Model Overview: 2012 Volvo S60 T5
11/01/2010
Volvo
Upon its debut last year, the all-new S60 T6 AWD moved Volvo in a new direction - straight into the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts everywhere. So what does Volvo do for an encore? It expands the lineup for 2012 with a second model, the S60 T5. Positioned as the most attainable S60, the front-drive T5 receives a new 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine plus a unique list of standard equipment.
Attractive pricing puts this new S60 model within reach of more buyers who seek the core attributes of "the sportiest Volvo ever." Both S60s deliver outstanding performance, superb driving dynamics and innovative technology. They also offer significant advancements in safety systems, state-of-the-art luxury and infotainment solutions.
Emotionally charged styling sets the tone for the promise of a great drive. Often described as the "Volvo with an attitude," the S60 stands out from the crowd with a revolutionary design that creates a strong sense of motion. The S60's profile radiates the look of a four-door coupe with a twist. The slim roofline is accompanied by a distinctive contour on the shoulders of the lower body, creating a "double wave" that stretches from the headlights to the taillights.
When viewed from the front, the all-new S60 makes a powerful impression. The dramatically shaped grille flanked by V-shaped positioning lights sports a large Volvo iron mark. The S60's unmistakable profile is even visible in the dark. Volvo's designers strategically applied LED technology to create distinctive yet fluid light streams front and rear. The front positioning lights, front side marker lights, turn signal indicators mounted in the outside mirrors and taillights use LEDs for increased visibility and nighttime drama.
Beauty continues beneath the S60's sinuous flanks. The new S60 T5, propelled by its 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, puts out 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. For this model, maximum torque is available at just 1,800 rpm. Coupled with its lighter weight as a front-drive model, the T5 is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds and the T5's overboost function temporarily pumps up to 295 lb.-ft. of torque in gears 2-6 under hard acceleration.
The new engine is matched with a standard six-speed "Geartronic" transmission that offers completely automatic shifts or allows the driver to shift manually for an added sense of control.
Driving dynamics have been fine-tuned on the S60 with a choice of two unique designs. The Dynamic Chassis, optional on the T5, places the focus on optimizing control and agility. The T5 comes with a Touring Chassis, placing the greatest emphasis on ride comfort. The major difference between the two is in the dampers and the front and rear subframes. Both offer exceptional ride and handling qualities, yet the Touring Chassis has been tuned to provide a smoother ride on poor road surfaces.
The S60 T5 is equipped with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) as part of a suite of electronic systems to help optimize handling and control. Advanced Stability Control uses a roll angle sensor to detect and react to oversteer at an earlier stage and understeer in situations such as slip build-up. These situations may occur if the driver suddenly releases the accelerator while steering, such as when leaving a highway slightly too late. It also improves handling in evasive maneuvers. DSTC includes a sport mode setting to allow controlled wheel slip for performance driving.
Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring is another technology to help improve handling by redistributing torque to the outer wheel to help "steer" the car around a turn. This feature operates on the front wheels for the S60 T5. Enthusiast drivers will immediately notice a significant reduction in understeer as the system seamlessly applies the appropriate amount of power to the outside tire(s).
Among the other driver assistance systems that debuted on the S60 is Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake. This world-first technology actively helps the driver avoid accidents. Volvo's radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if anyone walks out into its path, and then automatically activate the S60's full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time. The system can avoid a collision at speeds up to 22 mph. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact.
Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is part of the S60's optional Technology Package that also includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The S60's standard safety systems include City Safety, another world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 19 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.
Volvo has equipped the S60's luxurious cabin with a remarkable infotainment system. Volvo Sensus manages information from the audio unit, navigation system (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a standard seven-inch high-definition color monitor in the upper part of the center console. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit their needs. All functions can be operated by a thumb-activated rotator located on the right steering-wheel spoke or via buttons on the center control panel located below the screen.
A standard high-performance multi-media system includes a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, AUX and USB inputs, MP3 capability, 160-watt amplifier and eight speakers. Also included is Bluetooth hands-free phone interface with audio streaming and SiriusTM Satellite Radio with a complimentary six-month subscription.
Selecting the optional Multimedia Package nets the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II(R) Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier and 12 premium speakers. The package includes the Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, DVD map data and remote control, and a rear park assist camera.
The S60 is one of two cars in the world to use Audyssey Laboratories' MultiEQ technology, the standard for room equalization in the home and professional theater markets, like IMAX. Included with the Premium Sound System, MultiEQ removes distortion caused by the cabin's acoustics enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage effects for everyone in the car.
Sport front and rear seating is standard on the S60 along with a sport leather steering wheel and Shimmer Graphite aluminum inlays. Leather seating surfaces are optional on the T5 with the Premium Package. T-Tec/textile upholstery is standard on the T5. Those who desire the warm look of wood can select the Urbane Wood inlays option. This veneer is made from real wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is certified by the Forest Steward Council. The wood is dyed and artfully layered together, creating a pattern inspired by the exotic grain of the African Zebrano, which is a threatened species.