The awesome Volvo S60 R and V70 R will also make their world debut at the Paris show.

With 300 bhp of torque, the new R-concept S60 R and V70 R models offer abundant per-formance on demand and the ultimate Volvo driving experience.

They are capable of acceler-ating from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds, and bristle with the latest technology.

This includes Haldex AWD, a new six-speed manual gear-box (or Geartronic option), Brembo brakes, and a multiplex computer system supplying information to Volvo's Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) system

This system offers three choices of suspension settings at the touch of a button: sport, advanced sport and comfort.

Exterior revisions include a lower front spoiler and front grille,18in alloy wheels, and rear spoiler.

The interior has chrono-graph-inspired instruments with coloured faces, a choice of leather upholstery, and brushed aluminium inserts on the dashboard and door panels.

The cars should be available in spring 2003, and Volvo expects to sell 450 S60 R and 350 V70 R models a year in the UK.