R Design Package for Volvo S80

The R badge on the rear side of a Volvo is surely attracting lots of people who are looking to get top-notch safety mixed with advanced engine performance. And Volvo has tried to offer an R Design version of almost every model across its range the popular S80 has apparently missed every meeting of the engineers working at Volvo's performance division.

However, the Swedish manufacturer is apparently preparing an S80 R-Design as well but, before rolling it on the market, it wants to get some feedback and determine whether the car indeed is worth the time and money.

So, according to autocar.co.uk, an upgraded version of the S80 featuring R Design treatment only in the interior, will be launched soon on the market, prior to a full R flavor that might arrive sometimes next year. The interior upgrades will be priced at $820 but the full package will obviously be a lot more expensive in case it is given the green light.

As for the improvements it would bring, the R Design S80 will most likely boast a more aggressive and sporty appearance, with several parts especially aimed at this goal, including a new front bumper and rear spoiler. The suspension system might be tweaked as well.

What's interesting is that even the R Design upgrades are usually supposed to make the car a bit more attractive, the S80 might be offered with a special option to allow buyers fit the vehicle with a fuel-saving engine stop-start system. The system is already available on a number of production Volvos so it might join the R Design range starting with the S80.