The History of Volvo R & Polestar High Performance Cars
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 чер 2019
- We're looking at the history of Volvo's go-fast cars starting with their legendary 1995 850 T-5R sedan and estate, and working through the generations of Volvo R, R-Design, Polestar, and Polestar Engineered.
Our special episode of TestDrive explores the history of the Volvo R high-performance cars. Special thanks to Volvo Cars Canada for extending the loan of the 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design AWD in order to accommodate our filming schedule with this episode.
Volvo launched their first high performance vehicle, the 1995 Volvo 850 T-5R. Though they didn't technically need to produce it under British Touring Car Championship homologation regulations, 5,500 units were produced globally.
Volvo followed up the success and demand for this car with a successor, the 1996 and 1997 Volvo 850 R, like the 97 sedan we have in our video. This vehicle added on the success of the 850 T-5R and offered more options for buyers.
The first generation V70 & S70 replaced the 850 wagon and sedan respectively. While largely seen as a facelift for the 850, the new V70 R added more standard features to Volvo's high performance cars with the option for AWD.
The second generation V70 and first generation S60 also received R models, like the facelift 2005 Volvo V70 R AWD we have as an example. A new engine along with tuned AWD system were some of the improvements made by Volvo to attract new customers to their top-end performance models. These were the final R vehicles produced by Volvo.
A new R-Design trim was added to most of Volvo's lineup, bringing cosmetic changes over their regular cars. The 2012 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design ended up producing more power than the current generation, but lacked some of the character of those original R cars. In 2013 Volvo released the S60 and V60 Polestar models, true successors to the R cars with more power and tuning over the regular family-friendly cars.
The 2019 Volvo S60 T6 R-Design we featured produces more power and torque than the original 850 T-5R, but shares a lot of styling queues from that original go-fast car.
The future for Volvo's high performance hybrid vehicles rests in their recently acquired Polestar division, bringing the sport-tuned nature of their Polestar engineering to the efficient yet powerful technology of hybrid engines. The 2020 Volvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered sedan is the next generation high performance car from Volvo, and a glimpse of the future for the luxury brand.
Special thanks to the Club Volvo Québec for helping us film this episode of TestDrive: www.clubvolvoquebec.com/v3/
Photo Credit: Frederik Hermann: www.flickr.com/photos/netzkob...
Historical photos and videos provided by BMW AG, Audi AG, Volvo Car Corporation.
Follow PRN on Facebook: / perpetualradio
Follow PRN on Twitter: / perpetualradio
Follow Nile on Twitter: / nilelivesey
Follow Nile on Instagram: / nilelivesey
Visit our website: www.perpetualradio.ca/
TestDrive is proudly produced in Acton, Québec, Canada. This episode was filmed in part in Oka, Québec. - Авто та транспорт
You cant compare the t5's from the 90s with todays newer volvos..the old 850s just feels different when hitting the gas, and the sound was a killer
There's no doubt there's something unique and special about these original go-fast Volvos.
True, but the new ones still have most of the passion that made the 90's era Volvos great. :)
Nobody talks about the 1998 c70 coupe with the 2.4 t5 5 speed.
@@didierbeauvais Exactly! Loved that unique Volvo coupe!
@@lookcloser4536 New ones are made in China
I've had both the 850R and the P2 V70R, gotta say the 850R is my favorite simply because of how it was designed. Super simple to work on, less electronics to break, lighter, and it has a boost needle which is very fun to look at while driving lol
It's a car I'd love to own if I could! I need to feature one for a full episode of TestDrive Spotlight at some point.
The interior of the 850s was soo much more beautyful too...
Yes no CEM PEM UEM BCM so on and so forth. You had an abs module which often failed and an ECM and TRACS module and TCM if you were auto. No angle gear collar sleeve failures, no clogged sunroof drain tubes, no failing coil packs, or corroded CEM causing all sorts of fun stuff, no failing $500 siren module disabling your sunroof. However M4.3 and M4.4 did not go without it's quirks.. but was much more resilient to tampering then me7 or me9..
7:19 I assure you my 04 V70R ( my daily driver), (the first year for the facelift)had HID headlights, factory Brembo brakes, and 4 c suspension.
I love the character of the older Volvos. They still have plenty of power and a fantastic noise from the engine/exhaust.
I agree! They last also, I found a lot of older Volvo models for sale during my searches recently.
My dream car is a Sonic Blue V70R 2007. With the orange seats and door panels :D
Those orange seats sure do shine!
@@PRNTestDrive Just bought a 2004 Titanium grey V70R with the M66 and Atacama and since they rarley come up for sale here in Norway i just hade to :D
Yes i have a yellow estate. King of the town! Ha!
Very nice! I can't remember the last time I saw a proper yellow Volvo on the road.
PRN_TestDrive I saw one in Canada north of Toronto. I rolled down the window and chatted him up. He imported it from Japan. It was mint!
Great content as always! The atacama interior is simply beautiful and priceless
Thank you! We wish we could have spent more time with these cars, the interiors are really nice.
All of these are beautiful engineered & for me a dream car. 😎😎👊👊👍👍👌👌✌✌
I bought a 1996 Volvo 850R in red almost 2 years ago for my first ever car and I love it luckily it was in good shape as the guy took good care of it.
Nice first car to have, enjoy it!
How much did you pay for it?
@@Sebastian-yn6cn paid 3250 for it as my dad worked with him at Volvo for years.
One of the most informative Volvo videos ever thanks for the great content!!
I really appreciate that, thanks! We wanted to do something different, and we're lucky we had enough support from the local Volvo community to get as many vehicles as possible for this episode.
Huge thanks to you for this video Mr Livesey. Cheers
I'm glad you think so, thank you as always!
I love the data on video content. Thanks a bunch.
I'm glad you like it, thanks! We wanted to make sure we made something informative and interesting to Volvo enthusiasts and those who're curious about this kind of content.
damn, I almost was up there with my '04 S60R for this shoot, damn schedule ! great video Nile ! good job !
Would have been awesome to have you! But I'm glad we got the 3 important ones for this video.
Great review.
Thanks! We're very happy with the way this one came out.
v70 2nd gen is by far the coolest volvo imo. Got the 5 cyl character and the looks to go by.
It's a car we'd love to feature in more depth!
Cool history, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks! I'm really proud of the way this episode turned out.
Superb historical review of a proud brand,
Thanks! We wanted to do something special with this, especially since there's a lot of great history with Volvo R that isn't discussed outside of the core Volvo enthusiast communities.
What a brilliant piece. Thank you.
So much info for all us car geeks. Video saved. 👏👏👏👏
I'm glad this video is finally getting some views. It was a lot of work to get all these cars together for the shoot. I'm happy to hear you liked it, thanks!
PRN_TestDrive congratulations on this. It’s plain to see how much effort was involved.
I honestly think it should be a massive hit for views. You certainly taught me a few things, and I was an avid follower of the 850R in touring cars. It was fantastic and did what it set out to do. Very brave move from Volvo.
🤜🤛👍👍
I’d love to get the chance to feature any one of these older Volvo’s in more depth.
PRN_TestDrive Oh that’d be awesome. Go for a pair. 😂🤣
It’d make a great video, with a tale of their battles and the story of their birth to track. The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500.
Not sure if it’s called Sierra there.
That’s another rare beast nowadays and was a dream car for me. We have homologation to thank for these monsters. 👍
great looking cars, and nice music as well
Thanks! I wanted to try something a little different this time around, tried to get some decent background music to help with the vibe of this episode.
I own a 2012 Volvo C70 T5 polestar and I love it !!!
Best car I ever owned, 97 850 T-5R estate, gorgeous, safe, fast and practical. And lots of fun to drive. And still respectable.
I have to ask, how can you own a 97 850T-5R when they were only produced in 1995
Roy Selles You’re right, just checked my photos and it was an R! Still an awesome machine.
Also, a 850R is only produced in 1996 😅
@@royselles3664 Definitely dispute that, though it might have been put on license in 1997!
My husband had that 2005 and he loved it!
Very nice!
Cool video!
Thanks!
Cool vid, Volvo's and soundtrack bro!
Glad you liked it, thanks!
I had the 2011 S40r and it was everything with the lowered suspension. I now have the 2015 XC60r polestar.
Can't go wrong with either!
The V70 II R still is the greatest car i have ever had 😍
A ex police “96 850 t5 estate was my best car , I used to go hunting after dark!
I got a US spec 1998 C70 5 speed factory! 1991 Volvo 480 turbo, 2004 S60r, 1983 245 turbo, 2008 c30 6 speed!!!! Great video!!
Nice!
Well said. I have the same 19 S60
t6 r with polestar upgrade and a black 96 850r. I just purchased a 95 T5R r sedan in cream yellow. My R library is complete
Glad to hear it! Congrats also on the 1995, those seem to be pretty rare overall so finding one to hold onto is great. Enjoy it!
how can it be complete without a P2...? 🤔
Great vid, I Absolutely adore my 2005 2.4 T5 V70.i have the manual 6speed with spaceball shifter. It's just wonderful at everything it does, well it's a bit thirsty but meh while cares haha
Glad to hear it, thanks for sharing!
Good to see a history on Volvo’s R lineup
Polestar is phenomenal but they should bring back the five banger!
I'm really happy with the way this one turned out, I just wish more people watch it.
They would have a difficult time to bring it, because of EU emission laws and their small sales...
Their 4 cylinder is made to go up to 6 cylinder tho.
Im surprise that no video from Shifting Lanes showed up in my recommendations because of this production!....Whats up with that YT?!
That's a channel we haven't heard of, I'll have to check it out!
Correction: The last "R" with a 5 cylinder variant was produced up until 2007.
Great vid tho! Thx!
Well I’m glad you liked the video.
great episode mate very informative with some historical information i didn't know about before many thanks to you keep up the good work ... I'm also following you on Instagram ... I'm a big fan ... cheers
I'm really glad you liked this one, thanks! I feel like its a good mix between the new car content we produce with the classic stuff we started off with 3 years ago.
Signature red R-Design? Yes please😏😏
Easily the best colour for a Volvo. they all fit nicely in the same colour.
P80's were never 0-60 cars... But 60-120 might play a different outcome vs an M3..
I have a 98 S70 T5 manual. It has a 2004 C70 B5234T9 engine. 2.3l 247hp 244ft/lbs. Or it was before I upgraded fuel pump, injectors, maf housing, turbo, 3" catless turbo back, ported intake manifold and ported exhaust housing, It has. 19T that had it's compressor cover machined out with a td05-18g billet wheel installed with a 9 blade viper exhaust wheel. It has a water methanol injection kit and runs 23psi. It's right around 390bhp and over 400ft/lbs. I did upgrade to a ttv chrome moly 12lbs flywheel that was repinned for an Audi rs2 Sachs 707 pressure plate with an 850R disc. I have IPD full poly upper, lower, and subframe bushings and torque mounts. It has BC Racing coilovers and nitto neo gen 280 treadwear tires on 17x8 rims. It still suffer wheel spin in 1st and 2nd really engaging and putting you planted in your seat by 3rd. It runs mid 12s in the 1/4 which is impressive to me for a 3000lbs 90s family sedan. I greatly enjoyed your video very informative although as a p80 and p2 junkie I know most of. The new modern volvos are still great cars but the late 90s was the last of the true Swedish engineering with European tuning. I would love an S90 lol...
I've seen many Supras get spanked by alot of volvo T5&T6 sport wagons.
My favorite are from the late 80s to mid 90s.
...80s? The first year was 93 and it continued on into the 2000s.
I used to have 2006 s60r, in red with the sport body kit, was a head turner for sure. Hated the turning radius was poor.. huge design flaw
Good to know!
You needed an exhaust sound clip in there!!!!
whos v70R is featured? it look like its modified a bit. I see a snabb intercooler, looks like its on springs or coilovers, and that Atacama interior looks like a good redye
The grey V70R might have some mods done to it, it was my understanding that the vehicle was a one-owner car before being sold to the current owner.
You passed over the P3’s Mighty quick
Can some please say me where the first gen V70 got the mirror turn signals?
From what I can tell in photos online, the first generation V70 had fender signals, looks like 2003 they moved them to the mirrors.
@@PRNTestDrive Turn signals in mirrors wasn't until MY 2006.
Also that was 2nd generation V70. 1st generation was 1997-2000.
There are three cars I want to own: a Justy 4WD ECVT, a 3rd gen Firebird Trans-Am, and the 850 T5-R!
Also good god that V70R exterior is radically fucked up with all that gaudy shit on it and the V60PS rims. Stock > all
I can't really speak for the decisions that owners make on their own cars, we firmly believe that we should just let people enjoy things. It works for them, not for us, and that's ok. In a perfect world we'd have 100% completely stock/OEM vehicles for episodes like this.
yo that red 850 R !!!!!!!!!!!
It's a beaut!
Guy just read the volvo 850R volvotips page, maybe that's why he was so generous with the power figures.
Most of the info came directly from Volvo corporate, along with research on a number of different websites including volvotips.com. I would argue that the power figures I quoted were accurate since they came from the manufacturer itself.
Great video, anyone Who knows what The songs in The video were called?
They’re all part of the UA-cam Creator Studio free use music library, I’ll try to track down the song titles.
Shame Volvo will never go back to thier glory days of the 850s
The same can really be said about any car manufacturer today.
They may be in a new glory days. Glory days are always determined in the future. When the 850s came out, I didn't know how they'd be so liked today. All cars go through periods of ups and downs and all industries go through consolidation and specialized products.
anyone know the wheels and tires on the red 850 at 3:12 ?
I assume 17" rims, 205/45 tires or something like that.
Keep in mind that V70 R is comfortable full size estate with AWD, integrated child seat and automatic gearbox, as You compared it with E46 M3 ;)
It had a lot going for it back in the day! It's a car I'd love to be able to feature fully on this show.
That red V70R has a non original grille, non original headlights and blinkers, even the markings on the rear hatch are so non original, it makes me think that someone made an R out of a normal one. It's still sick as hell, make no mistake, but something is... at least "iffy" here ;-) .
Volvo R sport exit since 1979^^ !
Well i couldn't make first view but ill take first comment and 2nd like!.....YES!
We always appreciate the comments! Glad you liked this one!
Thinner anti roll bars and stiffer suspension means the ride is harder and not comfortable . Hope modern Volvo production cars are having thicker anti roll bars and softer suspension for comfort
Volvo should really be moving in that direction for their regular, non-Polestar models.
missing the p3 t6s
I have a gold colored 850 sedan! And work at the engine factory, ha!
Very nice, definitely worth keeping!
I'm curious to know about the guys that started Polestar before Volvo acquired the company. Are they still involved or have they moved onto other projects or what?
My understanding is Polestar was started as a racing team that happened to tune street cars on the side. When Volvo bought Polestar they split the company in two so the racing side could continue uninterrupted, and I believe the original guys are part of that still.
@@PRNTestDrive I'd love to get in touch with them and open up discussion about what could be done on my 91 240. I've recently finished an exterior remodel and am about to move onto the interior. After that I intend on focusing on everything related to performance, but I'd like to avoid the typical LS swap type of thing and keep it in the Volvo family.
I would definitely speak with your local dealer to see if there's something that can be done. Polestar's tuning sub-site on engineered.polestar.com has a list of vehicles they have ready-made tunes for, I was surprised it went as far back as 2006 for some models, so there might be a chance they can do something with your 91! If you end up having some success please let us know!
@@PRNTestDrive yeah I checked that out too. If my understanding is curvy they began in 96, so it's kind of surprising if they aren't messing w 91's.
Okay I know this video is a year old but I’m having issues finding manufacturers numbers for the 2015.5 r-design premium polestar I’m buying. I can’t find a straight answer lol
Specifically in the rebel blue color!
You could always try to reach out to Volvo directly, I'd imagine they have the production numbers available on their end.
one thing Volvos dont get is respect from others at their disbelief at what they are capable of lol
From a racer stand point, I am just wondering which is better? The 850 or the v70
Probably the 850, but I'm sure someone has a much more educated answer on this.
I may be bias but the US 2015-2016 are the best Polestar models. Last of the straight 6 turbo. The new 4 cylinders just don't sound very Volvo like. Plus the older Polestar models are faster even though they have less HP.
We would like to feature some of those at some point!
I had an older 2000 V70R AWD - nicely tuned and modded super fast and stable on the road. I miss it every day. I would get another R - but they are so hard to find and the turning radious of the 2003+ P2 cars is garbage.
Thanks for sharing!
5cyl
I'll always have a soft spot for 5 cylinder engines, the Acura Vigor was a car I spent a lot of time with when I was young.
You know Volvo fans have to thank Porsche some for the help in developing the iconic 5. Volvo should go for that sound in all future gas engines. The Drive E 4 doesn't have the sound down at all.
The 1.6 drivE is a diesel made by PSA (Peugeot and Citröen)
It's an awful engine 😅
No SIPS?
Did the 850R have THINNER anti roll bars? Sounds quite counter-intuitive.
850R wasn't actually Volvo's first high performance Road car. Already in 1984 Volvo 244/245 Turbo had 170hp. At The Time Volvo 244 compete on Touring car series.
You completely missed out the P3 V70 T5 and T6
I didn’t have ones to film.
No one ever talks about the 2015 xc60 r-design with 325 hp
We had hoped to have one of those for this episode, the owner had to pull out at the last minute though.
As a Volvo Purist I have got to say, i was not amused.
The 850 R came in 3 different variants the T5-R with 225hk, the T5-R with 240hk and the R with 250hk. You didn’t mention how Volvo dominated BTCC or TWR’s involvement.
I you where to make a video about the history of something why would you get a so heavily modified V70I (appearance wise), it had the wrong steering wheel (a steering wheel from a P1 not a P80), wrong side view mirrors (aftermarket), wrong head lights (after market), headlight eyelids (aftermarket), wrong badging, wrong grill with the wrong emblem and wrong wheels (wheels from a Y2 or P3 as some call it).
There where only two variants of the P2R head lights “SweDM” and US spec, plus a right hand drive version of the “SweDM”. The only lightning change the accrued in late 2004 was the newer tail lights unlike the none R regular P2s who got a completely new front end.
Brake down of the face lifts on the P2 platform (S60/V70n)
Quick fact you can tell the S60 and V70n a prat from the front by locking at the fog lights, the S60 has round fog lights and the V70n has more rectangular fog lights with rounded edges (a shape I find some what hard to explain but you probably get it). The R had its own front end/bumper so this does not help you with does.
Early 2004* New gauge cluster (with a pointier needle and a thin chrome ring around the gauges) , painted trim, new interior door trim and new slimmer mirrors (which I believe the R hade all along)
Late 2004* new bumpers front and back (only back on the R), new head and tail lights (yet again the R only received the face lift in the back with the new tail lights).
2005* the head light wipers where replaced with “high pressure washers”.
2007* newer bigger side mirrors which the side turn signal was moved to (previously mounted on the front fender), New gauge cluster agin and the V70n got the Classic badging as it was the last model year, V70n 2001 to 2007.
2008* the S60 got new badging on the back and hidden head light washers to some what match the disaster that was the early “new” Y2/P3 S80 and V70II.
Wow, I suppose you know a lot more about co-ordinating with volunteers to offer up their cars to use in a video, at no cost benefit to them, than I do. I'm proud of the way this video turned out, if you think you can do better, and get 'better' cars for your own little history video, then film it and send me a link when you upload it so I too can nitpick on a video that cost me nothing to watch.
@@PRNTestDrive well I didn't....mean...
Seems my picky purist points, might have been taken the wrong way.
A part from those points it was an great video.
But I'm not the type of guy to turn down a challenge so you know what, I will give it a try, however I'm done with my current channel, so I would probably publish it on a nother new channel in that case (if that is fine for you, of course).
Utmaning antagen....
500👍
Excellent buffet of Swedish Meatballs
We're very happy with the turnout for this episode, one of the most complicated shoot schedules we've done so far.
The picture used in 2:19 should definitely be censored
LOL too much 90s going on with that kid’s wardrobe eh 😂
Very informative video. I owned an 850 and an S70 but thought the S70s makeover esp interior was the road to utter blandness that would take hold in the later V70 models. After the 850 I think Volvo's cars just became run of the mill uninteresting outside and inside basically getting in line and following all the other mainstream car manufacturers in the looks department. I wouldnt buy another Volvo again the cars are just not the same and if you where ever lucky enough to own their 240s/740 and 900 series you would know where Im coming from.
It's true of a lot of manufacturers these days, the classic cars just feel like they have a soul, whereas the new ones don't.
people who put eyebrows on their headlights seriously need to go to jail
I don’t disagree with you there lol
05 autos were 5spd, 06 and up got 6spd autos
Remind me why 4door sedans still exist please.
Why they exist when a station wagon exists also? I'm not quite sure what your angle is on this.
@@PRNTestDrive Why to buy a useless version of a practical and more aerodynamic car at the same price with the same weight and the same length.
It aint a Real R
If the Letters GT is not in front of the R
Oh my, what have they done to that poor V70R. Should've used an original.
Hard to argue with what people do to their own cars when they show up and take time out of their weekend to help us film something for free.
As a Volvo lover i wouldn't touch the latest Volvo. Cause what's the point of a 400bhp when it's limited to only 180Kph?
It’s *alcantara* suede 😂... but we know what you meant. 😉
Where? The original 850 T-5R didn’t use Alcantara.
PRN_TestDrive Yes, alcantara was used in the inserts on the seats of the 850 T5R models- I’ll bet my Volvo on this fact. This was carried over into the diamond-stitched pattern present on the ‘98-‘00 S and V70R models. You called it “amaretto” or something odd in your video. You meant to say Alcantara.
I didn’t mean to say Alcantara, I said exactly what Volvo used which is why I’m confused by your statement. I even say later with the 1997 V70 R that Alcantara was used. The material on the original T-5R is not the brand name Alcantara, but Amareta. It seems to be a very common mistake, just like most people refer to Kleenex (a trademark) or a Band-Aid (a trademark) instead of tissue paper or a bandage.
PRN_TestDrive it’s all synthetic suede, regardless
Indeed no alcantara on the T-5R. Glad you bet your car there right.
EASY! The REAL R is and ever will BE 1995-1999 Gen 1 - 850 T5-R - 850R and S/V70R.
Easily!
@@PRNTestDrive E
🎯
So nice hearing a North American pronounce 'Jaguar' correctly
That’s because I’m not an American.
My recollection is that Volvos were generally underpowered and slow
It definitely seems that way based on the numbers. Nowhere near as fast as an AMG or BMW M car, but still interesting nonetheless!
850 Turbos changed that all.
That poor v70 @ 4:50
Cheap ass tinted windows with purple tint. And tacky chrome glued on all over the place. Yuck 🤮
I agree, they really fucked that one up
When you say "tacky chrome" glued on all over, do you mean the small strips next to the windshield? Because other than that and the little bit that is in the grill there is very little chrome on that car. As for the window tint, it all turns purple after so many years. That's a damn nice vehicle but you know what they say, A haters gonna hate. Lol
I’m an 850R owner and love it, but it is a Shame you couldn’t find some standard cars rather than those tastelessly modified examples you have show with incorrect badges etc.
Unfortunately I'm not Top Gear, I can't reach out to a fanbase of tens of millions to get the exact cars I need, so I take what I can and do the best with it.
I mean, 2010 new design Volvos (thru 2018) are just the ugliest - ever! Probably because that's when they were sold to China's Geely, idk. The newer models starting in 2019 look real nice... but still made in China. Not sure how I would feel about purchasing one. I think the 2000-2010 S60s are the sexiest cars around (with the right trims)
Some of the Volvos like the S60/V60 are made in Sweden or the US depending on the market. So far we've driven a number of Chinese-assembled vehicles from Volvo and Buick and didn't notice any quality control issues.
The design change has nothing to do with china as an owner, it was just time for a change. Many cars today ate quite futuristic and alike each other.
Always Love Volvo of Sweden 🇸🇪 all my life until Volvo bought over by Copycat Geely! Any chance of buying Volvo still Made by Volvo of Sweden?! No point of upgrading a Badly Made then Assembled Volvo by Polestar or Others if the Volvo is Not Made by Volvo of Sweden! 🤔🕯
Some of the vehicles, like the V/S 60 are made in Sweden still.