Volvo Creates Super-Fast C30 Concept
Works race team, Polestar, builds 399bhp super-hatch
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.
Very much so.
And I *need* a Volvo.
Perhaps the first time someone has been able to say that and still hold their head high on this forum!
As for this concept vs the FRS production car - not a specious argument at all...this CAN be made, there's nothing in this concept that isn't productionable, nor even warrantiable (sp?)...it's all off-the-shelf parts, engineering-wise, and fits in the current architecture (platform was designed to take 4wd). All this needs to be put into production is the will to do it by Volvo management...just like Ford decided to put the original Escort Cossie into production, or the Racing Puma, etc. etc...
how many evo's and scooby's are sold that push out the same numbers each year, if volvo or ford could match them punch for punch they could argue that a similar price tag £50k? is worth it through exclusivity and performance and still turn a profit
you never know the aftermarket bods would love replica bodykits etc to help those less fortunate (poorer) it making their standard cars look like these, they do enough of it know with the current evo's and scooby's
If Volvo want to improve their image, such a halo machine would be an excellent way of doing it. The powertrain, of course, could accidentally find its way into that new S60 as well...giving a very "...velvet glove" alternative to the M3, C63 and RS4
"True" communism has never been achieved...it's always usurped by dictators eager to exploit the power vacuum.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff