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The Volvo S60R is the silver Volvo driven by Edward Cullen in the Twilight Book. One of the primary advantages of being a vampire is that at first glance, no one else can tell that you are any different than they are. In the world of Twilight, this is of course limited to when the vampires in question can remain outside the glare of direct sunlight, where they sparkle brightly and immediately reveal their true nature as something other than human. However, in the cloudy, rainy environment of Washington state, more often than not the vampires in question are able to keep their identity a secret.
Volvo is a car company that for years was known for producing simple and straightforward designs that were lauded more for their safety and reliability than for their performance. Towards the end of the 1990’s, the company underwent something of a shift when it came to their image, introducing more stylish yet still reserved automobiles that were a step above the vehicles of old. While their new designs might have been more in line with the standards of the industry, they managed to maintain their philosophy that less is more, preferring to disguise their high performance vehicles in proverbial sheep’s clothing.
What better vehicle for Edward Cullen, then, than the Volvo S60R. To the untrained eye, the S60R resembles nothing more than the standard mid-size Volvo sedan – confident, pleasing to the eye yet neither flashy nor imposing. A close look reveals subtle differences such as bigger brake calipers, unique interior appointments and small styling tweaks. The real story is only finally revealed once the key is turned and the vehicle’s 2.5 liter, 300 horsepower 5-cylinder turbocharged engine leaps to life. Capable of producing 295 horsepower, this engine is a perfect match for the sedan’s all-wheel drive system, and it can be shifted using either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The S60R’s suspension has also been given special attention, allowing it to handle with much more authority than the standard edition of the sedan.
Inside the car, Volvo has certainly not scrimped on luxury features, with an optional burnt orange leather package creating a unique look for the sedan that pampers occupants with many available features and gadgets. An innovative control system manages the vehicle’s entertainment system, and the steering wheel also houses controls for the stereo.
So there you have it – a vehicle that goes far deeper underneath the skin than its mere appearance would suggest, one which uses all-wheel drive and a sport suspension to stick to the road like glue all while maintaining a nimble agility that makes it a blast to throw through corners – all in a plain yet elegant Volvo wrapper. Clearly, this is the perfect automobile for someone like Edward Cullen, who cannot afford to give away any clues as to his true identity unless the situation offers him no other choice. His amazing athletic abilities, a side effect of his vampire heritage also tie him to the S60R, as they both share a common spirit and great capability.