Volvo S60 SE Prepared for the US

Since the production of the popular Volvo S60 halted last month, the Swedish manufacturer decided to roll out a special SE version, exclusively designed for the United States. The car will be priced from $30,950 for the FWD model and $32,750 for the AWD version according to a report by MotorAuthority.com, with the whole range comprising a total of 880 units. It will go on sale this month and will be powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder powerplant that develops 208 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque.

When mated to the five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic mode, the engine achieves a fuel consumption rating of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the FWD model or 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for the AWD.

According to the aforementioned source, the standard features include moonroof, sporty 17 in aluminum wheels, heated seats, rain sensing windshield wipers and headlamp washers, leather seats and electronic climate control.

The S60, which will be replaced by a new model expected to be released in early 2010, was produced in the Ghent, Belgium production facility, with more than 580,000 cars rolling off the assembly lines.

"The Volvo S60 was an important model for Volvo Cars Gent. Now we will focus on a flawless launch of the new S60," Derek Jessiman, Volvo Cars Ghent managing director said in a release.

"The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you here and now that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car's technology will help you to be a better and safer driver," said Volvo CEO Stephen Odell when the wraps came off the concept last December.