Volvo Performance Car Concept 2000

2001 September: See PCC-II.

S60

2000 September: Volvo brought its Volvo Performance Concept Car to the Paris Motor Show. Note, it is a concept car, but being based on the Volvo S60 (right), it would not be too hard to put into production.

The notable features of the VPCC are a 300bhp engine, electronically managed four-wheel drive, and dynamically controlled chassis (electronically controlled dampers). Some external additions such as a new front spoiler and 245/35-19 tyres on 19" BBS magnesium wheels will also improve handling.

The engine is a development of Volvo's turbo-charged 5-cylinder 2435cc unit giving 300bhp power and 400 torque. It drives a 6-speed (4 shaft) manual gearbox and four wheel drive.

Continuously controlled chassis concept (the Swedes really know how to write poetry), or 4C, amounts to computer controlled dampers, said to be monitored 500 times per second. The driver can select between comfort, sport and advanced sport modes. Volvo's flavour of traction and brake control are also fitted.

The "electronically managed four-wheel drive" system is integrated with the other electronic systems. It is said to be "characterised by extremely rapid engagement and disengagement. Since the AWD system responds so swiftly, it is possible to balance and control oversteering and understeering tendencies . . ."

We are likely to see more four wheel drives from Volvo, now under Ford, and also from rival Saab, now under GM.

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