Thursday 22nd April 2010

Volvo Creates Super-Fast C30 Concept

Works race team, Polestar, builds 399bhp super-hatch

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This is the Volvo C30 Polestar Prototype Concept (try saying that after an evening in the pub), a 399bhp four-wheel-drive take on a Volvo C30 that’s due to be on show at this weekend’s Gothenburg motor show.

The name Polestar doesn’t mean a great deal in the UK, but in Sweden it is to Volvo what Cosworth used to be to Ford, and what Prodrive is to Subaru.

As well as fitting the only engine performance modifications covered by an official Volvo warranty, Polestar has, for the past 15 seasons, put together Volvo’s works effort for the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC). During that time they’ve campaigned the 850, S40, and S60. In 2009, they won the STCC with the C30, a car they developed completely from scratch.

This C30 is the result of Polestar’s race engineers’ imaginations being freed from the shackles of racing regulations. Based on the 222bhp 2.5-litre T5, its 399bhp comes courtesy of a larger intercooler, a new KKK 26 turbocharger, and modified pistons, conrods and inlet camshaft for the five-pot motor. These tweaks also help to make a healthy 376lb ft of torque.

Helping to control the power is a Haldex four-wheel-drive system with a Quaife mechanical diff front and rear, while the suspension gets Ohlins shock absorbers and springs. The steering has also been sharpened, with just 2.25 turns lock to lock.

Beneath the 19-in BBS wheels are 380mm front discs clamped by four-pot callipers, with 330mm discs and four-piston callipers at the rear.

[havoc]

Does anyone else think that this is the sort of thing Ford should have done with the Focus RS??? (Which has the same platform and engine)

[ArtVandelay]

I wasn't too keen on the facelift on the C30 but in that colour with what I assume to be a new front bumper, it looks fantastic.

Plenty of grunt too, although it will never be made

Would make an interesting competitor for the VW Golf/Scirocco R.

[ArtVandelay]

havoc said:

Does anyone else think that this is the sort of thing Ford should have done with the Focus RS??? (Which has the same platform and engine)

Is it the same platform? I thought this was based on the S40 platform for some reason?

[LeoZwalf]

Great stuff, good on them. Really like the C30, don't see many here so they stand out when you do. Cracking amount of power and looks the part too, from me.

[Silent1]

havoc said:

Does anyone else think that this is the sort of thing Ford should have done with the Focus RS??? (Which has the same platform and engine)

It's volvo's way of pointing out how silly the RS is and how it shouldn't carry an RS badge.

[Simbu]

havoc said:

Does anyone else think that this is the sort of thing Ford should have done with the Focus RS??? (Which has the same platform and engine)

Exactly what i was thinking.

[DanGPR]

That is gorgeous! And extremely fast. Want!

[timewatch]

I didn't like C30 when it was launched, but have to say I do like that!!!

Well done Volvo, nice to see you are coming out of the doldrums design centre at last.


TW>>>

[wab172uk]

havoc said:

Does anyone else think that this is the sort of thing Ford should have done with the Focus RS??? (Which has the same platform and engine)

Yes.

[rusty1980]

havoc said:

Does anyone else think that this is the sort of thing Ford should have done with the Focus RS??? (Which has the same platform and engine)

Exactly.

This is what the RS could've (should've) been. Make it Volvo - this could be your ticket to cool. Shame about the Polestar badge...

[Andrew[MG]]

I'm guessing that if they did make it that it would cost a fortune. On the other hand, it would be by far the hottest of the hot hatches!!!

[LukeBird]

Liking that a lot!

Looks superb in that colour scheme.

[vdubbin]

Looking forward to the inevitable comparison/back to back review with the RS500...

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Dear Volvo...


Makes this...and make it NOW!!!!!!

I've always thought that the C30 is actually quite nice looking little motor. It just lacked that cutting edge performance model.


Well, this would certainly tick that box!

Edited by Spiritual_Beggar on Thursday 22 April 12:29

[soad]

Serious power, 4WD too. Looks rather good, i'm impressed!

[GingerWizard]

My old man has a C30 R and thats quite rapid, this looks bloody awesome. 1 million times better then the RS, and actually desirable without looking ever so slightly chav......

[Nickellarse]

Now they're talking. Nice colour too.

[stuckmojo]

Oh, this is quite good. Not soo keen on the colour combo, but I am glad they matched the engine with a 4WD system.

/ironic mode on:

I bet these are the Focus RS test mules drivetrains.

[Glade]

Unanimous response on PH shocker!

Shame they won't make it.... it would probably steal a few impreza sales!

[MotorUniverse]

still a volvo