Volvo Unveils 325 HP S60 Performance Project

Volvo has just unveiled a model that it hopes will transform its image from that of humdrum car manufacturer to the Swedish equivalent of a performance saloon maker. With huge wheels and four exhaust tips at the back, the Volvo S60 Performance Project’s looks are enough to steal a few Audi and Opel fans, but the car has plenty of poke under the bonnet as well.

The project is actually the brainchild of Volvo Car Australia, who has pulled in the engineering might of Polestar and Heico to create this one-off S60.

We'll start with the what’s under the bonnet, where Polestar has remapped the ECU to enable the horizontally-mounted, turbocharged 3.0-liter engine to produce 325 hp and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. The figures represent a an increase of 25 hp and 29 lb-ft (40 Nm) of torque. Is that impressive? Well, the Opel Insignia OPC has the exact same output from its V6.

The body of the car is based on the T6 R-Design and features a sport exhaust system and 19-inch Heico wheels with Pirelli tires. the S60 Performance Project has been lowered by 15mm and features sports suspension that includes monotube damping at the rear, 15 per cent stiffer springs and the bushings that are 20 percent stiffer compared to the regular sedan.

“Volvo is not traditionally recognized for performance in Australia but that is changing,'' says Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid. "The S60 T6 already boasts excellent performance credentials and the S60 Performance Project takes that even further. With the extra power, torque and unique wheels and exhaust system the S60 Performance Project really is a very special edition S60.''

Want one? Volvo Car Australia is evaluating demand at the moment and could offer a limited number of the hot S60 sedan.