M-B-Michael

Oh man people...

I just picked up my C230K Sedan, then came across this:

http://www.volvocars.com/r/

Check it out:

300 HP standard
All wheel drive standard
Sport suspension
Sport wheels
Safe
Good interior dimensions
Good trunk dimensions
Priced right ($36K base)
Good warranty

I am 100% thrilled w/ my Kompressor Sedan, but I think I would have considered looking at the Volvo had I come across it earlier. The Volvo is not as attractive (but it does look great), but its features are stellar for only a few thousand more dollars than the C230K sedan.

SiLvaC32

don't worrie... thats a volve... and you drive a mercedes!

Jerry

tifosiv122

This was no secret...

Volvo's are 'mushy' anyway...

Erik

vadim

I will seriously consider it. The engine is absolutely fantastic:

High pressure turbo inline-5,
300 HP @ 5,250 rpm;
295 lb.-ft. @ 1,950-5,250 rpm.

It reaches its max torque early and keeps it flat at max almost to the readline. It sure is worth a 350HP normally aspirated engine. Blast to drive.

Plus, Volvo, unlike MB, have successfully dealt with their reliability issues that made the now discontinued 1998-2000 S/V/C70 series notorious for being a mechanic's car (but, mind you - it still was better than the present C CLass!).

So, beware!

TimmyC230boy

I'll be taking a look at it when it comes out. Turbo charged = easy moding with a chip. I hate to say it but it will be in C32 territory with a simple chip for at least 10 grand less. I kow it may not be a mercedes but its nothing to laugh at either.

vadim

Not this one... With continuously controlled semi-active chassis. Just look at the specs:

http://www.volvocars.com/r/specs.html

Vince

that car is sick.

i used to want an 850R when i was 16. ultimate sleeper.

tifosiv122

Everyone I have driven seemed 'mushy'...if this isn't then they did something right. My friend's S80 T6 268hp feel like nothing.

Erik

TimmyC230boy

· Turbocharged 2.5-liter DOHC I-5 engine; aluminum cylinder head and block

· Dual Wide Range continuously variable timing on intake and exhaust camshafts

· Choice of 6-speed manual or electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission; automatic has Sport mode and Geartronic semi-automatic selections

· Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel-drive

· Four-C (continuously controlled chassis concept) semi-active chassis with three driving modes

· Brembo brakes

· Front and rear seat side curtain air bags

· Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS)

· Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)

· Unique R front fascia and rear spoiler

· Unique grille with matte silver frame

· DE (projector) lights in air dam

· Bi-Xenon high and low beam headlamps

· Soft leather upholstery with metallic effects

· Brushed aluminum "space ball" 6-speed gear lever (manual transmission)

· 3-spoke, leather-clad steering wheel rim in two-tone gray; air bag cover in charcoal leather with blue stitching

· Gauges in R-blue with "watch-dial" bezels

· Special R logo key with integrated remote controls



Those are just some killer specs. Thats just a sleeper. 300hp + AWD = fun in my book! That car has 50 more HP than S4, and only 50 less than C32. With AWD I believe the S60R may be able to keep up witht the C32 off the line, and with a chip in the S60r it will be very very close. if you get a S60R and set it to the advanced sport setting and feel that its still too "mushy" do what the W203 owners do, new springs!

when can I get a S60R?

::running to my dad:: don't you want me in a safe car!!!!

tifosiv122

Mushy as in throttle response, handling, and steering feedback.

All typical Volvo complaints/praise depending on if you like the Towncar feel or want the sport feel.

Erik

vadim

The S80 is no more mushy than the E Class - they are comfy luxury cars. I posted a link - did you read the S60R specs? That thing will make C32 feel mushy, if anything.

vadim

All of the above are routinely attributed to Mercedes when compared to, say, a Bimmer... Do I smell a biassed opinion here?

tifosiv122

No, if I wanted a sports car I would get a Ferrari, if I wanted a sportier car I'd get a BMW, but not a Volvo...

As far as sporty goes, the drop from BMW to MB is the same as from MB to Volvo...considering how many people here complain about their MB's I can't imagine any of you driving a Volvo and being happy about it.

Erik

M-B-Michael

"...don't worrie... thats a volvo... and you drive a mercedes!.."

I think that is about all that will allow me to sleep well tonight.

That and the $5000-$6000 difference to get it equiped like my Mercedes (although the Volvo still has AWD & 300 HP mine will never have )

Oh and the resale value is bound to be higher on the Benz down the road...

However, I will say, that Volvo is serious sweet. They say "late 2003" introduction. I will go over & look at one once the S60R's are in stock for sure.

No matter what, I still "drive a Mercedes." That alone is hard to beat.

mbtech208

If I had kids, I'd definitely consider a V70 R wagon. Think about it: with all-wheel-drive, 300 horsepower turbocharged engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, not to mention a myriad of safety features and a large cargo hold, what's not to like? Forget the lumbering Expeditions and Tahoes, I can't think of a family hauler that would be more fun to drive than this wagon.

vadim

That's what I'm saying - biassed opinion. You've never even seen or driven this car that will put many a Bimmer (and Benz) to shame, yet you immediately labeled it "mushy".

TimmyC230boy

I agree with you MBtech and Vadim. This is going to be a great car. I am/will seriously consider getting it for a next car. From info I found on the web they will be inporting 7000 S60R's and 6500 S70R's to the US, so finding one shouldnt be too big of a problem. With the things tuners do with turbo engines I say that it will be closer to 350hp, 350tq with a chip. I am very excited about this car. Of course I would want the auto, but 300hp AWD just has a certain ring to it.

lars

I traded in a Volvo S70 T5 on my coupe, and tested an S60 T5 while looking around.

My S70 was absolutely reliable (aside from about 3 non-safety related recalls). Zero trips to the dealer in five years for non-scheduled maintenance, again aside from those recalls. So, just like MBs, all Volvos are not created equal.

The S60 T5 drives like, well, just like a Volvo. The chassis is just not in the same league as the C coupe's.

TNblkc230wz

I have to agree with Lars and tifosiv122. I really liked the Mercedes chasis and feel. This is why I'm getting a C230 over an IS300, 325i, A4. I couldn't get beyond the looks of the Volvo to drive it.

Harris

Sorry to all S60 fans. I have to say the S60s and S80s are two of the most ugliest car I've ever seen, especially the rear. I have a S70 and I really prefer the S70 boxy look.

Volvo doesnt really know what "handling" mean. None of their cars have good handling. I bet a S60R is no different than a S80 T5 or a S70 T5 of which both dont have handling too.

tifosiv122

I didn't immediately label anything. I said Volvos are 'mushy'. Unless this car is a giant leap forward, it will be mushy also. Don't get your hopes up until you drive it. If I would have said "the Volvo S60R is mushy" you can complain, otherwise I am stating my general opinion of a car manufacturer of which I personally think is highly overrated. I think Volvo should stick to their "safe, mom driving, family car" image and not try to make a sports car...since their C70 is doing/did so well.

I am curious why you think this will put MB and BMW to shame? HP? Camaros at close to half the price put out more HP...big woop...lets see how this car really is when it comes out, not the stuff thats shown on paper.

Erik

M-B-Michael

Hard to believe, but by coincidence, my Road & Track mag showed up today... And guess what they do a short test on... The S60R.

They say that this electric suspension offers three stages. Comfort for highway, Sport for neat everyday use... And Advanced for "race track use only." Writer says that it is so hard that "very few people have driven a car with suspension this firm." That is saying a lot for a car made for street use, and from Volvo.

They raved about the suspension for most of the article (shocks receive information about 500 times per second, etc.), then said that for $38K it is a "great effort."

My guess is that it handles really well.

Harris

Have you noticed how many pages of advertisement does Volvo put on the R&T this month? I havent bought it yet, so I dont know.

Umm....I'll go and test drive one when they become available. They should clear things up a bit.

lars

The S70 was available with sport suspension, but you would have to look pretty hard to find one with this option. The standard suspension was already firmer over bumps than the C-class sport suspension, and the one person I talked with who had driven Volvo's sport suspension said that it was even stiffer. All I can add to this discussion is that firmess does not necessarily equate with good handling, but it does reduce ride comfort and make a car more tiring to drive.

C230K

I have the Coupe and S60 2.4T and they both have their place in my house. The Volvo is quick (great seats, MB should take note) and a proven power plant. Also the stock stero will blow away the Bose. For the money, think it's a great family sporty car. Compare the price and standard features, you get with the S60 to the MB or the BMW, not even close. Just my thoughts and guess having both, am qualified to give an accurate account. Also makes a damn good race car.