Volvo Sports: R-Design
June 21, 2007 by George Skentzos
The inherited cardboard box-like silhouette of previous Volvo models have struck a major blow on Volvo’s image – which is certainly anything but sporty. However recent models have shown promise, and in an effort to distinguish themselves as a sportier brand they have announced an R-Design series of vehicle upgrades.
Cars branding this name will receive mainly cosmetic changes such as sports body kits, sports suspension, 17in wheels and a more streamlined interior garnished with leather and aluminum with only minor performance tweaks.
The S40 and V50 models will be the first to receive the R-Design make-over. Volvo CEO Fredrik Arp announced that the more performance oriented models would not bare the ‘R’ badging, but instead be labeled as R-Design variants.
It is a massive job for Volvo to shed its “boring but safe” image, but with the introduction of cars such as the Volvo C30 and a revamped advertising campaign, the Volvo revolution, albeit a little slow, is under way.
George Skentzos
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Lol all those features (body kit, 17inch rims etc) are seen on cars significantly cheaper, and they dont need a flashy names like ‘R-Design’ because they are what consumers expect these days from even basic cars. Someone should tell Volvo giving a car a badge isnt a performance upgrade, it doesnt add 10kw contrary to ricer beliefs… they are gonna have to do more then that to change peoples perceptions ie engine performance upgrades
Poxy interior.
Kia Rio is better.
The Volvo S40 shown in this article is a seriously well balanced car that can certainly take more than the S40 T5 set up. Volvo may have made a sound financial decision by axing the their “R” performance cars but it will do little to enhance the sporty nature of how most Volvo cars perform.
Let’s hope Ford is listening!
They make some nice cars these days but they need a new interior.
It makes perfect sense that Volvo wants to have R-design just as the S-line cosmetic options, or how you can have AMG wheels on a non-AMG Benz…
the difference here is that there ACTUALLY ARE S models and AMG models…
With no R models anymore, the cars are having trim lines of the great R-series cars…oops they don’t make them anymore. Makes no sense at all. Thanks Ford.
‘Twas a sad day when Volvo discontinued the R models. Whilst limited production numbers may not make financial sense to the bean-counters, these models showcased some of the Volvo engineers greatest work. What’s wrong with a thinking family man’s sports car? The old R models created such a loyal, dedicated following. Anyone can put a badge and fancy wheels on a car, but the R models were a true complete package – quality, luxury, practicality, safety, sports handling and performance. Without R models, I’ll be looking beyond Volvo for my next car.
There are also reports of that Volvo are thinking about an enhanced version of the C30 hatch with AWD capable of producing 350hp – if so look out Subaru!
Below is a comment from Realcars that signifies very bad taste for cars and a love affair that only cheapNasty image will do.. so I adjusted it a little to make more sense…
Poxy interior.
Kia Rio is better >>>>>>>> NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Volvo is a 1,000 times Better