Volvo owners should take note, Ford is readying a new European Focus variant that should mean further R models from Volvo as well. The now-confirmed Focus RS is expected to make use of Volvo's 2.4-liter turbo as currently seen in the Focus ST, C30, S40, V50 and C70, but tuned to roughly 300bhp. The car may also use the new Getrag Powershift dual-clutch transmission Ford and Volvo have also been partnered in developing though those and other details remain unconfirmed.

Swedespeed has heard rumors of a C30R project internally planned at Volvo, and that would seem to make sense. If a 300 bhp version of the 2.4T is developed, it would seem natural for Volvo to sell R versions of this and other P1-based Volvo models, especially since the European Focus is not on sale in the USA... Volvo's strongest market.

Few technical details were released, though the full text can be found below.

Full Story

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http://everyroadtaken.wordpress.com

:eatspopcorn:

i just can't wait to go test drive one.

lets hope volvo gets it right and atleast gives it a lsd, some big brakes, and some seats from the s60r.

one question, what in the hell would it compete with?

R32? It better have AWD too... if they are even considering putting 300hp on the road with FWD then they might as well forget it. Will the RS have AWD?

if one re reads the press released when volvo ended the R versions of the V70 and S60 it isnt really the "end of the R" that the press report. rather, the S60R and V70R ended as the V70 was soon to be replaced and the S60 a year later. it is usual to cut back on options, spec etc ahead of a replacement car launch ie new S60. S60 was delayed by fords debating about selling volvo. it is also clear now the xc90 has been setback by this too.

volvo didnt rule out building more Rs in future "if the demand is there"

as the AWD C30 isnt hard to build - its a C1 platform car and the s40/V50 AWD already exist and are proving reliable... the expect a new C30 performance concept car from volvo to test the water.

C30 sales worldwide need to be strong before the more expensive R version is considered. US sales are slow for all models and most manufacturers but volvo are easiliy on target for 65,000 C30s annually given the success in europe. 43k so far and model year ends in august.

volvo just needs to not price the C30R stupidly expensive. even if volvo moves more premium... they need to maintain their trate (did this even before Ford got involved) of undercutting BMW and Merc (daftly expensive) and also audi lexus. this gives them an advantage without saying "we are the same as BMW" and volvo's image isnt in a position to offer a really credible challenge to BMW. volvo needs to be cheaper and offer a swedish alternative.

come on volvo..... build the R the R&D is paid for by the RS development.

C30R ties in nicely with STCC racer too

if volvo want to challenge the mini and A3 etc, they need this model.

Yes... S60R seats would be nice. As for competitors... I think it's time for Volvo to take a shot at the WRC.

2004 S60R GT (Flash Green Metallic w/ Atacama, Nav); (Aluminum Door Lock Rings, Silver Audio Knob Trim, 20% Carbon Tints, iMIV, Kelly CAI, K&N Filter, Phuz FMIC, IPD downpipe, TME Exhaust, Coming soon... Viva CF Wing, Factory Sport Kit, IPD Softloader, VST 18" Monoblock Type R Rims)
1998 V70 NA (35/20% Semi Reflective Tint, Powerslot Rotors, 17" Tethys Rims, K&N Filter)
2000 Yamaha R6-->SOLD!
=

"'BRAKE FAILURE, STOP SAFELY' is an error message they wrote when slamming Vodka in Gotenborg as a joke." -Helmut Ranff

I'd love to see it!!

I'll take mine in Brilliant Blue with Mocha Accents please

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All attempts to convince Volvo of the wisdom of a S40R failed.
http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=15404

Now that the S40/V50 is dead, there's not a chance in he!!. Bottom line is that an S40R made too much sense. Just like advertising/marketing the C30 made too much sense. Ford and Volvo deserve each other because they both have the potential for greatness, but the blunder it away with one bone-headed decision after another.

Remember when the Taurus was the best selling car in this country???

2005 Barents Blue V50 T5 AWD -- gone to a good home.

S40 numbers are going to decline in the US.

However, we will get the R Design C30's next year.

1995 850 T5R Mello Yello
2007 S80 V8 Black/Sand Gone
2004 S60R Silver/Gobi 6 Speed, EVOLVE ECU,EVOLVE Exhaust, 18" Falken wheels Gone
2002 C70 HPT Coupe Black-Silver leather, ipd exhaust, K&N filter ,18" Chrome MAS wheels Gone

you realize what a fat pig an r32 golf is don't you?

and you realize how sorry volvos haldex is don't you?

I've driven the new R32 on Pocono Raceway's road course and it's a lot of fun. It's no Lotus Elise, but I didn't expect it to be. It was neutral and intuitive.

Volvo's Haldex actually has a non-return valve that allows you to launch with a locked diff, giving you AWD off the bat like an Audi 50:50 torsen setup, but cruise at basically FWD. I don't know how aggressively the programming switches in on the non R cars as I have no track experience in AWD Volvos outside of the Rs and the XC90 Sport (which I don't count), so I can't speak for how aggressive say an S40 AWD is compared to an R32. I'd guess it's not as aggressively programmed though.

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A C30R would make me more likely to stick with Volvo come 2009/2010 but it will have to present some definite positive points over an Audi (which I am leaning towards as my next vehicle...the new A4 design is very nice from what I've seen).

1995 850 T5R Mello Yello
2007 S80 V8 Black/Sand Gone
2004 S60R Silver/Gobi 6 Speed, EVOLVE ECU,EVOLVE Exhaust, 18" Falken wheels Gone
2002 C70 HPT Coupe Black-Silver leather, ipd exhaust, K&N filter ,18" Chrome MAS wheels Gone

Quote, originally posted by George@Swedespeed »

Volvo owners should take note, Ford is readying a new European Focus variant that should mean further R models from Volvo as well. The now-confirmed Focus RS is expected to make use of Volvo's 2.4-liter turbo as currently seen in the Focus ST, C30, S40, V50 and C70, but tuned to roughly 300bhp. The car may also use the new Getrag Powershift dual-clutch transmission Ford and Volvo have also been partnered in developing though those and other details remain unconfirmed. Swedespeed has heard rumors of a C30R project internally planned at Volvo, and that would seem to make sense. If a 300 bhp version of the 2.4T is developed, it would seem natural for Volvo to sell R versions of this and other P1-based Volvo models, especially since the European Focus is not on sale in the USA... Volvo's strongest market. Few technical details were released, though the full text can be found below. Full Story

Is this in anyway related to this article?

http://www.swedespeed.com/news....html

http://www.swedespeed.com/news....html

edit: Sorry for the double post. Moderator...please delete.

Ohh gee, and the C30 is nimble and light? R32s are a kick to drive, certainly no lotus as George said...but a ball of fun on the road to and from work, and through the canyon on friday afternoonl, then to the grocery store, as any proper hot hatch should be.

From Rsportscars.com
New R32 weighs in at a whopping 3517lbs
'97-'03 R32: 2857lbs
C30 2.0: 2969lbs

With variations in equipment they're roughly the same weight, with the R32 being a bit more balanced.

They are fair competitors, with the R32 having an advantage in the AWD system, and the "C30R" having more power.

Initially they did not, but I was told everything went to that with the '08 model year. I'll have to double check on that, but I'm pretty sure it's correct.

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No, the one you link is an aftermarket tunign company's approach to the Focus ST. This press release confirms an actual RS in development by Ford themselves.

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