Volvo won't build new V70R

Volvo has elected not to replace its high-performance V70R following the launch of the next-generation V70. Volvo says the new 280 hp T6 model partly fills that gap and will remain the top-of-the-line V70 for the foreseeable future, according to Autocar.





Volvo says it will also not offer a version of the V70 with the 4.4-liter V8 used in the S80 sedan for various undisclosed reasons, despite the V70 being closely based on the new S80.

The future of Volvo's "R" lineup in general remains a mystery. Volvo engineers told the U.K. magazine a C30R designed to do battle with the Audi S3 is a strong possibility.

The future of the S60R -- or its possible successor -- is less clear. Earlier this year, rumors began circulating that Volvo would discontinue the S60 all together. While the V70 was previously aligned with the S60, it is now more closely related to the S80, lending credibility to reports of the S60's demise.

If rumors are to be believed, then S40 will grow in size to become Volvo's official 3-Series rival. The slightly more upscale S40 might then be due for "R" treatment in the form of a high-output T6.

Meanwhile, and S80R might use a high-strung version of the car's V8. Volvo engineers even acknowledged this possibility to Autocar, saying the only hurdle would be developing a transmission capable of handing "up to 400 hp."