HOT ON THE HEELS of Volvo’s refreshed C30 line-up comes details of a more focused R-Design model to join the C30 range.
Externally, the R-Design package displays its intent with more aggressive front and rear spoilers, side skirts and wheel arch extensions.
Under the skin, handling is revised with stiffer lowered suspension and sharper steering.
Furthering the visual appeal, the R-Design includes a silk-metal finish for the door mirrors and grille surround, ‘R’ badging in the grille, chrome exhaust outlets, a tailgate spoiler and 17-inch ‘Cratus’ aluminium wheels, with optional 18-inch wheels available.
Inside, the C30 R-Design gets two-tone leather and Flex-Tec cloth interior, with optional all-black full leather, an aluminium and leather gear-shifter and aluminium pedals.
The R-Design motif is embossed into the front seats, centre stack and steering wheel.
Chassis modifications for the R-Design model include a lower steering ratio for a 10 percent faster steering response, and 30 percent stiffer suspension all round.
Stiffer mono-tube dampers and stiffened roll-stabilisers have also been employed to reduce body roll through corners.
“A customer who test-drives the new C30 R-Design will immediately feel the difference. Even before the car has covered fifty metres, the driver will be aware of the crisp steering and the distinct chassis response” Stefan Sällqvist, Volvo’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager said.
“We are very pleased with the result and have considerable hope that keen drivers will feel the same way.”
Volvo has offered no pricing or launch details yet. The 2010 Volvo C30 is due to arrive in Australian showrooms in March next year, with a mid-year launch for the R-Design model likely.
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That looks absolutely fantastic, especially the front of the vehicle.
Too bad its a Volvo and no-one really pays attention to them anymore.
The suspension/steering changes will be a welcome change. My concern is that if you give a C30 a “weekend track day” suspension, the next flaw it will highlight is that it needs “weekend track day” brakes. It will be interesting to see if Volvo can build a “hot-hatch” suspension setup. I have my doubts. If it’s still safe-as-houses Volvo understeer then we’ll know they can’t.
A successful grafting of Volvo’s new corporate face though. It doesn’t look like a tacked-on facelift.