aura while the rounded end of the front bumper wraps around the standard 18-inch “Ixion” alloy wheels which are also offered in 19-inch size as an option with the choice of all-season or performance summer tires. At the rear, the unique diffuser with aero fins is flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design tailpipes.

In keeping with its sporting character, T6 R-Design features a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine with Polestar performance software upgrade that produces a satisfying 325 horsepower and a stout 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Paddle shifters for the six-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission allow the driver to shift manually with both hands on the steering wheel.

Advanced Quick Shift is designed to increase the V60’s performance potential. When Sport Mode is selected or when using the paddle shifters, software mapping improves gear change speed by 20-30 percent on third to sixth gears and up to 50 percent faster from first to second gear. V60 R-Design is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Superbly Engineered Chassis Dynamics
Volvo’s chassis experts worked on the driving experience in the new V60 with the same passion given to the development of the S60. The result is a sport wagon with truly sporting driving characteristics. The dampers and front and rear subframes for the standard Touring Chassis have compliant settings to give a smooth ride on irregular road surfaces.

Those seeking more direct reflexes can select the Sport Chassis, included in the available Sport Package for V60 T5 models and fitted as standard on the T6 R-Design. The Sport Chassis includes a lower ride height for responsive driving pleasure with full control for a sporty yet luxurious feel. A strut brace under the hood ties together the suspension strut towers to stiffen up the body structure.

Monotube dampers deliver compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly. Stiffer bushings counteract oscillation while roll movements are more controlled. The bushings that attach the rear dampers to the body are stiffer, and the front tie-blade bushing is considerably stiffer to counteract wheel bouncing and shaking.

Steering in the Right Direction
A new Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) on V60 T5 Drive-E models provides the latest technical innovations in convenience and safety.

Park Assist Pilot, a semi-automatic parallel parking aid is a new option for T5 Drive-E models that requires the available Blind Spot Information (BLIS) Package. Utilizing front and rear park assist sensors and operational at speeds up to 18 mph, the system will identify an appropriate sized parking space and guide the driver through step-by-step instructions. The car will automatically control the steering function while the driver controls the brakes and transmission.

Lane Keeping Aid helps prevent accidents that may occur by unintentionally drifting out of a lane. The system, included with the T5 Drive E’s available Technology Package, uses the forward-looking camera to identify road markings. In situations where the car begins drifting out of the lane where the driver has not used the indicator to signal a lane change, the system applies steering torque to guide the vehicle back into the car’s lane.

If the system is unable to keep the vehicle in its lane, the driver is warned by a haptic vibration through the steering wheel. In the event the detected lane change was intentional, the steering assistance is easily overridden by steering in the intended direction.

Innovative Safety Technology
As the industry leader in safety, Volvo equips the all-new V60 with high-tech solutions that actively help the driver avoid accidents and help protect the occupants if an accident is unavoidable.

Standard safety systems include City Safety, a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 31 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the V60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.

All V60s are equipped with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) as part of a suite of electronic systems to help optimize handling and control. Advanced Stability Control uses a roll angle sensor to detect and react to oversteer and understeer at an earlier stage. These situations may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator while steering, such as when leaving a highway slightly too late. It also improves handling in evasive maneuvers. DSTC includes a sport mode setting to allow controlled wheel slip for performance driving.

Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring is another standard technology to help improve handling by redistributing torque to the outer wheel to help “steer” the car around a turn. This feature operates on the front wheels for the V60 T5 Drive-E and both the front and rear wheels for the T5 AWD and R-Design. Enthusiast drivers will immediately notice a significant reduction in understeer as the system seamlessly applies the appropriate amount of power to the outside tire(s).

Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake, offered on all V60s with the available Technology Package (standard with the Platinum trim), is a groundbreaking technological solution that actively helps the driver to avoid accidents. Volvo’s radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if anyone walks out into its path and then automatically activate the V60’s full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time.

New advanced software with more rapid vision processing enables the system to cover certain cyclist situations as well. If a cyclist heading in the same direction as the car suddenly swerves out in front of the car and a collision is imminent, there is an instant warning and full braking power is applied.

Comfort and Convenience
Volvo’s interior designers have crafted the V60’s cabin environment to surround the driver and passengers with comfort and luxury while offering flexible cargo solutions.

Standard 40/20/40-split rear seat increases versatility for transporting cargo. Each backrest in the three-piece rear seat is folded with exceptional ease to create a flat load floor. The rear seat headrests can be folded electrically. The optional folding front passenger seat on T5 models can fold flat so extra-long cargo can be transported inside the car.

The load area has been designed for maximum utility with access via a wide tailgate plus extra space for smaller items behind the wheel housings and under the load floor. Maximum cargo capacity is a generous 43.1 cubic feet.

A new R-Design sport seat upholstery option debuts with the V60. Offered as a no-charge option, seats are trimmed with dual-textured upholstery that combines sporty Nubuck fabric with genuine leather. The primary seating surface is dressed with Nubuck textile that has the appearance and texture of suede. Other seating surfaces are trimmed in leather. This combo provides a very exclusive and dynamic appearance as well as holding the occupants firmly in place during spirited cornering.

Sensus Boosts In-Car Connectivity
All V60s are equipped with the Volvo Sensus system. Sensus manages information from the audio unit, navigation (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a seven-inch high-definition color monitor in the upper part of the center console. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit his or her needs.

As a midyear 2015.5 enhancement, all V60s gain Sensus Connect featuring a wide array of new and improved in-car connectivity services including:

A Volvo-unique cloud developed with Ericsson, a leader in mobile and fixed networking
Cloud-based apps including Stitcher, Pandora, Yelp, Glympse and more
Connected service booking
On-screen vehicle owner’s manual
Internet browser
Connection achieved via internal modem, which includes 6-month trial service period
Improved voice control with state-of-the-art speech engine powered by Nuance

Volvo On Call is a new standard sophisticated telematics system that includes a driver-activated SOS button, automatic collision alert and GPS location tracking by emergency service operators. If an airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is deployed, emergency assistance is notified even if the driver is unable to press the button. Convenience features such as engine remote start, trip log and send to car navigation directions are Volvo On Call features that can be accessed by utilizing the Volvo On Call smart phone app.

Wi-Fi Hotspot uses the standard 3G-based Volvo On Call plus the car’s regular rooftop antenna giving the driver access to cloud-based Volvo services without an on-board smartphone. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car so passengers can connect their smartphone, laptop or tablet to the Internet.

New Sensus Navigation, standard on Premier and Platinum trims and all T6 models, integrates all navigation functions into the car. The system is easy to use, without taking one’s attention from traffic. Unlike using a smart phone as a navigation device, the navigation screen is displayed on the standard in-dash 7-inch monitor. Sensus Navigation has improved graphics including 3D imaging, improved voice recognition, new routing options and built-in apps.

The Platinum trim level includes the new Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System, also available on other trims as a stand-alone option. It features innovative Dirac Live® sound tuning technology, 12 premium speakers and 650 watts.

A standard high-performance audio system on base and Premier trims includes a CD player, HD Radio, AUX and USB inputs, MP3 capability, 160-watt amplifier and eight speakers. Also included is Bluetooth hands-free phone interface with audio streaming and Sirius Satellite Radio with a complimentary six-month subscription.

Customize with Packages and Options
Volvo offers V60 buyers the additional convenience of selecting from an array of packages and individual options. Available on all models, the optional Climate Package includes a heated windshield, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, heated windshield washer nozzles and Interior Air Quality System (IAQS).

The Technology Package, featuring Volvo’s most advanced driver support systems, is standard with the Platinum trim and available on all others. Features include Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake function. Active High Beam automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information (RSI) displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera (FLC). The package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC), Lane Keeping Aid (on T5 Drive-E) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (on T5 AWD and T6).

Additional features, included in the Convenience Package, standard on Platinum and available on all other trims, are Keyless Drive (standard on T6), rear park assist camera, HomeLink, digital compass, grocery bag holder and power retractable outside mirrors.

V60 stand-alone options include dual two-stage child booster seats with power child door locks, Urbane or new Piano Black wood inlays (T5), sport seats (T5), quick-fold front passenger seat (T5) and dual screen rear entertainment system.

2015.5 VOLVO V60 T6 R-DESIGN QUICK TAKES MSRP $45,150.00