Volvo has never been one to be mentioned in the same sentence as performance cars, as the Swedish automaker always focused more on building family-friendly sub-luxury cars as opposed to sports cars. Since its takeover by Chinese car manufacturer, Geely->ke3815, Volvo has been slowly broadening its vehicle selection to include several sportier models and the latest to come to the forefront was the S60 Polestar.

Another new and sportier model coming to Volvo’s->ke188 lineup is the V40, which is a rather sleek-looking 5-door model. Apparently, this was the perfect base for famed Volvo tuner, Heico Sportiv, to build a monster race car and debut it at the Auto Mobil International at Leipzig. This racer is set to compete in long-distance road races in their various alternative fuel classes.

The details are a little scarce at the moment, but Heico has shared a little information. We will share what we know with you now and will continuously update you as more information becomes available.

Click past the jump to read more on the Volvo V40 by Heico Sportiv.

2012 Volvo V40 by Heico Sportiv

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Volvo V40 by Heico Sportiv
  • Engine/Motor: inline-5
  • Horsepower: 300
  • Torque: 442
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

This modified V40 boasts a green and white paintjob that lays upon a basically stock-looking body shell. Making this body up for the job of handling high speed cornering and plain-out look the part of a racecar is a carbon-fiber body kit that includes side skirts, heat extractors, and front and rear lips. Attached to the rear hatch is a massive spoiler to give this beast some downforce. On each corner is a dark grey VOLUTION rim wrapped tightly in racing rubber to keep it all stuck to the tarmac.

Interior

On the inside, you get what you would expect: a black Recaro seat, a racing steering wheel, and a huge roll cage. Other than that, the inside is completely gutted for racing.

Engine and Drivetrain

Under the hood is where all of the fun is, as this performance Volvo boasts a five-cylinder D5 turbo-diesel engine. Before you start wonder how a diesel engine can win a race, keep in mind that this particular diesel power plant pumps out 300 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. To get these additional 85 horsepower and 118 pound-feet, Heico Sportive included e.motion ECU upgrades, a sonorous exhaust system, and other modifications.

This five-cylinder engine will run on bio-diesel fuel, qualifying it to run in alternative fuel classes in various long-distance events, like the 24 Hour Race at Nürburgring .

Unfortunately, there is no mention of the drivetrain, which we expect to be heavily modified.

Suspension and Braking

There is only a small amount mentioned about the suspension and braking systems of the V40 by Heico Sportiv. All the press release tells us is that it has " sporty suspension and braking systems."

When Can I Get One?

There's the issue... The car that Heico is displaying is not a production model, nor is it expected to ever reach production. Heico is more of an accessories company and this car bears all of the performance accessories, sans the D5 engine, that Heico will have available for the upcoming V40 release.

So essentially, you can build one very similar to Heico Sportiv's model, but you cannot buy one. Of course, this show model may hit auction blocks in a few years, given it's not crushed after it completes its racing career.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, this model will never hit production, as we said. It is, however, an indication that Geely is really taking Volvo away from its steel brick era and into the 21st century... Finally.

We will continue to update you as Heico Sportiv announces additional accessories for the upcoming V40.