Friday, January 27, 2012

Volvo to Split S60 Lineup with T5 AWD Model

Volvo has added a new, lineup-splitting T5 AWD version of its S60 sedan, one of the brand’s few successful U.S. offerings. John Maloney, Volvo’s new U.S. president, revealed the information during an interview at the Detroit auto show. The T5 AWD announcement is hardly exciting stuff, but in light of recent subtractions from its U.S. lineup, any news that involves the addition of new models is potentially good for Volvo.

The new S60 T5 AWD will occupy the space—and find a home somewhere within the rather sizable $7150 price gap—between the $32,175 base FWD T5 model and the $39,325 AWD T6 variant. The T5 AWD will be powered by the same 250-hp turbocharged inline-five as the front-driver. (The T6—a very finicky example of which we have in our long-term stable—is powered by a smooth turbocharged 300-hp inline-six.) This new T5 will allow Volvo to counter competitors’ base-engine all-wheel-drive models, which include the BMW 328i xDrive and Audi A4 Quattro. The S60 T5 AWD goes on sale this summer, and exact pricing information will be available closer to its release.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/volvo-to-split-s60-lineup-with-t5-awd-model/