2012 Volvo S60 T5 Could Come to the US

In the US, the 2011 Volvo S60 is currently offered exclusively with a turbocharged straight-six engine developing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet (440 Nm) of torque, but that could soon become the range topping version. This is because recent Swedish media reports indicated the automaker is considering introducing a new five-cylinder model for the North American market with the 2012 model year S60.

The new five-cylinder version is expected to develop 250 horsepower, while improving on the S60’s current 18/26 mpg (13/9 l/100km) EPA fuel economy rating, Auto Motor and Sport reports.

As expected, the smaller engine should also come with a smaller price tag, somewhere below the $35,000 mark. The current six-cylinder model is priced from $37,700. The T5 variant could also come with a front-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic transmission with geartronic.

Compared to the existing six-cylinder version, the smaller T5 will also be missing a few standard features, such as auto dimming rearview mirror/compass (added to Premium Package), Dynamic Chassis (part of new Dynamic Package), Homelink, speed sensitive steering, leather seats (standard is T-Tec/Textile, leather is added option in Premium Package), as well as 18-inch alloy wheels (with 17-inch Balder to come as standard).

In other markets, the sedan comes available in a wide range of engines including four- and five-cylinder turbodiesels and even a 1.6-liter option. The Swedish automaker has yet to confirm this information, which will most likely be made at the upcoming LA Auto Show, so we’ll keep you posted.

autoevolution has tested the 2011 Volvo S60 2.0T. You can check out the review here.