Volvo Creates Super-Fast C30 Concept
Works race team, Polestar, builds 399bhp super-hatch
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.
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...
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