World Premiere For New Volvo S60, V70 And XC70
Published: 27th May 2004
Volvo S60
Power and Torque Increased for T5
The T5 engine available in the S60 and V70 is significantly upgraded with dual variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides as well as a larger capacity turbocharger. The engine also increases in size from 2.3 to 2.4-litres and tuned to give sportier throttle characteristics and engine response with better low-end torque and improved emissions without increasing fuel consumption figures.
Headline power has increased from 250bhp to 260bhp with torque of 350Nm instead of 330Nm, but more significantly, revised tuning now delivers this power at lower engine speeds. For example, from just 1,800rpm torque has increased by 65Nm to 280Nm, with peak torque of 350Nm from 2,100rpm (instead of 2,400rpm previously).
Performance for the S60 T5 improves with 0-62mph times reducing from 6.8 to 6.5 seconds, while emissions reduce slightly to 220g/km. Front disc brakes and callipers have increased in size to also improve braking performance, with a new, six-speed manual gearbox with a revised aluminium ‘Space Ball’ gear lever now available in the V70 as well as the S60, or Volvo's Geartronic transmission.
2nd Generation Four-C Active Chassis
Volvo’s active Four-C chassis (Computer Controlled Chassis Concept) has been refined and now introduced as an option for the new 2005 S60, V70 and XC70 ranges.
The active Four-C chassis system provides fully active damping with two distinct operating ranges – Comfort and Sport – to give a pronounced difference in ride, handling and steering characteristics with different settings for S60 (more sporting), V70 (more touring comfort) and XC70 (tuned for off-road and on-road).
The Comfort setting gives higher levels of comfort but with low body movement, while in Sport the ride becomes firmer with a higher level of road feel and feedback. The system will automatically adjust to stabilise the car during any extreme manoeuvres, no matter which setting is selected, and compensates for heavy loads for improved stability at all speeds and when towing.
Driving characteristics for the S60 R and V70 R models have also been improved with Comfort and Sport settings better tuned for UK road surfaces using higher damping speeds to handle bigger road disturbances, while the Comfort setting is improved with maintained road feel and body control. Full details of the R models will be released in summer 2004.
Volvo S60
Our Volvo S60 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK S60 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £19,995 - £27,270
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 15
We have road tested the Volvo S60, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Volvo S60 Review - Jan 2005
Volvo S60 Review - Jan 2004
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
