2008 Volvo S80 High Performance Concept

"We wanted to explore how far we could take a special high-performance version of the S80. Heico Sportiv’s impressive track record in motor sports and Volvo tuning made them the perfect partner for the job," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars. He adds:

"Personally, I think the result is absolutely stunning. Both when it comes to the exterior and interior design as well as the impressive muscle under the bonnet."

The turbocharged T6 engine has been modified to run on E85 (85 percent bioethanol,15 percent petrol) - a biofuel that is becoming increasingly widely available throughout Europe.

The T6 engine in the Heico S80 High Performance Concept boasts around 350 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a massive 550 Nm of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will take around 5.8 seconds.

"The engine development is not yet finalized, so we hope to reach an even higher horsepower figure when the car is ready for SEMA," says Heico Sportiv’s president Holger Hedtke.

All Wheel Drive and sports suspension

The Heico S80 High Performance Concept features Volvo’s electronically controlled All Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction. The car also has specially developed sport suspension. New shocks and springs lower the chassis by 40 millimetres.The 6-pot sport brake system has blue callipers featuring the Heico Sportiv logo, sports brake pads and 355x32 mm discs.

The specially developed 20-inch VOLUTION®X. forged alloy wheels are shod with 255/30R20 tyres from Continental.

"When it comes to the driving experience, we aimed at tuning all the components so we get a dynamic yet harmonious result. In other words, a true sports car experience without losing the luxurious and comfortable touch that is the hallmark of the S80," says Holger Hedtke.

Spectacular aluminium-colour effect

The exclusive aluminium metal-effect colour of the Heico S80 High Performance Concept radiates a distinctive technical look.

"To bring out the shiny, "real metal" effect was a major challenge. This type of paint is normally not used to cover a whole car. All told, the bodywork features seven coats of paint. The coat that gives the aluminium effect doesn’t allow any touch-ups afterwards, so you have to get it right from the beginning. The whole process takes two weeks," says Holger Hedtke.

All other parts, such as the tailpipe trim, window mouldings, front grill and rub strips are coated with matte finish black chrome.

All body parts are handcrafted. The car’s body kit has redesigned wide skirts all round. The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, integrated LED daytime running lights and an integrated sport grille with the Volvo iron mark.

The exhaust system is made of stainless steel throughout and the exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the wide rear spoiler. There is also a rear deck spoiler.

Mystic Blue interior

The bespoke interior has full high-quality leather in Mystic Blue with matching blue stitching and Heico Sportiv logo, both on the sport-contoured front seats and the two individual "bucket" seats in the rear. The safety belts and floor-mats are also blue.

There is a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather and a leather-trim gear lever with a silver carbon accent.

The extended floating centre stack is covered with silver carbon fibre. The centre stack also features integrated controls for the rear seat entertainment system and a storage space with a handmade blind. All decorative trim elements are made of silver carbon fibre. The illuminated entrance trim in stainless steal and glass features the Heico Sportiv logo.