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.”
02/05, 6:23 PM
posted by:
Jon
That’s too bad. The V70R was a roomy, all-weather, go-fast wagon.
Has anyone heard whether the T6 will have all-wheel drive?
02/05, 6:35 PM
posted by:
S-60-driver
well, we gotta wait and see in the future. Too soon to tell.
02/05, 7:22 PM
posted by:
bruddah_man_matt
Can’t say I’m too surprised as I can’t recall ever seeing a V70R (or an S60R for that matter) on the road. No one including Volvo ever really took their recent R models too seriously. Seeing as the new V70 is derived from the larger S80 as opposed to the previous S60 based car, a 300hp turbo 5 is no longer good enough when you consider that BMW, Mercedes and Audi all offer 300+ hp V8s in their midsize Estates/Wagons. And we’re not even talking about their M, S and AMG offerings. A 280hp T6 is more than enough for now. Especially for a Volvo
If Volvo wants folks to take their R brand seriousy they’re going to need to shove the 4.4L V8 into this thing packing no less than 400hp otherwise what’s the point? However before they do that I think I’d be more interested in seeing a 260-300hp C30R, 325-350hp S40R and C70R and a 420hp S80R. I don’t expect too much from Volvo which is why my proposed output figures seem low in comparison to the competition, but I would like to see something more ballsy than the somewhat lackluster S60R and previous gen V70R. Personally I think Volvo should take aim at Audi’s S Car lineup. Audi’s S cars aren’t balls to the wall extreme like their RS lineup, but they do offer a pretty good compromise between performance, comfort and value.
02/05, 8:01 PM
posted by:
Renton
I won’t miss it.
02/05, 9:00 PM
posted by:
A4
SCREW YOU VOLVO! the only car id buy a future wife from your stable. wheres S60 driver on this one?
02/05, 9:04 PM
posted by:
autonutt
Volvo barely sold 5000 V70s in the US last year, compared to over 20,000 of the XC70s.. so I guess the R models are far from lucrative. However, I eagerly await the decision on the S60, because it is Volvo’s true opportunity to create a “sporty” 4-door to sell alongside the C30, since the S80 will be absorbing much of the S60’s sedan customers.
02/05, 9:06 PM
posted by:
ironpony42
As long as they do a proper job on C30R, I’m happy. I also like the sound of a larger more powerful S40. The S40 is a classy little ride.
02/05, 9:06 PM
posted by:
S-60-driver
@ A4, maybe if u slow down and read everything on here, I posted a comment as #2 above.
02/05, 9:16 PM
posted by:
Thomas
I suppose a 280-hp XC70 will be a good seller here in North America. I suspect it will be quite spacious and still be priced under the E-wagon and 5-wagon.
And… for you tuners out there… don’t forget that the T6 engine will likely be chipped by any number of aftermarket Volvo tuners.
02/05, 9:52 PM
posted by:
CarExpert
For sure there’s a big reason behind this. Maybe Volvo is preparing for a better one. Besides, they have the enough models buyers would wish to have. Whatever they design, I’m sure the parts are tough enough. I’ve proven it even the Volvo fan blade. They lasted long enough for me.
02/06, 6:39 AM
posted by:
sunshine1810
Ford, Volvo’s owner is losing share in the marketplace every year to the Japanese. I wonder why. The Lexus IS350, BMW 335i have more power in a smaller car. Volvo, once a rock solid “tank like” vehicle is not a good car. Hopefully this car will drive well and be reliable. As far as not offering a V8, shame on Volvo (Ford).
02/06, 6:55 AM
posted by:
Syrax
i have a s60r and it’s been good to me so far…they should make the s60 a 2dr rwd car…that should do it since the s40 is now more a s60 than itself.
02/06, 8:20 AM
posted by:
Renton
sunshine1810 — well said.
Somwhere along the way Volvo left their core product and started making BS.
Those old 4 cylinder RWD Volvos were cool. 240s and 740 turbos were the schizzle. Now they are distant memories.
02/06, 3:19 PM
posted by:
Volvoman
Renton, you mean those boxy, solid rear axle, 160 hp 240 and 740 Turbos. I owned one of each back in the late 80’s and neither holds a candle to my S60 R in power, fun, or build quality. Those distant memories are not always accurate.
Back to the subject at hand, if Volvo could shoehorn that 4.4 liter into an S60 or future S40 then they would have a credible performance sedan. I’d like to see a V8 XC70 to take over for the Allroad orphans here in the US, but it appears that will not happen – at least for now. Still a 280 hp T6 should feel a lot like that silky 335i powerplant and I will not complain about that.
02/06, 4:20 PM
posted by:
LamborghiniZ
That’s unfortunate, I like the S60R too, Volvo please don’t let the R models go the way of the SVT’s