Volvo S60 (P2)

With Volvo's new S80 flagship luxury sedan debuting the advanced P2 platform, Volvo next turned their attention to replacing the P80-based S70 and V70 midsize cars in their lineup. In traditional Volvo fashion, the first midsize P2 on the scene was the V70 and V70XC wagons, but shortly thereafter came the sportier S60 sedan.

The new P2 platform brought a new approach to on-board computers and diagnostics in cars: on these new "networked" cars, the Engine Control Module (ECM) would be just one of several different computer modules in the car, all communicating with each other over a high-speed CAN-BUS data network.

On these network cars, advanced safety systems like the S60's DSTC traction and stability control become possible: the DSTC module monitors inputs from wheel speed sensors and chassis accelerometers, and if a loss of grip is sensed, the DSTC module issues commands to the Brake Control Module to individually brake spinning wheels, and to the Engine Control Module to back off the power until grip is restored.

Advanced computer control came to the powertrain on P2 S60s as well, via the new AWD system developed by fellow Swedish company Haldex Traction. On AWD S60s, the wheel speed sensors can not only detect wheel lock-up under heavy braking, but also wheel slip under heavy acceleration, sending a signal to the Haldex controller in the rear of the car to engage the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction.

In the USA, the S60 was powered exclusively by "white block" inline five engines, with a range of naturally aspirated, light pressure turbo "2.4T" & "2.5T", and high pressure "T5" turbo models, backed by either 5-speed AW50/55 automatic or 5-speed M56 manual transmissions.

In 2004, a new high-performance S60R model debuted, featuring standard AWD, special interior and exterior trim, a 300hp version of the turbo five cylinder, and the Four-C active chassis system, using the car's network to tie together different active suspension, DSTC, and throttle-by-wire settings.

4C-equipped S60Rs individually stiffen the shocks at each corner in response to bumps in the road, chassis movement, and acceleration/deceleration squat and dive. Stiffness is further adjustable with a selectable Comfort, Sport, and Advanced mode, with Advanced mode also advancing intake valve timing and sharpening throttle response. Aso unique to Rs was a DSTC "reduced" mode, which allowed for some slip before the computer intervened.

The R's M66 6-speed manual eventually made its way in to other T5 P2s, though we've found that these later, 6-speed manual T5s are almost as difficult to find as manual Rs. In 2006, the 5-speed automatic in P2 Rs was replaced by a 6-speed TF-80 automatic, which was able to handle the R engine's full 300lb-ft of torque (the earlier AW50/55 had to be limited to 258lb-ft to protect 1st and 2nd gears).

R models were produced through 2007, and other S60 models continued until 2009. Arriving in mid 2010 as a 2011 model year was the S60's next-generation replacement, riding on the new P3 platform co-developed with new corporate owners Ford.

Model information is based on the USA vehicle market. Other model variations may exist outside the USA.