When Volvo advertised an 850 Estate ripping through the twisties on a track in Europe, the public took notice. I remember the first time I saw that commercial in the mid 90s. It made me think about Volvos in a new light. Id always considered Volvos boxy, reliable, and safe, but sporty? Never. The 850 Estate competing in the British Touring Car Championship completely changed my perception of the company and created a whole new generation of Volvo enthusiasts.
The 850 Estate raced during the 94 BTCC season, but in 1995, the wagon was replaced with a sedan version. At the beginning of the 1997 season of the BTCC, Volvo released its newest weapon to replace the wornout 850 sedan race carthe S40. By the end of the 1997 season, the S40 sedan had firmly planted itself in Fourth position overallthat season was followed by winning First Place overall in 1998 and Third overall in 1999.
While Volvo was muscling its way from victory to victory, enthusiasts were taking notice in the States. One such enthusiast, Carlos Piña, upon discovering he could get his hands on a complete set of vinyl intended for a Canadian-based Volvo Touring car, immediately purchased an 01 Volvo S40 and began building a BTCC replica.
Unlike the Volvo BTCC race car, this Volvo would serve many duties. The idea for this particular buildup was to bring coverage to a truly well-engineered car that deserved recognition. As such, this car would have to attend car shows, be driven on the street, and hold its own on the track.
The engine that powers this S40 is an inline-four 1.9L equipped with a factory turbocharger. Usually, if an engine utilizes a turbo from the factory, upping the power output is relatively simple; unfortunately, few companies produce ECU upgrades for Stateside Volvos.
UPsolute showed interest in the project and, before long, had prototyped a high-boost chip for the sedan. For even more power, an AutoTech Motor intercooler was added, as were a TurboXS boost controller, Madman & Co. Racing/Borla exhaust, and an Eastern Aerospace intake and throttle body.
The suspension proved to be the next stumbling block. It turns out that Volvo produced eight variations of the S40 front suspension worldwide; thus, fitting front components was a tricky affair. With the help of IPD, however, TME Sweden springs were wrapped around Koni adjustable shocks, an IPD front antiroll bar was added, and a TME Sweden front strut brace was affixed above the custom red-anodized engine components. With the race vinyl around the car, and the hood, bumpers, and trunk painted to match the race car theme, it was only natural that Team Dynamics DTM 18-inch wheels be added to finish the BTCC look. Because the car was going to be driven hard on the track while also seeing many street miles, Pirelli P7000 tires were added to offer the best all-around performance.
For now, the interior is relatively stock in appearance. In the coming year, however, the plan is to strip the interior, add racing seats and a rollcage, and finish the racing package. Because of this goal, the stereo was added with the intention of not being seen. Hidden throughout the cabin and trunk are 14 speakers, various amps, and crossovers.
The detail captured in this replica is rather astonishing, especially when you know what youre looking for; for those with a really discerning eye, theres even a pit-to-driver roof antenna, and the wind mirrors are painted red. Were hoping that other closet Volvo fans see this car and decide to take action. After seeing this Volvo, we cant wait to go to our first Volvo club meeting.