The HEICO Volvo S80 T6 HPC is on display at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas. The HEICO Volvo S80 T6 HPC (High Performance Concept) is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six engine and front-wheel drive and runs on bioethanol fuel. The HEICO S80 T6 HPC develops 350 hp at 5,500 rpm and 405 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The T6 engine takes the HEICO S80 from 0 to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Volvo Press Release:
Heico Sportiv Unleashes Beastly S80 T6 HPC at 2007 SEMA Show
Las Vegas, NV (October 30, 2007) - 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.
"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 advance 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.
Heico Sportiv S80 HPC Safety - Volvo's Legendary Safety A Top Priority
Las Vegas, NV (October 30, 2007) - The tautly stretched and gleaming skin of the Heico Sportiv S80 HPC nearly screams performance. But beneath the aluminum-effect paint scheme hides a full compliment of Volvo's safety systems, all fully functioning and ready to protect the vehicle's occupants in the event of a collision. As Volvo Cars has insisted since first showing cars at the annual Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow five years ago, all standard safety systems must remain intact and functioning no matter how extensive the modifications made to the vehicle.
With 350 horsepower on tap, this was especially true of the S80 HPC. The Volvo S80 recently earned the NHTSA double 5-star safety rating for front and side impacts and has held this honor since it was first introduced in 1998. More information on the S80 HPC's safety systems may be found below:
Different Grades of Steel
First pioneered on the smaller S40 sport sedan and V50 sportwagon, Volvo's use of different grades of steel to channel impact forces may also be found on the Volvo S80. Divided into zones, the frontal structure incorporates different deformation properties with the outer zones accounting for most of the deformation in a frontal collision. The more the collision forces approach the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed. To ensure that each zone has the right characteristics, the quality of the steel has been varied. Four different types of steel are used. Apart from normal body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are used: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel.
Preventative Safety
The Volvo S80 incorporates a number of standard safety systems designed to help keep the vehicle in control in adverse situations. The Volvo S80 T6 comes standard with all-wheel drive. This electronically controlled system primarily routs power to the front wheels. If wheel slip is detected at the front tires power is seamlessly directed to the rear. The all-wheel-drive system includes Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC). DSTC is designed to help keep the vehicle on its intended course through the use of the braking system. The system also helps to prevent the vehicle from skidding.
Improved Side Airbag
A new side airbag helps the patented Volvo Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) become even more effective. The new airbags have two separate chambers - one for the hips and one for the chest. As the hips can withstand greater forces than the chest, the lower chamber can be inflated to a pressure that is up to five times higher than in the upper chamber. The new side airbags interact with the Inflatable Curtains (IC) and the body's structure to optimize protection. Both the sills and the B-pillars have been reinforced.
Improved WHIPS System
Rear impact protection is also enhanced. The groundbreaking WHIPS system in the S80 has been improved to provide better compliance and support for the head in the event of an impact.
Pedestrian Protection
Protection for pedestrians and cyclists was also a consideration in the design of the all-new S80. The front of the car has energy-absorbing features, including a well-proportioned, soft structure in front of the bumper to mitigate the risk of leg injuries. The lower edge of the spoiler has been reinforced and moved forward, almost in line with the bumper, to distribute the impact, on a leg for example, over a greater area to reduce the risk of injury.
The shape of the hood has been raised and a honeycomb structure underneath distributes the load on impact, helping to absorb the forces and reduce the risks of injury.
Active Bi-Xenon Lights
To produce an optimal range of vision when driving in the dark on winding roads, Volvo Cars has introduced the Active Bi-Xenon Light - swiveling headlights that follow the bends in the road. Road situations are measured and analyzed using a mini-processor which then optimizes the lighting. The headlights can be swiveled up to 15 degrees in each direction, and have the capacity to illuminate a longer distance when the road is winding. To save wear on the system, this function is disconnected automatically in daylight.
The angle of the headlights adjusts to variables such as vehicle load, acceleration, and braking to help reduce the risk of blinding oncoming road users. The headlights are cleaned by means of an electro-mechanical, high-pressure system that washes one headlight at a time to offer the best possible illumination.
