Gran Turismo 6 | Volvo C30 R-Design 2009 | Special Stage Route X Race | GT6 | PS3

Unveiled as a design concept at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006, the Volvo C30 surprised many with its unorthodox rear-end styling and unique packaging. The reviews were mostly favorable, so Volvo decided to build the car and displayed the production version of the C30 later that year at the Paris Motor Show.

Taking on Volvo's recent design motifs, the compact car featured a glass tailgate, along with side windows that gradually curved toward the rear of the vehicle. Its sporty emphasis on styling gained high praise from the European automotive media as a fresh, high-quality small car.

The T5 was the sporty version in the C30 lineup, armed with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4 that produces 226 HP and 235.7 ft-lb of torque. A special version called the R-Design sold for a limited time from February to March 2008 in Japan. This model came equipped with the "Factory Option Package” available in Volvo's home country of Sweden.

The "R" in R-Design did not stand for racing, but for refinement. The T5 R-Design features a tight suspension with firmer damping force and spring rates and reinforced bushings. Other upgrades over the standard C30 included subtle but stylish side skirts and front and rear spoilers for improved aerodynamics, along with handsome 17-in wheels.

With its superior handling and head-turning looks, the Volvo C30 T5 R-Design attracted a new segment of buyers to the Volvo brand.

‪@waleedthevyonder2008‬