2002 Paris Auto Show – Volvo R

Without throwing caution–or a solid reputation for safety–to the wind, Volvo introduces the S60R sedan and V70R wagon. These high-performance flagships promise to double as family cars at the touch of a button, with an electronically controlled chassis that provides a range of settings from softly damped ‘Comfort” to tightly sprung ‘Sport” to balls-out ‘Advanced Sport.” Brute force comes in the form of a turbocharged 300-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. According to manufacturer figures, the S60 will sprint from zero to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds (5.9 for the V70R). An all-wheel-drive system, stability control and four-piston Brembo brakes should keep things sufficiently under control. —Greg Anderson