These days, 300 hp isn’t an entire lot. Toyota sells a Camry with extra energy than that, and you should buy a dang Kia with greater than 500 hp. But again within the early 2000s, a 300-hp engine was far more uncommon. While the present Ford Mustang GT makes 486 hp, again in 2004, it solely made 260 hp. Which might give slightly context to why the 2004 Volvo S60 R and its wagon variant, the V70R, had been so thrilling on the time.
Yes, it was an opulent household sedan like we’ve come to anticipate from Volvo, however it additionally occurred to be extra highly effective than a Mustang GT that 12 months. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine made 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which in MotorWeek’s testing was sufficient to hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds. Plus, it had one thing you’ll be able to’t get anymore — a six-speed guide transmission.
It wasn’t simply any guide transmission, both. It was the legendary spaceball shifter. Or maybe “infamous spaceball shifter” in the event you (incorrectly) don’t just like the look. It was additionally an indication that the S60 R was meant to be greater than a fast, comfy freeway cruiser. Yes, the S60 R was additionally meant to deal with properly, and whereas it wasn’t fairly on the extent of the BMW 5 Series, as you’ll be able to see beneath, John Davis was severely impressed.
You actually can hear the conviction in his voice when he declares on the finish that “the 2004 Volvo S60 R is not just the most technologically advanced car that Volvo has ever produced. It is also the quickest, most powerful and without a doubt the most fun to drive Volvo ever.” And if John Davis says it, you understand it’s the reality.
Source: jalopnik.com