[s-cars] S60R vs. der old C4 S4? The modern Golden Modern Era?

[Paul.Park at colorado.edu]

Has anyone here had any experience with der neu old S4 reincarnate, the Volvo
S60R?

On paper, it seems like a RS2 enhanced S4. Here is quote containing power
specifications, and some of thigns featured in the Swedish brickhouse:

"The S60R is powered by a thoroughly modified version of the 208-hp, 2.5-liter
turbocharged in-line five that powers the base XC90 and the S60 AWD.
"Thoroughly modified" translates to a low-restriction intake, two intercoolers,

reground camshafts, reinforced pistons, continuously variable valve timing on
both inlet and exhaust sides, and a new cylinder head and exhaust manifold. It
also means bye-bye to the low-pressure Mitsubishi turbo and hello to a larger
KKK unit that more than doubles peak boost to 14.7 psi. The result is 300
ponies peaking at 5500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 1950 to 5250 rpm."

Some of things that described the the handling dynamics of the UrS4 seem to
characterize the S60Rs handling. It has an unrefined, laggy motor and
undesireably vague handling. It's presented as a driver's oriented car, but
fails to live up to the better offerigns in the new 8E S4, the BMW M3 and the
Mercedes Benz AMG C32.

Anyways, it just seems like such a great time for the car enthusiast. Pontiac
is introudcing to us what the Camaro should've been, the Pontiac GTO. Cadillac
brings to us the dominant american muscle in a world beating design in the LS6
powered CTS-V. Mazda is introducing the practical S2000 in the RX8, and BMW is
still going strong with it's BMW Mini Cooper S and its new Z4.

For those that are more financially well off, Europe's marquee brands are in
the midst of a horsepower frenzy. Mercedes-Benz is bringing to the table levels

of power that we've not ever seen in a wonderfully refined package. BMW is
venturing into new territory with the BMW M5's V10 powerplant. And Audi has
it's, what looks to be middle of the pack, RS6. If middle of the pack is 450HP
from a BiTurbo V8...sign me up:)

There's something for everyone now. Anyone jumping ship?:) * me eyes LS1
powered GTO, and HSV goodies*