The 2012 Volvo S60 lineup offered a compelling range of options for car enthusiasts, and at the heart of this range was the Volvo T60 model. Positioned as the mid-tier variant, the S60 T6 AWD (All-Wheel Drive) delivered a potent blend of performance and luxury, bridging the gap between the entry-level T5 and the high-performance R-Design. This article delves into the specifics of the Volvo T60, exploring its engine, performance characteristics, and place within the broader S60 family.
Under the Hood of the Volvo T60: The Turbocharged Six-Cylinder Engine
The Volvo T60 derived its power from a sophisticated 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine was a key differentiator for the T6 models, setting them apart from the five-cylinder T5. It produced a robust 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, providing ample power for both everyday driving and more spirited adventures.
Alt Text: Close-up view of a Volvo T6 engine, highlighting the engine cover and components, showcasing the powerful turbocharged six-cylinder engine of the Volvo T60.
What made this engine particularly appealing was its torque delivery. Maximum torque was available from a low 2,100 rpm and sustained across the rev range. This characteristic ensured strong acceleration and responsiveness in various driving situations, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. This broad torque curve contributed significantly to the enjoyable driving experience offered by the Volvo T60.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the Volvo S60 T6
The power of the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine translated into impressive performance figures for the Volvo T60. While not as aggressively tuned as the R-Design, the T6 AWD still offered brisk acceleration and confident handling. The 0-60 mph sprint was achieved in a respectable 5.8 seconds, a testament to the engine’s capabilities and the effectiveness of the all-wheel-drive system.
Alt Text: Volvo S60 T6 AWD speeding on a winding road, illustrating the vehicle’s dynamic performance and all-wheel-drive capability for enhanced handling.
The “AWD” designation in the Volvo T60 name is crucial. The standard electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with Instant Traction played a vital role in optimizing grip and stability. Combined with Corner Traction Control featuring torque vectoring, the system enhanced handling, particularly in corners. This technology redistributed torque to the outer wheels, effectively “steering” the car through turns and reducing understeer. Drivers could appreciate the enhanced control and confidence, especially in challenging weather conditions or on demanding roads.
The Volvo T60 also featured Volvo’s second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. This transmission offered a sport mode for more engaging driving, and improvements in valve design and friction reduction resulted in faster gear changes compared to previous iterations. This refined transmission further contributed to the smooth and responsive driving experience of the Volvo T60.
Chassis and Handling: Balancing Sport and Comfort in the Volvo T60
The driving dynamics of the Volvo T60 were further refined by the chassis options available. The Dynamic Chassis was standard on the T6 models, emphasizing control and agility. For drivers prioritizing comfort, Volvo also offered the Touring Chassis as a no-charge option. The Touring Chassis was tuned to provide a smoother ride, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Alt Text: Diagram illustrating the Volvo S60 chassis components, emphasizing the suspension system and structural elements contributing to the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort, relevant to Volvo T60 models.
For those seeking an even more adaptable driving experience, the Volvo T60 AWD offered the optional FOUR-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) active chassis. This system utilized sensors to constantly monitor the car’s behavior and adjust the dampers in milliseconds to suit the driving situation. Drivers could select between Comfort, Sport, and Advanced settings, tailoring the ride and handling characteristics to their preferences and driving conditions.
Standard Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) across all S60 models, including the Volvo T60, further enhanced safety and control. Advanced Stability Control, a part of DSTC, could detect and react to oversteer and understeer scenarios, improving handling in challenging situations. DSTC also included a sport mode, allowing for controlled wheel slip for drivers seeking a more spirited driving experience in their Volvo T60.
Design and Features: The Volvo S60 T6 Aesthetic
The Volvo S60 T6 shared the emotionally charged styling that defined the entire S60 range. Often described as the “Volvo with an attitude,” the S60 boasted a revolutionary design that conveyed a sense of motion and dynamism. The profile resembled a four-door coupe, featuring a slim roofline and a distinctive “double wave” contour along the lower body.
Alt Text: Side profile of a Volvo S60 T6 showcasing its coupe-like silhouette and distinctive shoulder line, emphasizing the exterior design elements of the Volvo T60.
The front of the Volvo S60 T6 made a powerful statement with its dramatically shaped grille, flanked by V-shaped positioning lights and featuring a prominent Volvo iron mark. LED technology was strategically used for the front positioning lights, side marker lights, turn signals, and taillights, enhancing visibility and creating a distinctive nighttime signature for the Volvo T60.
Inside, the Volvo S60 T6 offered a luxurious cabin with standard sport front and rear seating, a sport leather steering wheel, and Shimmer Graphite aluminum inlays. Leather seating surfaces were standard on the T6 AWD, adding to the premium feel. The Volvo Sensus infotainment system, standard in the Volvo T60, provided a user-friendly interface for managing audio, navigation, and other vehicle functions, displayed on a seven-inch high-definition color monitor.
Safety and Technology: Innovation in the Volvo S60 T6
Volvo’s commitment to safety was evident in the Volvo S60 T6, which was equipped with a suite of advanced safety systems. Standard City Safety, a groundbreaking technology, was designed to prevent or mitigate low-speed collisions. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake was available as part of the optional Technology Package, actively helping drivers avoid accidents involving pedestrians.
Alt Text: Iconographic representation highlighting Volvo S60 safety features, such as pedestrian detection and city safety, emphasizing the advanced safety technologies in the Volvo T60.
The Technology Package also included 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). These systems worked together to provide a comprehensive safety net for Volvo T60 drivers and passengers.
The infotainment system in the Volvo T60 was also noteworthy. The standard high-performance multimedia system included a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, AUX and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. An optional Multimedia Package upgraded to the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound and included the Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic and a rear park assist camera. The Volvo T60 was also among the first cars to incorporate Audyssey Laboratories’ MultiEQ technology for enhanced audio quality.
Conclusion: The Volvo T60 – A Balanced and Powerful Choice
The Volvo T60 represented a sweet spot in the 2012 Volvo S60 lineup. It provided a significant step up in power and performance from the T5, thanks to its turbocharged six-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel-drive, while still offering a more accessible price point than the top-tier R-Design. With its blend of performance, luxury, safety, and innovative technology, the Volvo T60 was a compelling choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded and engaging premium sedan. It delivered the dynamic driving experience that Volvo was aiming for with the S60, solidifying its position as a strong contender in its class.
