The Volvo XC60 is available as a high-performance R-Design model, but even that version isn’t popular among automotive journalists because it’s not as powerful as it could be. “For Swedish performance aficionados who remember the Volvo R sedans and wagons from the ’90s and early 2000s, Volvo’s recent R-Design packages left much to be desired. Rather than increase power, those add-ons were being limited to stiffer suspension bits, flashy wheels, and sportier interior and exterior trim,” explains Car and Driver. “Somewhere a pale yellow 850R wagon may be cracking a smile, though, as Volvo’s upcoming 2012 S60 R-Design and XC60 R-Design mark the return of power upgrades to the Volvo fold.”

Volvo will fit the S60 and the XC60 with a T6 engine that makes 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a gain of 25 horsepower and 29 pound feet of torque. The S60 will be offered in this trim for the first time, so it’s undergone the most changes. Volvo says it tweaked the S60's chassis by fitting “a strut brace under the hood that ties together the suspension strut towers. This is a classic method of stiffening up the body structure and to improve steering response. At the rear, the S60 R-Design features monotube dampers. Unlike the twin-tube dampers used in the S60 T6, the monotube system features compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly.” Volvo also shortened the front and rear springs, increased spring stiffness and added new valves to the S60’s Geartronic transmission and decreased friction to make gear changes faster. 

To make the S60 look sportier, Volvo gave the S60 a new grille that’s lower to the ground and painted it black. The S60 R-Design comes in red, but the automaker says four other colors will be available.

Volvo has not addressed the XC60 R-Design as much because that model existed last year. But, the S60 and XC60 will have standard all-wheel drive and a six- speed automatic transmission.

With 25 more horsepower, the automotive press has high hopes for the S60 R-Design. “We already thought the S60 T6 had enough performance for the casual driver for a lower starting price of $37,700,” writes Kicking Tires. "It’ll be interesting to see whether these changes can help the model better compete with the BMW 3-Seriesfor performance buyers.”

Both the S60 and XC60 R-Design go on sale late this summer and start at $42,275 and $43,150, respectively.