Volvo says a variety of engines will be offered – the 3.0-liter T6 petrol produces 304 PS (224 kW / 300 hp) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft), which allows the AWD car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

For those who would like things toned down a bit, Volvo offers several GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engines. The 2.0T produces 203 PS (149 kW / 200 hp) and 240 PS (177 kW / 237 hp), while the 1.6 (T3 / T4) churns out 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) and 180 PS (132 kW / 178 hp).

Diesel engines are also on offer and buyers can choose between the 205 PS (151 kW / 202 hp) 2.4-liter D5 and the 163 PS (120 kW / 161 hp) 2.0-liter D3. Volvo has plans to add a DRIVe model later on – which will be introduced with a 1.6-liter engine that produces 115 PS (85 kW / 113 hp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque.

Check out the video here:

Handling has been improved thanks to the strut brace, shorter springs (which reduce ride height 15mm), and stiffer bushings (20% firmer than the standard model) that Volvo engineers have added to the models. Other additions are the monotube rear dampers and Corner Traction Control, which uses torque vectoring to reduce understeer.

Sources say that the R-Design package will be available with several engines including everything from the 115 bhp (86 kW / 117 PS) 1.6-liter D DRIVe to the 304 bhp (227 kW / 308 PS) 3.0-liter T6.

Word is that models will begin reaching dealerships this fall, although pricing information hasn’t been released.

Do you remember the concept teaser image of the new Volvo S60 that has left us drooling about a year ago? What about the spaceship-like teasing interior of the new Volvo S60 that we laid our eyes ahead of the Detroit show, last December? Well folks we can finally got our hands on the first official photos with the 2011 Volvo S60 Luxury Sedan, before its public debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show. “The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel.” Not much else to tell you about it, except for the fact that it sure has what it takes to win a man’s heart.

One quick initial look at the Volvo S60 and you have to be impressed with the ultra-modern design, cool futuristic look and flowing contours that are borrowed from the company’s racing experience. The company has given the car a Scandinavian look with LED lights that inside the headlamps designed to reflect the image of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side. The entire car has a wonderful sporty look that suits perfectly well for the modern road, while the unique new pedestrian safety system allows the car to apply automatic brakes when someone jumps in front of the car. Safety with sizzling curves… S60 delivers big time.

Do you remember that spaceship-like teasing interior of the future S60? Volvo managed to surprise us again. Check out that teasing image of their aggressive-looking S60 Concept. “The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline’s cliffs and seas. An exciting blend of drama and sensuality,” said Steve Mattin, director of design. With straight lines, lots of sex appeal and an unique Orrefors crystal interior, I’m sold when I look at this beauty. I’d wish I’d know more to tell you guys, but that only picture is all we have for now.

“If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden’s glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency,” says Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director, in a Volvo press release. We’ll get to see it in four months, at the Detroit International Motor Show that starts in January. I can’t wait for more images.