2003 S60'R' Exterior Theme design 01.05 (image courtesy of Volvo Cars)
2003 S60'R' Exterior Theme design 01.05 (image courtesy of Volvo Cars)
2004 S60 ‘R’ & V70’R’
Having created the Performance Concept Car (PCC) during the summer of 2000, as a prequel to the true ‘R line’ programme, Steve Harper took over as Chief Designer on the project.
The front end shape had already been outlined by Orjan Sterner, but the production development of the project needed considerable attention to detail and refinement.The cooling and aerodynamic packages came first, followed by the development of the Interior ‘R’ specific detailing of the stitched leather covered airbag, door panels, armrests etc.
The exterior paint colour, called ‘Flash Green’, continued on the philosophy of having a ‘wild card colour’ in the range, as had been successful since the infamous T5R yellow before it.
The final detailing of the exterior completed the package, with the ‘Purdey Shotgun under the Newspaper’ exhaust system and the simple, beautiful and classic ‘R’ 18” wheel.Together with taking part in the US Hot Weather testing programme, and the Press Launches at the Paul Ricard and Monza race circuits, it proved to be one of the most intense and exciting projects ever be involved with.