It will have an "R-Design" variant in the near future...upgraded looks, no upgraded performance though. Their T6 engine is getting upgraded to 304 HP though, which will put the car above the previous R HP levels.

The T6 will be AWD standard, and the car will only be offered as a T6 AWD during its initial release...just like the XC60.

Michael-

Now don't go knocking Volvo already...

Suze-

I wish very much that Volvo would create the R with an engine performance upgrade (although the R-Design cars do have performance suspension and steering), but unfortunately for R fans, Volvo's core target is not interested in engine upgrades, and in times like these, Volvo needs to focus on its core consumers.

Yeah, but when we took our Volvo S60R out on the track against the M3s, Corvettes, Cadillacs, Vipers, and Audis, the R failed miserably. 650 HP out of a 2.5 L 5-cylinder engine was just too much.

The Volvo S60 run by KPAX does well now in SWC GT, but they also have significantly decreased competition...nothing compared to the teams with which we were competing.

My perfect Volvo S60R would be the new body style with suspension upgrades, AWD, and a Volvo tuned V8 under the hood. Get over 400 HP out of the engine, and you'd have a true M3 competitor on your hands.