The Volvo R marque represents the high-performance division of cars produced by Volvo. The R marque refers to "Refined", since Volvo markets R-designated vehicles as being the most performance-oriented trim level. The first vehicle in the Volvo R marque lineup, the Volvo 850 R, was introduced in 1995, followed by the Volvo S70 R and Volvo V70 R in 1998. A related performance trim line, Volvo R-Design, was launched for 2008. Volvo's high-performance vehicles are now developed by their Polestar division, although most Volvo models are offered in an R-Design trim level.
Further information: Volvo 850 T-5R For 1995, the special limited edition 850 T-5R was offered, and was a commercial success, leading Volvo to produce a second run in 1996. Originally, it was to be called 850 Plus 5. The vehicle was based on the 850 Turbo, utilizing the B5234T4 engine with a special ECU that added an additional 2 psi of turbocharger boost pressure, giving the engine an extra 18 hp for a total of 243 hp and 250 lb⋅ft of torque. The engine was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission, the latter of which was not available in the United States. The T-5R was renowned as a sleeper car; despite its boxy, understated appearance, it boasted a drag coefficient of 0.29 and was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 - 7.0 seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to 152.2 mph. The vehicle came standard with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, providing lateral grip of 0.88 g. The engine tuning was co-developed with Porsche, and the transmission and other powertrain components. Porsche also aided in designing some of the interior, such as the Alcantara seat inserts. These cars came as standard with nearly every feature available, only a handful of options - such as heated rear seats - were available. On the North American market only two options could be chosen, a trunk-mounted Alpine 6-CD changer and no-cost 16" wheels for a smoother, more comfortable ride and driveability in snow when using all-season tires.
Volvo 850 R
Further information: Volvo 850 R In the spring of 1996, Volvo introduced a new high-performance Volvo 850 as a replacement for the hugely successful limited edition T-5R. Volvo decided there should be no direct successor to the T-5R, but due to its success, Volvo decided to develop a new high-performance model. The new car, based on the T-5R, was called the 850 R, which again came in either saloon or sport wagon editions.
Further information: Volvo S70 R An S70 'R' version was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year and offered the highest performance of all S70 models. The engine was rated at and for models fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential. Models fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox were rated at and. Only FWD versions were produced. The model was only available in Europe and few select other countries.
Further information: Volvo S60 R First introduced in 2004, Volvo's S60 R used a Haldex all-wheel-drive system mated to a / inline-5. The 2004–2005 models came with a 6-speed manual transmission, or an available 5-speed automatic which allowed only torque in 1st and 2nd gears. The 2006–2007 models came with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Further information: Volvo V70 R As the replacement for the popular 850 T-5R and 850 R, the V70 R was unveiled in May 1997. Similar to the previous generation R models it featured a unique leather/alcantara interior with diamond stitching on the seats. Further styling touches were a special front bumper, blue gauge faces for the instrument cluster, two special colours and special alloy wheels. All US cars were equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels, other markets had 17 inch wheels available at extra cost or as standard equipment. Standard equipment was substantially upgraded over normal models with a few options available such as a trunk mounted CD-changer, Volvo's self developed Road and Traffic Information navigation system, or an upgraded stereo system. Further information: Volvo V70 R As with the previous generation, Volvo offered a high-performance variant called the V70 R AWD. Based on the PCC2 concept car from 2001, the model was unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show on 26 September. Released in 2003, the model pioneered many firsts for Volvo. It was only available with a Haldex based all-wheel drive system and a 2.5L turbocharged five cylinder engine rated at and of torque. This allowed for a time of 5.9 seconds. It had an electronically limited top speed of 250 kilometres per hour. The R was available with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The 2005 facelift saw the five-speed automatic replaced by a more modern six-speed unit. Large brakes made by Brembo provided high-performance braking capabilities in line with the car's high-performance characteristics. The V70 R came as standard with Volvo's 4C multi-mode suspension developed with suspension experts Öhlins. The driver could choose from three different settings to vary the car's handling depending on driving style and conditions.
R-Design
In 2008, Volvo began offering an R-Design variant on most of their vehicles, which includes sportier styling on both the exterior and interior, slightly more horsepower, and a firmer suspension. Most R-Design models are designated by an R-Design badge on the right of the grille, as well as silver or black side view mirror caps.
