Swedespeed Project S60 T6 February 2012 Update

Chris Stewart

Feb 15, 2012 - 11:46:49 PM

During an average winter, February offers cold temperatures and slippery road surfaces; ideal conditions for testing an AWD system. This season provided above average warm temperatures with only a few wet, snow showers. A few months and a few thousand miles reveal how well Volvo has improved the S60.

The 2011 S60 T6 with the 325hp Polestar tune offers the enthusiasm of 2004-2007 S60R in a more refined package. While the T6 gives up braking performance to the R, it offers North Americans tremendously better xenon headlamps. We found the R’s xenon headlamp performance insufficient, and so much so, we sourced European spec lenses for our 2006 V70R project car. As part of the $1500 Premium package, the adaptive xenon housing adjusts to the direction of the steering wheel. This option can be turned on or off via the “My Car” options in Sensus. Daytime running lights also have an on/off option; something the previous S60 required a trip to the dealership. The 2011 xenons illuminate greater than the previous S60, and drivers navigating dark country roads will appreciate the superior light.

Long-time Volvo owners will not be disappointed with the 2011 styling. The sedan evolves and maintains Volvos safety heritage. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the S60 with top marks of “Good” for front offset, side impact and roof strength. The federal standard for roof strength requires a vehicle to withstand a force equal to 1.5 times weight. We have come to expect superior safety ratings from Volvo, and the S60 scored 4.95 times the car’s weight reducing the likelihood a passenger would sustain serious injury in rollover crashes.

Our long-term S60 validates Volvo’s commitment to enhancing the brand through engaging product and a class leading warranty. I look ahead to the remaining months with the S60 with eagerness knowing the AWD T6 will entertain mile after mile.