The upgrade was announced at the New York motor show and the extra grunt is accompanied by a boost in torque by 39Nm. All four wheels of the S60 are driven through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Other changes to the S60 R-design include an uprated chassis with a strut brace under the bonnet between the front turrets, lowered suspension and a mono-tube shock absorber in place of the twin shocks of the previous version.
Volvo has yet to confirm these changes for Ireland-bound S60 R models, but the company is known to be keen for the S60 R-design to be distinguished from the rest of its range. Very few Irish buyers will consider buying this high-performance engine, though the R-Design package can be had with diesel engines too.
The turbocharged petrol engine upgrade has been applied to the Volvo XC60 R-design in the USA too.
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