The S60 really shines with its character, offering “nimble handling and plenty of power.” Volvo equips the S60 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. This powerplant creates an impressive 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

Volvo keeps the exhaust noise down, however the car charges forward hitting its 60 mph mark in 5.8 seconds. Volvo’s S60 EPA ratings come in at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Volvo hopes to brings these counts up higher as time progresses, as the addition of new fuel sources and hybrid technology becomes standard.

Source: CNET

The 500 MPH cannon imitates the side impact of another car without actually destroying any cars in the process. So no damaged car, no danger to a test driver. Researchers have said “the new test could prove useful in the development of next-generation stability control technology.”

The system is built around a Martin Engineering Hurricane Cannon, a high pressure water cannon normally used in mining operations. It has been modified and mounted to a static frame which is attached to the cargo bay of a chopped up Volvo V70R. An orange tank is pumped up with 135 PSI of shop air, the end of the silver tube is sealed up with a sheet of plastic and the safety gate is closed. In operation that gate is opened up and the plastic holds back the water. The gate is there to prevent anyone from being injured should the thing accidentally go off. That pipe is filled with ten gallons of water and then shot out during a practice drive. pretty nifty! A great snag from Jalopnik.