Wow this is really impressive! I think that was a v6 camaro which would explain it not leaving you on the straights. But well executed on corner entry!
Yeah, Volvo doesn’t make stick shift cars anymore...at least not for the USA, but neither does Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Koenigsegg, and even the new Corvette - do you see a pattern here?
Thanks man, I really appreciate the comment! She did have it in her and was a hoot to drive - I loved it when people came up to me after the sessions and wonder what the hell did I do to that car and I would say, "absolutely nothing - bone stock!" Unfortunately, due to a teenager blowing through a stop-sign right in front of me, "she" is no longer... may she rest in peace :-(
Have you attended a track day event before? Almost all racetracks (in the US) require both windows down during high performance driving events so that the emergency crew can pull you out of the car faster and safer in an accident or car fire.
Virtually all racetracks require both windows down (in good weather) during high performance driving events so that the emergency crew can pull you out of the car faster and safer in an accident or car fire.
No, unfortunately. Volvo hasn't imported a manual transmission into the US for a long time. This car is a 6-speed automatic that I was driving in "manual mode" so I was doing the actual shifting and since 2012 models did not have paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, I had to shift using the gear lever - that is why you see my hand leaving the steering wheel.
Great question, you actually can't turn it completely off with a button BUT if you drive it hard enough (like on a racetrack) the rear brakes will get so hot from the stability control trying to brake the inside wheel in a turn that eventually the system will automatically shut itself off - this happens by the second lap or even sooner. Once the rear brakes cool down enough, the system returns to normal.
Sure... Actually, I had replaced the tires on the Volvo with Michelin Pilot Super Sports (the same as what is on the RS) so it is even easier to figure the differences. First, the camber on the Volvo was not designed for the track, in fact, after 2-3 track events - especially on the shorter (more turns) tracks - the tires with the Volvo were done - completely chewed up down to the reinforcement cords. For the RS, I have been to 4 track events and although the tread is noticeably worn down, the tires are still good - I can probably do at least 2 more events before replacing. Next, the RS brakes are good for the track right out of the box; on the R-Design... not so much, the fade was really bad that after my first two track events, I upgraded the rotors and pads to EBC which made a world of difference. My 2012 did not have paddle shifters which I really missed, but using the sport mode +/- on the gear selector proved to be good. So, other than those shortcomings the Volvo was decent on the track - in fact the straight 6 engine was great and despite what the torque numbers show (354 vs 350) the Volvo engine was way more "Torquey" than the RS, I actually don't believe Ford's 350ft-lb claim. The RS between 90mph and 120mph at wide-open-throttle has got nothing, a major disappointment; the Volvo was quicker in the long straights. Now, for handling and road holding - no comparison, the RS destroys the R-Design, just take an on-ramp at any expressway and you will notice a huge difference in handling and grip immediately. I really loved my S60 R-Design, it was a very comfortable daily driver that you could bring to the track for some fun. The Polstar version of the S60 fixed most of the track issues, like the chamber and brakes - but the price was ridiculous (60K - are they joking???) Who knows, if the price was closer to 49K, I probably would take Polstar over the RS...maybe :-)
Thank you very much for the detailed reply that gives me great insight into the the S60 R design capabilities. I am leaning towards the S60 vs Lexus ISF. iSF is more capable but S60 seems more practical with 5 seats and better interior. Oh yeah the polestar depreciates likes crazy so in two years you could pick one up for around 60% of the original price. Thanks again.
Yes, for the most part, but it can start to creep up towards the end of the session into the red zone - however, as Ford states that due to the use of 5W-50 synthetic oil, even hitting the red zone is fine if your session does not last for more than 30 minutes.
Hi there. Nothing has been installed on the air intake, everything is stock on the car except for the track-spec brake pads. The microphone I used to record this run was located under the hood, on the driver side close to the hood strut. What you hear in the video is exactly what a stock 2012, 325hp R-Design T6 (6 cylinder) engine sounds like. Unfortunately, I don't think you can get the same sound out of the 4 cylinder engines.
I can assure you that my R-Design was 100% stock, I used an external microphone that was placed under the hood - you are hearing the actual engine sounds, not the exhaust.
Yeah, this video is like three years old now and this was one of my first track events... I have improved a lot since. Also I was running on all season tires here which limited my track-out angle and speed. In later videos I'm running on Pilot Super Sports which definitely helped improve my track driving.
For this charity event, they only allowed passing in two straight-away areas, so unfortunately I just met up with the Subaru after the second passing zone and had to wait out almost the entire track before I got to the passing zone again, hence, the 3.5 miles of waiting before I could pass.
The BMW owner needs to be drug off the track by the hair. I drive faster on the exhibition lap! Camaro could way deeper into the corners. Look like impressively fast laps. I'm looking at building an S60 T5 2.3t track car in Australia. In Europe wouldn't be an issue but no one knows them over here and there's no parts. Power to weight is similar to stock Evo 6. Would like to be able to afford S60R T6 but... computers...
Never had a desire to own an american car but now that Ford has the GT350 and RS they finally do. Unfortunately the "limited" supply and ADM has completely soured me from the brand. Meanwhile at BMW you can order an M3/4 all day long without waiting and can even be had with discounts. The GT350 and RS seem harder to get than even the 981 Cayman GT4 or Boxster Spyder - cars that to me are far more interesting and desirable. Ford briefly had my attention but now no thanks.
"Pushed for 4 colors". ROFLMAO. No, this year model RS has 5 colors in other markets, Ford US removed one of the options for us so they could use it for a 1 of 1 in a JDRF charity auction at Barrett-Jackson. Don't lie Omar. Magnetic Gray was the best color, but only 1 US car is being allowed this color.
The Yellow Stuff brake pads are fantastic, however, being very aggressive pads they ate through my Volvo stock rotors very quickly. I replaced the Volvo rotors with EBC performance rotors, however as fate would have it, three days later, my Volvo was totaled in an accident so I never got a chance to test out the EBC combination of both pads and rotors. For the normal driving I did do in those three days the brakes were excellent.
+R Design Inc Woah, that's sad to hear, but at least you are Okay, I guess. I'll try them out, the OEM setup on these cars is a tad underpowered in brake bite.
The Volvo did exactly what it was designed to do and my wife, my son and myself are perfectly fine. Yes! The standard Volvo brakes pads are not track ready and fade is very evident - the "Yellow Stuff" pads by EBC did a fantastic job and had very little fade. I would recommend adding the EBC rotors as well for even better braking and longevity. Good luck!!!!
My understanding is that they will not discontinue the Polstar versions - they will continue to offer them as very limited production. However, the 345hp 6 cylinder engines will be replaced in 2017 with new 362 hp 4 cylinder engines, although torque will be down slightly to 347 ft-lb (from 369). It will be interesting to see if the 2017s will be faster and by how much.
You seem to have logged a decent amount of time on track in your R design - any complaints? Any issues with the transmission or heat management? Thanks for sharing!
+Matt Hess ...Yes Matt, a few complaints... nothing huge - Volvo brake pads and rotors are not going to hold up on the track, maybe two laps at best before serious brake fade kicks it - so if you want to do track events you must at least install high performance brake pads (I used EBC Yellowstuff) and if you want to go one step further and really add to the braking performance, go with the matching EBC sport rotors as well. Of course, get some serious summer rubber as the stock R-Design all season tires are a complete joke; I love the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. On the track two warning lights always seems to pop up when I am driving... The first warning, since the brakes start heating up a lot, is the: traction control DISABLED warning (which is actually fine with me as it holds me back anyways). The second warning light, since I downshift before every turn using the sport manual +/- mode, is: transmission HIGH HEAT warning which advises to stop driving immediately. This warning depends on how many turns the track has so I get it at Blackhawk and Gingerman, but not at Milwaukee Mile or Road America. It usually goes on about 20 minutes into the session and when it does go on, I finish up my lap and pull into the staging area, give it about 5 minutes and then go back out to enjoy whatever time is left in the session. The R-Design can be a great car for the track, but it is not a true track car - do not push it beyond its limits and it will be just fine.
Thanks for the quick response! There seems to be virtually no aftermarket support for the s60, which is concerning but rational considering the sales volumes (or number of enthusiast owners) just aren't the same as the ubiquitous 3 series or A4. What size super sports do you run? I have read that "mrsideways" on swedespeed has autocrossed his car with 275/35/18s on the front without rubbing, which is very impressive. Not sure if running 275/35/18 on a square set up would be possible, but it's an entertaining thought. Beyond the change in tires, brake pads and rotors (assuming uprated fluid as well), you haven't done anything to augment the cooling system? Do temperatures stay in check? I know that the 335i tends to have a reputation for overheating the oil and coolant, and it takes the M sport option to have a factory oil cooler installed. Not sure of the true sporting intentions of Volvo but with this car since they didn't flat out call it an R, but it's a pretty impressive car that's often overlooked in a very competitive segment. With regards to the transmission: I remember that the 6 speed automatic from the XC90 had all kinds of problems usually by 60k miles, but don't know if that's the same transmission or if there have been multiple revisions or updates. The concern being that any track use would almost definitely put the transmission to the test. Sorry for all of the questions, but love seeing you make use of your RD!
+Matt Hess Yeah...getting Volvo drivers to bring their cars to the track is like pulling teeth - I would beg people on Volvo forums to come with me but no takers. Unfortunately, the other Saturday on October 31st, a teenager blew a stop sign and pulled right out in front of me and totaled the Volvo. My wife and son where in the car with me - the Volvo did it's job like a champ, airbags opened, went to the hospital... the whole nine yards. We will be OK, but my wife and I are schedule for physical therapy for the next 4 weeks - not fun. Anyways, I never changed my wheels on the R-Design so the Pilot Super Sports were the 245/40/18 size. The DOT4+ brake fluid Volvo uses as stock was excellent, never had a problem with that. The transmission worked very well - you can hear it on my videos and other than the overheating issue that required a 5 minutes rest, it was pretty much bulletproof. Obviously though, if the R-Design was really intended for the track they would of put a better cooling system on it. I know the purist with their R models scoff at the R-Design calling it a wannabee and I don't understand Volvo's decision not to call it an R... but I truly believe that if you put a stock R model up against my stock R-Design, I would have them for lunch as the newer S60 chassis is so much better. You are right, however, the R-Design is overlooked by everyone and I never forget the smirk smiles I would get when I showed up to the track in a Volvo, but let me tell you those smirks turned to complete WTFs when I was on their asses waiting for them to get the hell out of my way! Lost count of how many drivers would come to me after the session ended to find out what the hell I was driving - that alone was worth the price of admission! OK... now that I'm in a Hyundai rental, what am I going to buy next? As much as I love the R-Design, it never really was a true track car. The limited edition S60 Polstar which I drove is really good and fixes all the faults of the R-Design - but - I feel it still needs even more than the 345hp it comes with as above 60mph I really couldn't feel any difference from the R-Design, oh and... sorry, it is just not worth the 12 grand over the R-Design. So I just ordered the new Ford Focus RS, a true built-for-the-track car with fantastic performance and awesome power... all for less than 40K, I just couldn't resist. I'm a little worried about build quality, but fortunately, the RS are built in Germany so I hope that will make it all better :-)
+R Design Inc sorry to hear about your accident, but the important thing is that you're safe (in the short and long run). the Focus RS will be an awesome car! I'm sure you'll really put some egos in check with it too - looking forward to seeing what you do with it :) I agree with your points on the R design being actually a niche bargain in the segment, which made me curious as to what's "wrong" with it - doesn't seem like much from my POV. Glad you were able to enjoy the ride on the street as well as the track AND have it protect your family. Not many cars can do that! I really appreciate the feedback from you, because like you said enthusiasts that find their way into a volvo sport sedan (let alone make use of them) are few and far between. Cheers, and I hope you and your wife have a speedy recovery
Benhur Alejandro Palma Tello YES!!! Watch here to really see what a stock Volvo S60 R-Design can do: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-T8weVdq9nck.html What do you think?
The fact that you out-drove an obviously more powerful Camero in a Volvo is amazing! This video really changed my perception of Volvo being an old man box car... nice job!!!
You've obviously never heard of an s60r or v70r, turbo inline 5 or 6 depending, 325 hp stock, 6 speed, all wheel drive brembo brakes ect. I own amd s60r and love it
