Volvo XC60 R-Design: Big Wheels Keep On Turning

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Volvo XC60 R

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The 2010 Volvo XC60 is a handsome, comfortable crossover vehicle--and a highly rated one, scoring an 8.2 in TheCarConnection.com's road test rating. And yet, even though its out-of-the-box good looks are just hitting showrooms around the U.S., Volvo's tweaking the XC60's appearance and handling with a new R-Design package to be unveiled in the fall.

Like other R-Design models from Volvo, the XC60 R-Design wears new metallic trim on its mirrors and sills, and body-color paint on its flanks where stock XC60s have a matte black finish. Eighteen-inch Cratus aluminum wheels are distinct for the XC60, and 20-inch wheels are available. In the cabin, the new edition adds more aluminum trim and dark finishes to the dash and console. New seats are specified, and the steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather.

The R-Design also benefits from some handling upgrades that may firm up the XC60's light touch. Stiffer shocks are fitted, and Volvo says a more direct steering ratio improves feedback--one of the few areas in which the XC60 can be readily improved.

The R-Design XC60 will be on the Volvo stand at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show, and in U.S. showrooms in early 2010.

Stay tuned for more coverage from Frankfurt this September, or follow our Frankfurt Auto Show tag for the latest on world debuts coming this fall.