Volvo S60R - V70R

It's a tough life when cars with names like M3, S4 and C32 AMG are your competitors. And if the Volvo S60 T5 leaves something to be desired - which, for all its 250 horses, it does - this 300 horse S60R puts up quite a strong fight. In order to squeeze out the extra ponies, the turbo-five receives a lower restriction intake, two intercoolers, reground camshafts, reinforced pistons, continuously variable valve timing and a new cylinder head and exhaust manifold. Finally, a larger KKK turbo replaces the old Mitsubishi unit and more than doubles boost to 14.7 psi. Considering all that, only 50 extra horses seems tame. 0-60 in 5.5 seconds is anything but tame, however, leaving the T5 somewhere in the dust and the Germans struggling to pull away.The space-ball six-speed manual is a huge improvement over the T5's five-speed gearbox, while a 5-speed Geartronic semi-automatic is also offered. Aside from the turbo kick, only the clutch is raw in this car, with a sudden highly-placed engagement that does little to promote smooth driving. The chassis, like the engine, receives its fair share of updates, including revised suspension geometry, stiffer springs, larger anti-roll bars and a three-way-adjustable shock system designed by Monroe and Öhlins. The shock damping, as well as the power distribution through the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, is managed by the Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept which is able to collect information on the speed, the movement of the wheels and chassis, and the position of the steering wheel over 500 times per second.There is plenty of grip and little body roll, while the steering is quick (2.5 turns lock-to-lock) and linear, but overall it's a less involving car than the Germans, particularly the Audi and BMW. In normal conditions, 90 percent of the torque passes to the front wheels, leading to a very fwd-like push in the turns while the steering is numb and isolating.One of the best features of this car is its Swedish good looks. The clean lines, tasteful 18-inch alloys and handsome interior are all good reasons to get into one. At full gallop, the S60R is neither as fast nor as involving as the M3 or S4, nor does it have that quasi-supercar prestige. Quasi-supercars come with corresponding stickers, and at only 42K USD, the S60R is the undisputed value champ. Finally, the spacious V70R wagon gives up little of its performance for practicality and looks great to boot: it's one of the best Volvos ever!Oh, and by the way, they're really safe. - by Traian Popescu

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