Volvo S60 R-Design - Fastest Lap at GingerMan Raceway

[@robertoautore9252]

This S-60 R design is a beast, Volvo for Life

[@hatsukari7514]

What is installed on the air intake? Is it possible to produce this sound even at the s60 of a four cylinder?

[@rdesigninc5756]

Hi there. Nothing has been installed on the air intake, everything is stock on the car except for the track-spec brake pads. The microphone I used to record this run was located under the hood, on the driver side close to the hood strut. What you hear in the video is exactly what a stock 2012, 325hp R-Design T6 (6 cylinder) engine sounds like. Unfortunately, I don't think you can get the same sound out of the 4 cylinder engines.

[@matthess6580]

You seem to have logged a decent amount of time on track in your R design - any complaints? Any issues with the transmission or heat management? Thanks for sharing!

[@rdesigninc5756]

+Matt Hess ...Yes Matt, a few complaints... nothing huge - Volvo brake pads and rotors are not going to hold up on the track, maybe two laps at best before serious brake fade kicks it - so if you want to do track events you must at least install high performance brake pads (I used EBC Yellowstuff) and if you want to go one step further and really add to the braking performance, go with the matching EBC sport rotors as well. Of course, get some serious summer rubber as the stock R-Design all season tires are a complete joke; I love the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. On the track two warning lights always seems to pop up when I am driving... The first warning, since the brakes start heating up a lot, is the: traction control DISABLED warning (which is actually fine with me as it holds me back anyways). The second warning light, since I downshift before every turn using the sport manual +/- mode, is: transmission HIGH HEAT warning which advises to stop driving immediately. This warning depends on how many turns the track has so I get it at Blackhawk and Gingerman, but not at Milwaukee Mile or Road America. It usually goes on about 20 minutes into the session and when it does go on, I finish up my lap and pull into the staging area, give it about 5 minutes and then go back out to enjoy whatever time is left in the session. The R-Design can be a great car for the track, but it is not a true track car - do not push it beyond its limits and it will be just fine.

[@matthess6580]

Thanks for the quick response! There seems to be virtually no aftermarket support for the s60, which is concerning but rational considering the sales volumes (or number of enthusiast owners) just aren't the same as the ubiquitous 3 series or A4. What size super sports do you run? I have read that "mrsideways" on swedespeed has autocrossed his car with 275/35/18s on the front without rubbing, which is very impressive. Not sure if running 275/35/18 on a square set up would be possible, but it's an entertaining thought. Beyond the change in tires, brake pads and rotors (assuming uprated fluid as well), you haven't done anything to augment the cooling system? Do temperatures stay in check? I know that the 335i tends to have a reputation for overheating the oil and coolant, and it takes the M sport option to have a factory oil cooler installed. Not sure of the true sporting intentions of Volvo but with this car since they didn't flat out call it an R, but it's a pretty impressive car that's often overlooked in a very competitive segment. With regards to the transmission: I remember that the 6 speed automatic from the XC90 had all kinds of problems usually by 60k miles, but don't know if that's the same transmission or if there have been multiple revisions or updates. The concern being that any track use would almost definitely put the transmission to the test. Sorry for all of the questions, but love seeing you make use of your RD!

[@rdesigninc5756]

+Matt Hess Yeah...getting Volvo drivers to bring their cars to the track is like pulling teeth - I would beg people on Volvo forums to come with me but no takers. Unfortunately, the other Saturday on October 31st, a teenager blew a stop sign and pulled right out in front of me and totaled the Volvo. My wife and son where in the car with me - the Volvo did it's job like a champ, airbags opened, went to the hospital... the whole nine yards. We will be OK, but my wife and I are schedule for physical therapy for the next 4 weeks - not fun. Anyways, I never changed my wheels on the R-Design so the Pilot Super Sports were the 245/40/18 size. The DOT4+ brake fluid Volvo uses as stock was excellent, never had a problem with that. The transmission worked very well - you can hear it on my videos and other than the overheating issue that required a 5 minutes rest, it was pretty much bulletproof. Obviously though, if the R-Design was really intended for the track they would of put a better cooling system on it. I know the purist with their R models scoff at the R-Design calling it a wannabee and I don't understand Volvo's decision not to call it an R... but I truly believe that if you put a stock R model up against my stock R-Design, I would have them for lunch as the newer S60 chassis is so much better. You are right, however, the R-Design is overlooked by everyone and I never forget the smirk smiles I would get when I showed up to the track in a Volvo, but let me tell you those smirks turned to complete WTFs when I was on their asses waiting for them to get the hell out of my way! Lost count of how many drivers would come to me after the session ended to find out what the hell I was driving - that alone was worth the price of admission! OK... now that I'm in a Hyundai rental, what am I going to buy next? As much as I love the R-Design, it never really was a true track car. The limited edition S60 Polstar which I drove is really good and fixes all the faults of the R-Design - but - I feel it still needs even more than the 345hp it comes with as above 60mph I really couldn't feel any difference from the R-Design, oh and... sorry, it is just not worth the 12 grand over the R-Design. So I just ordered the new Ford Focus RS, a true built-for-the-track car with fantastic performance and awesome power... all for less than 40K, I just couldn't resist. I'm a little worried about build quality, but fortunately, the RS are built in Germany so I hope that will make it all better :-)

[@matthess6580]

+R Design Inc sorry to hear about your accident, but the important thing is that you're safe (in the short and long run). the Focus RS will be an awesome car! I'm sure you'll really put some egos in check with it too - looking forward to seeing what you do with it :) I agree with your points on the R design being actually a niche bargain in the segment, which made me curious as to what's "wrong" with it - doesn't seem like much from my POV. Glad you were able to enjoy the ride on the street as well as the track AND have it protect your family. Not many cars can do that! I really appreciate the feedback from you, because like you said enthusiasts that find their way into a volvo sport sedan (let alone make use of them) are few and far between. Cheers, and I hope you and your wife have a speedy recovery