Premiere: Volvo V40 T5 HPC

HEICO SPORTIV shows what’s technically possible with the Volvo V40 T5 HPC. 350 hp, 4-wheel drive and extremely dynamic driving characteristics are the ingredients that make the sporty compact car an interesting alternative to the Audi S3 Sportback, BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes A45 AMG.

The abbreviation “HPC” has a long tradition at HEICO SPORTIV. In 2007, the Volvo tuner presented the “High Performance Concept” based on the Volvo S80 T6 at the Las Vegas SEMA Show. At the time, the specification of customer, Volvo Cars Corporation, had just one requirement: maximum performance without compromising any safety feature or Volvo’s iconic durability.

Six years on down the line, the Volvo V40 T5 HPC is now following in these footsteps. The abbreviation meanwhile stands for “HEICO Performance Car” and heralds the next evolutionary level:

“While the S80 HPC was purely a concept car, the V40 HPC has been designed as a series-producible vehicle, with approval for normal roads and for everyday use,” explains HEICO SPORTIV General Manager, Holger Hedtke. “The HPC combines HEICO SPORTIV’s Volvo V40 individualization program with a number of specially developed high-performance components.”

Guaranteed driving pleasure: four-wheel drive, 350 hp, 510 Nm

The four-wheel drive, Cross County variant of the Volvo V40 – the Volvo V40CC T5 – serves as the basis model. This was an easy decision for project manager, Martin Müller: “To attain maximum traction and, thereby, the best possible driving characteristics, we had to transmit power to all four wheels. As the Volvo V40 is only produced as a front wheel drive, our natural choice was to go for the Volvo V40CC with all-wheel drive.”

The powerhouse is a redesigned, 2.5 liter cubic capacity, 5-cylinder turbo engine. Compared to the series-produced engine, the turbocharger, exhaust system (including sport catalytic converter and flap control), intercooler and charge-air system have been fundamentally revamped. The performance kit is rounded off by the HEICO SPORTIV performance enhancement system, e.motion®, and the new HEICO SPORTIV speedpack for increasing the top speed before the series-produced speed throttle kicks in. Maximum power increases from 187 kW (254 hp) to 235 kW (320 hp) and, when the water-ethanol injection system is activated, to as much as 257 kW (350 hp). Torque is boosted from 360 Nm to 510 Nm.

The water-ethanol injection system is activated with the illuminated HEICO stainless-steel button in the central console. Level 1 (green) is the standard setting for 320 hp; level 2 (blue) opens the exhaust system flaps; level 3 (blue, flashing) additionally activates the water-ethanol injection system. In this mode, the Volvo V40 T5 HPC accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 265 km/h. With these specifications, it’s safe to say the HPC is probably the world’s fastest and most powerful Volvo V40!

Perfection down to the finest detail: maximum driving dynamics, maximum braking power

One of the main strengths of the Volvo V40 T5 HPC is its dynamic driving characteristics, achieved through the HEICO SPORTIV sport suspension consisting of specially harmonized sport shock absorbers and sport springs for the front and rear axles. Reduced vehicle inclination when accelerating from standstill and braking result in precise handling, and optimized braking performance and traction. The lowering of the vehicle by ca. 30mm, and consequent sinking of its center of gravity, make the car’s excellent driving dynamics palpable. A special cross-brace and the 235/35R19 ContiForceContact cup tires mounted on the 8x19" weight-optimized designer wheel VOLUTION® VII. Diamond-Cut Black, are another factor contributing to the superior driving dynamics.

The six-piston sport brake system makes a further, major contribution to driving safety. The 370mm diameter brake disks are perforated for better response characteristics in wet weather and have a highly efficient cooling system. It guarantees a precise action point, outstanding stability and significantly shorter braking distances.

Perfect ergonomics thanks to paddle shifters and sport seats

The series-manufactured automatic gear transmits power to all four wheels. In doing so, fixed paddle shifters integrated into the rear of the HEICO SPORTIV sport steering wheel have been used for the first time. The benefit is patent: at all times the driver can actively intervene in the transmission control without having to remove his hands from the steering wheel. Combined with the Recaro body-contoured sport seats – with specially constructed seat consoles – the driver and co-driver have an optimal sitting position with perfect side-support.

Inside, the top-quality, series-produced interior has been further refined: the seats and door paneling have been re-leathered, the sport steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake grip are adorned with green stitching. The gearshift and handbrake collars are made of Alcantara. The tachometer cladding, free-floating central console and steering-wheel inlay are in piano black, and the aluminum pedal set, footrest, fine-velour foot mat set and black anodized, illuminated stainless steel door sills originate from HEICO SPORTIV’s standard product range.

Outside, the Volvo V40 T5 HPC makes no attempt to be coy. The first striking feature is the iconic HEICO SPORTIV body kit, consisting of a front spoiler and rear skirt in diffusor look. The BodyKit is made of lightweight, flexible polyurethane plastic (PUR-R-RIM) and fulfills all safety standards, including pedestrian protection. The entire vehicle is covered in a Matt Toxic Green film, offset with black, lateral decorative stripes.

Great emphasis was placed on homologating the vehicle for regular road traffic. Series production of the Volvo V40 T5 HPC would be conceivable, given sufficient demand, but is not currently planned. Prices for individual components – such as the performance kit, will be published later.