Segment: Medium Premium
Production years: 1997, 1998, 1999
When Volvo introduced the R versions for the S70/V70 lineup, it aimed at the sporty Premium segment directly to Audi. BMW was too far, but at least it tried.
Volvo struggled to create new models or versions that could attract younger customers, and the first step was the 850. The S70 was its successor, and despite sharing the same platform, it was penned differently in a Swedish approach to the biodesign trend.
While its station wagon sibling, the V70, was a true factory sleeper for those who needed a family car, the S70 was much more oriented for those who didn't need a big trunk. Moreover, the sedan version was on par with Audi's A4 but with improved aerodynamic elements. At the front, the lower chin on the apron, the car sported a center air-intake flanked by two air-scoops where Volvo installed the fog lights. Those side vents were also used for cooling the front brakes. Another distinctive visual upgrade for the car was the five-spoke chromed wheels. At the back, the carmaker offered an option for a small wing on the trunk, but many customers didn't take that. They preferred a subtle look.
With its leather upholstery, the S70 R was aimed at those who had a taste for luxurious interiors. The high-bolstered seats at the front and the center stack tilted toward the driver were signs of a sport-oriented vehicle. At the back, there was enough room for two passengers, and the opera window behind the rear doors brought more light into the cabin.
Under the hood, Volvo installed an inline-five turbocharged powerplant that produced 234 hp and mated it with a five-speed manual. For those who preferred an automatic, a four-speed was available as an option.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.3L 4AT FWD (237 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2319 cm3 |
Power: | 174.3 KW @ 6000 RPM 237 HP @ 6000 RPM 234 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 243 lb-ft @ 2700 RPM 330 Nm @ 2700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/45 ZR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 69.29 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 54.72 in (1390 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.84/57.87 in (1,520/1,470 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.72 in (2660 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 16.6 cuFT (470 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3139.4 lbs (1424 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4210.8 lbs (1910 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14.2 mpg US (16.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.3L 5MT FWD (247 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L5 |
Displacement: | 2319 cm3 |
Power: | 181.7 KW @ 6000 RPM 247 HP @ 6000 RPM 244 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 258 lb-ft @ 2700 RPM 350 Nm @ 2700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 18.5 gallons (70.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/45 ZR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 185.82 in (4720 mm) |
Width: | 69.29 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 54.72 in (1390 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.84/57.87 in (1,520/1,470 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.72 in (2660 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 16.6 cuFT (470 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3139.4 lbs (1424 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4210.8 lbs (1910 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 14.2 mpg US (16.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 20.6 mpg US (11.4 L/100Km) |