springs and bushings, and more damping than in any current Volvo, the Dynamic chassis is for passion-ate drivers. This was immediately apparent when I slid behind the wheel in the parking lot of the launch program hotel, the Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Oregon. The S60 felt taut and responsive. We exited the interstate and availed ourselves of the scenic and challenging tarmac on the drive towards Mt. Hood.

The car's Haldex all-wheel-drive enhanced its surefootedness. The AWD is standard in the top-spec S60, which will be the first model launched in North America at a price of $37,700. (Our test version stickered for $43,200 and was equipped with almost every available option.)

The all-new S60 can be specified with the FOUR-C active chassis, also fine-tuned for better control and comfort. This self-adjusting chassis system uses sensors to monitor the car's behavior continuously. In fractions of a second, the dampers adjust to suit the driving situation. The driver can select from three individual chassis settings to alter the car's ride: comfort, sport, or advanced.

Adding to the driver's sense of control is the S60's "Advanced Stability Control." A new roll angle sensor identifies any skidding tendency at a very early stage, allowing the anti-skid system to kick in earlier and with greater precision. Meanwhile, the "Dynamic Stability Traction Control" system incorporates a new driver-selectable sports setting that disables the anti-spin system for more active driving with an increase in oversteer.

The first U.S. models will come