Image Gallery

The new Volvo S60 AWD represents the next step in Volvo Car Corporation’s ongoing commitment to ensure leading levels of sure-footed performance and dynamic safety.

As the first Volvo car with electronically controlled all-wheel drive, the S60 AWD reacts instantaneously to changes in prevailing surface conditions and available traction levels. Few cars demonstrate the balance, precision and outright grip of the new Volvo S60 AWD across the full range of possible road surfaces.

The S60 AWD made its international debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. Like previous AWD Volvos, the S60 AWD’s drive system requires no driver intervention whatsoever. In other words, drive distribution fore and aft, as well as left-to-right across the axles, is monitored and managed automatically.

Optimal road-holding and stability in all conditions is assured, resulting in an engaging, balanced and confidence-inspiring driving experience. In spirited point-to-point driving, the S60 AWD is a nimble, poised and an extremely capable performer. In the rough and tumble of city traffic, the vehicle affords refinement, comfort and sophistication.

Complementing the existing S60 model range — comprising S60 2.4, S60 2.4 SE, S60 2.4 T and the high-performance S60 T5 — the S60 AWD boasts Volvo’s 2.4-litre, five-cylinder, 20-valve, all-aluminium engine with variable exhaust valve timing.

Also standard in the S60 T, the 2.4-litre engine features intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger technology to boost engine responsiveness at low speeds. Peak power is generous — 147kW at 6000rpm. Torque delivery is strong and constant, with a substantial peak output of 285Nm available all the way from 1800rpm to 5000rpm.

The S60 AWD performs strongly across a broad rpm-range, hustling from zero to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds, yet returning a frugal fuel consumption of 6.99L/100km and 10.91L/100km (AS2077 highway and city cycle, respectively).

In order to balance the demands of open road capability with those of city traffic, the S60 AWD is available standard with five-speed automatic transmission featuring a lock-up torque converter, adaptive shift program and Geartronic clutchless manual shifting gate. A five-speed manual transmission is also available as a no-cost option.

At the heart of the S60 AWD’s impressive roadholding capabilities lies the new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. Developed in collaboration with Swedish drive-system specialist, Haldex, the system utilises a wet multi-plate ‘Haldex’ clutch, an hydraulic circuit and intelligent computer control to vary the drive front to rear.

TRACS, Volvo’s traction control and management system, oversees cross-axle torque transfer by application of ABS-style intervention strategies. The system operates up to 120km/h and — importantly — maximises tractive effort because it does not restrict engine torque production at any stage during its operation.

Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle is predominantly front-wheel driven. When called upon to maximise traction, drive engagement is instantaneous and positive. When large tractive demands are placed on the system, for example when accelerating strongly on gravel, the system immediately detects and counters incipient wheelspin.

The AWD control system is, however, intelligent enough to determine when AWD engagement is unwarranted. During low-speed manoeuvres like parking, despite a disparity between wheel speeds the drive system does not engage, maximising refinement by eliminating the inertial clunks and bumps that plague some other AWD control systems.

S60 AWD variants feature distinctive 17-inch Amalthea alloy wheels with 225/45-section high-performance tyres, sports seats with contemporary leather/fabric trim, brushed aluminium interior highlights on doors and glovebox, and a distinguishing S60 AWD badge at the rear. Like every vehicle in the S60 lineup, S60 AWD benefits from Volvo’s Side Impact Protection System, Inflatable Curtain and Whiplash Protection System.

Priced from $68,950, the new Volvo S60 AWD goes on sale from June 24, 2002.

The first Volvo car with electronically controlled all-wheel drive, the new S60 AWD has taken the S60’s polished and refined chassis, improved the balance even more and boosted available grip across a huge range of possible road surfaces. This vehicle represents the next step in Volvo’s ongoing commitment to enhanced driving pleasure.

Operating without any driver intervention whatsoever, the new AWD system reacts instantaneously to changes in available traction and provides a confident, sure-footed and comfortably capable driving experience. Drive is distributed automatically between the front and rear wheels to guarantee optimal grip on every road surface — no matter how ‘iffy’ the conditions underfoot become.

AWD-Ability

Recognising that road conditions can change from ‘good to ‘appalling’ in milliseconds, Volvo’s engineers have developed a drive system capable of reacting to changes exactly as they occur — lightning fast. Central to the system is a fore/aft power distribution, monitoring and control system developed by Volvo in collaboration with Swedish drive transfer specialist and pioneer, Haldex.

The system comprises an hydraulic pump activated by speed variations between the drive shafts. A wet multi-plate ‘Haldex’ clutch with an electronic valve system is constantly monitoring and controlling wheel slippage.

When the axles are turning at the same rate, no pumping takes place. When there is a speed differential in axle speed, as is the case during wheelspin, pressure builds instantaneously in the hydraulic system, loading the clutch pack. Since the pump is the piston type, reaction is instantaneous, even at low relative rates of rotation.

As the clutch is loaded, rearward drive is progressively engaged. A control valve in the system returns oil to the reservoir when drive transfer is no longer needed, and it is the electronic control that means the clutch operation can be tuned to a range of different driving scenarios.

Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle is predominantly front-wheel driven. When called upon to maximise traction, drive engagement is instantaneous and positive. When large tractive demands are placed on the system, for example when accelerating strongly on gravel, the system immediately detects and counters incipient wheelspin.

The AWD control system is, however, intelligent enough to determine when AWD engagement is unwarranted. During low-speed manoeuvers like parking, despite a disparity between wheel speeds, and therefore pressure pumping by the hydraulic system, the Haldex clutch does not engage, maximising refinement by eliminating the inertial clunks and bumps that plague some other AWD control systems.

To maintain stability during braking manoeuvres, drive to the rear wheels is automatically disengaged during brake applications.

Traction control

TRACS, Volvo’s traction control and management system, oversees cross-axle torque transfer via a range of ABS-style intervention strategies. The system operates up to 120km/h and — importantly — maximises tractive effort because it does not restrict engine torque production at any stage during its operation.

Ride & Handling

The refined ride and sporty performance of the S60 AWD is a balancing act between engineering and sensitivity. The challenge lay in matching the demands of spirited open road driving with the equally important requirement for sophistication and comfort.

Like the S80 and V70, the S60 is based on Volvo’s large car platform with MacPherson strut independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Wheels are 17-inch Amalthea alloys running 225/45 tyres. The power steering rack has also been tuned to provide excellent steering feel while reducing unwanted feedback and kick while driving over rough road surfaces common to Australia. The result is a car you can easily live with five days a week, and a car you really look forward to driving at the weekends.

The S60 AWD is nimble, sure-footed and utterly predictable — all the way to the limit. Matched with its 2.4-litre turbocharged and intercooled five-cylinder engine producing 147kW at 6000rpm and a healthy 285Nm all the way from 1800-5000rpm, the S60 AWD is both a breathtaking point-to-point performer and a real ‘comfort zone’ in daily traffic.

Like all S60 variants, the S60 AWD benefits from an extremely rigid body shell, approximately twice as stiff as the S70. A stiffer body shell means more precise tuning of spring and damper rates, enhances the S60’s overall dynamics and also boosting ambient comfort levels and NVH attenuation.

At the front end, the coil-over MacPherson strut attaches to a forged aluminium lower wishbone and an anti-roll bar. The wishbone pins to the body structure through hydro bushings which quell suspension noise and vibration, yet maintain very accurate suspension geometry.

The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design carried completely within an aluminium frame. Rear wheel movement is constrained by longitudinal trailing arms and double wishbones, a Watts link and an anti-roll bar. The coil springs and shock absorbers are fitted as one coil-over unit and attach directly to the lower wishbone to achieve a high damper ratio and a low height (which maximises available boot space).

The S60 features the widest track in its class (1563mm front and 1560mm rear) for very consistent and predictable handling response at all speeds, especially when fully laden.

Brakes

Safety lies at the forefront of Volvo design. And however well the S60 AWD is equipped with leading passive safety features — such as WHIPS, SIPS, and dual-stage airbags — the active safety requirement is equally well catered for.

A substantial brake package is, of course, standard. The front ventilated discs measure a massive 305mm and the solid rear discs are 288mm in diameter. Complemented by the S60’s four-channel ABS system and EBD (electronic brake distribution), maximum deceleration is assured across the full range of real-world braking scenarios.

EBD works with ABS to distribute optimal braking effort between the front and rear. Its effect is not unlike the brake bias controls seen in race cars, though the system is fully automatic, far more advanced and requires no driver intervention.

Praise for S60

• Italy: L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo (The Most Beautiful Car in the World) Awarded by Automobila, for the mid-range saloon category
• Germany: Goldener Lenkrad (Golden Steering wheel). Awarded by Bild am Sonntag newspaper
• UK: Car Magazine’s 2001 Car of the Year. S60 ranked 3rd in the top 10
• UK: British Land Speed Record - S60 Breaks 18 records including 24 hour average at 135 mph
• UK: Auto Express/Glasses Used Car Awards - S60 judged Best Compact Executive
• Netherlands: Tow Car of the Year – overall and best in class. Awarded by ANBW (Dutch motorists’ service association)

S60 Debut

• S60 Australian media launch: January 2001
• S60 AWD, international debut: Frankfurt Motor Show, September 2001

S60 AWD Innovation

• First Volvo car with electronically controlled AWD

AWD System: Benefits

• Electronic control boosts driveline refinement
• Instantaneous reaction to changed traction conditions
• Requires no driver intervention
• Ensures optimal grip and stability in all road conditions
• Improved weight distribution
• Better active safety
• Maximum performance: does not reduce engine outputs in order to manage wheelslip

AWD System: Technology

• Developed in collaboration with Swedish drive transfer specialist, Haldex
• Fore/aft drive distribution overseen by Haldex clutch
• Cross-axle drive distribution managed by TRACS (Volvo’s ABS-based traction control system)
• Multi-plate Haldex wet Clutch is hydraulically activated instantly when wheelslip is detected.
• Front-to-rear drive is infinitely variable; caters for the widest range of operating conditions
• Electronic control means the requirement for front/rear drive distribution can be continually and intelligently assessed
• In normal driving, the vehicle is predominantly front-wheel driven
• All rear drive is disengaged during braking to maximise stability
• Rear drive is not activated during low-speed manoeuvres like parking

S60 AWD Engine

• 2.4-litre in-line all aluminium five cylinder
• Transverse-mounted
• Pent-roof four-valve combustion chamber
• Turbocharged and intercooled
• Variable exhaust valve timing
• Twin-scroll turbocharger technology maximises low-speed response

S60 AWD Performance

• 0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds
• Peak power output: 147kW @ 6000rpm
• Peak torque output: 285Nm @ 1800-5000rpm

Economy

• City: 10.91L/100km*
• Highway: 6.99L/100km*
• *AS2077

Transmissions

• Standard: five-speed automatic with lock-up torque converter, adaptive shift program and Geartronic clutchless manual shifting gate
• No-cost option: five-speed manual

Distinctive Features

• 17-inch Amalthea alloy wheels running 225/45 tyres
• Distinctive ‘S60 AWD’ badge on rear
• Contemporary leather/textile interior trim
• Brushed aluminium highlights on doors and glovebox

On Sale

• June 24, 2002