LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The lights of Las Vegas reflect
flawlessly in the gleaming aluminum paint of the Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High
Performance Concept (HPC). Being shown for the first time in North America
at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow in Las Vegas,
NV, the S80 T6 HPC is a literal reflection of power, sophistication and
athleticism as can be seen in its unique 7-layer "aluminum effect" body
paint. But the S80 T6 HPC is more than just a pretty face. It's a true
example that a powerful luxury sedan can also be sensitive to the
environment.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071030/LATU197)
"Heico Sportiv is honored to once again be working with Volvo Cars to
build the exciting S80 T6 HPC for this year's SEMA show," said Holger
Hedtke, President of Heico. The 2007 show marks the second year Heico
Sportiv has partnered with Volvo Cars to create a SEMA concept. This year,
Heico shows its mettle with the S80 T6 HPC and the C30 Surf Pattern (see
separate release). "The S80 T6 HPC is really where we put all our efforts
this year," continued Hedtke, "It is our most advanced concept to date and
it's one that Heico is extremely proud of."
But getting to Las Vegas wasn't easy. The project began as the curtain
fell on last year's SEMA show. Behind closed doors Heico executives sat
down to put to paper the 2007 concept. The result is a Volvo S80 T6 that
has been tuned to an amazing 350-horsepower while running on bioethanol
fuel.
When the S80 arrived at Heico's shop in Weiterstadt, Germany in early
2007, Holger and his team knew they had their work cut out for them. The
S80 began life with a 3.2-liter inline-six engine and front-wheel drive
because production had yet to begin on the Volvo S80 T6, which has standard
all-wheel drive. A new T6 engine was delivered from Sweden and work began
in earnest.
Performance
The first order of business was to make a significant increase in
horsepower. The standard Volvo T6 engine produces 281 horsepower, which is
enough to move the S80 with spirited ease. But this is a SEMA concept and a
significant bump in horsepower and torque were a necessity. Once the engine
was modified to run on E85 ethenol, Heico turned its attention to
maximizing power with high-performance engine software, a new intercooler
and a stainless steel racing exhaust system. The end results were
impressive: 350 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 405 lb.-ft. of torque between
1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The Heico S80 T6 HPC is estimated to reach 62 mph in
just 5.8 seconds.
But getting that power to the ground required extensive work. As the
standard S80 3.2 is a front-wheel-drive car, it was determined that to
truly explore the vehicle's potential all-wheel drive was needed. Enter
Volvo's renowned Haldex All-Wheel-Drive system with Instant Traction. The
system continuously routes power to whichever wheel has the most traction
and Heico modified it with heartier gears to handle the enormous amount of
torque.
Stopping power is provided via a 6-piston braking system with custom
blue-painted calipers and high performance brake pads. Volvo's ABS and
electronic brake distribution systems are fully functioning. Large
13.9-inch disc brakes reside in custom forged alloy wheels measuring
9-inches wide and 20 inches in diameter. The specially developed Volution X
wheels are wrapped in aggressive 255/30R-20 Continental tires.
The Heico S80 T6 HPC rides on a chassis that is 1.5 inches lower than
Volvo's set ride height and the sport-tuned suspension features firmer
springs and struts at all four corners. "We aimed to tune all the
components to achieve a dynamic yet harmonious ride. In other words, a true
sports car experience without losing the luxurious and comfortable touch
that is the hallmark of the Volvo S80," noted Hedtke.
Interior
Hedtke's comments about the S80 T6 HPC's ride and handling translate
directly to the interior of the car. "It was important to communicate the
intention of this car as a true sports car, but one that is also luxurious
and comfortable," said Hedtke. Starting from the standard S80's innovative
center console, Heico's interior designers decided to sweep the arc
throughout the length of the interior, creating four sport bucket seats.
The heavily bolstered thrones are separated by the console that is wrapped
in stunning silver aluminum carbon fiber.
Paying homage to Volvo's use of blue in its logo, nearly every surface
that isn't aluminum is swathed in soft Mystic Blue leather, including the
headliner, instrument panel and door panels. The rear seats have been
completely redesigned to accommodate the center console and the front seats
have thicker side and thigh bolsters. Fully integrated controls for the
rear seat entertainment system, cup holders and storage bins are all found
beneath the gleaming aluminum "floating" center console. Interior trim
panels and accents are bathed in silver carbon.
The S80 T6 HPC driver will find a thick, comfortable sport steering
wheel with which to unleash the vehicle's power. The sport pedals foot rest
and door pins are all formed from billet aluminum. The crowing touch is the
Mystic Blue glowing door-sill panels.
Exterior
Refined, elegant and stylish are all words that have been used to
describe the Volvo S80. With Heico's attention to the car's exterior, words
such as powerful, imposing and dominance may also be uttered when the car
makes its North American debut at SEMA.
"Our goal was to take Volvo's elegant design for the S80 and make it
really stand out at this year's show," said Hedtke, "That's not an easy
thing to do in Las Vegas, but everyone who sees the car agrees that it's
truly striking."
What first leaps to the viewer's attention is the striking "metal
effect" paint scheme. Seven coats were applied over a two-week period and
the process allows for no re-shoots or touch-ups making the Heico S80 T6
HPC truly inspiring. "We're hoping that those in attendance at the SEMA
show will drop by the Volvo booth to take a look at this car," commented
Hedtke. "Since there are so many custom paint jobs done by truly talented
artists from around the world represented in Las Vegas, we feel the S80 T6
HPC will be truly appreciated."
Nearly every panel of the Heico S80 T6 HPC was re-fabricated. The S80's
front clip was replaced with a more aggressive nose that incorporates
ultra-slim LED turn-signal indicators, a deeper front air dam and wide
intake tunnels for improved airflow into the intercooler and brakes.
The new soft nose seamlessly blends into the aggressive wheel arches
that hug tightly around the custom 20-inch wheels and tires. Deep side
sills beneath the doors lend to the aggressive stance of the vehicle and
assist in aerodynamics. A completely new rear bumper cap features slender
rectangular exhaust ports and carbon fiber inserts.
About Heico
Heico Sportiv was founded outside of Frankfurt, Germany in 1995. It has
grown to become Europe's leading Volvo tuning firm. Heico has the longest
running history of endurance racing featuring Volvo cars spanning 13 years.
This serves as the engineering basis for offering high-quality components
for Volvo road cars. Please refer to http://www.heicosportivna.com for more
information.
About Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA)
VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to
Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For
more information on specific production vehicles or special vehicles please
refer to the Volvo Cars of North America, LLC public relations website at:
http://www.volvocars-pr.com/.
SOURCE Volvo Cars of North America
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Related links:
http://www.volvocars.com
http://www.heicosportivna.com http://www.volvocars-pr.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071030/LATU197
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org AP PhotoExpress
Network: PRN21 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
James Hope, Product Communications Manager of
Volvo Cars of North America, +1-949-735-7827
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