Industry News
Volvo XC60 from HEICO SPORTIV Celebrates World Premiere
By source: Heico Sportiv
Mar 11, 2009, 20:39

Weiterstadt, Germany. On the occasion of the Essen Motor Show, Volvo tuner HEICO SPORTIV presented the world’s first complete program for the new Volvo XC60.

“Our inspiration and challenge focused on further accentuating the dynamic design of the crossover,” says HEICO SPORTIV general manager, Holger Hedtke, giving the first indications of what is to be expected of the new exterior, adding: “The design elements dissolve smoothly into one another - the Volvo XC60 should appear as an integrated whole and be evocative.”

To that end, numerous sketches were prepared and subjected to an internal acid-test to define an initial underlying design direction... not an easy task, given the need to satisfy the “one shoe fits all” demands of styling tastes that differ internationally. Mounting precision, maximum material quality and statutory guidelines all had to be balanced.

The result speaks for itself: the front spoiler of the Volvo XC60 is the first HEICO SPORTIV design element which fulfills the latest European pedestrian safety guidelines. To fulfill this EG directive, the vehicle must undergo a crash test during the development process. “Compared to the conventional process, this involves considerably more effort, but it also represents an advantage vis-à-vis cheaper suppliers,” explains project manager Alexander Lode. “With this, we are fulfilling the high standards that have been expected of us since the start of our cooperation with Volvo.”


Original design features such as the characteristic daytime running lamps have been retained and enhanced with striking details, such as stylish cooling slits. “We haven’t the slightest intention of changing the fundamental DNA of the Volvo XC60. By contrast, we regard our work as elegant style enhancement,” says Holger Hedtke about the HEICO SPORTIV philosophy.

This picks up again at the rear of the vehicle, where the quad-tip oval tail pipes of the HEICO SPORTIV stainless steel exhaust system are integrated into the rear apron. Alternatively, the dual pipe exhaust system in “left-right style” can be employed, in combination with the original rear apron.

Aside from numerous other optical modifications to the interior, the focus for the Volvo XC60 lies on boosting performance. In doing so, one of HEICO SPORTIV’s core skills is tuning for the diesel models 2.4D and D5 (to 210 PS from the standard series values 163 PS and 185 PS respectively) and the turbo petrol engine T6 (315 PS instead of 285 PS).

For dynamic performance capability, the Volvo XC60 is lowered 30mm with sports springs. A sports suspension with firmer shock absorber calibration will be available in early 2009.

The light alloy wheel program VOLUTION® for the Volvo XC60 encompasses the variants VOLUTION® X. in 8x19 with 235/55R18 tires (in the colors Silver, Titan and Black Diamond Cut) and the dimension 245/45R20 on the VOLUTION® V. rim in 8.5x20 (in Silver and Titan). The highlight of the VOLUTION® lineup is the exclusive, light weight forged wheel VOLUTION® X. FORGED in 9x20 inches.


The second exhibit by HEICO SPORTIV at the Essen Motor Show is the racing car based on Volvo C30 T5. The "HEICO HS3" is an advancement of the successful parent model "HEICO HS4 ODIN" and is also operated by bioethanol E85. "By winning the class in last 4 hour race at Nürburgring we have again demonstrated in 2008, that performance and environmental awareness are compatible", Patrick Brenndörfer, responsible for press and motor sports, explained.

Bioethanol is made of renewable primary products, the CO2-balance of an E85 engine is nearly neutral. "The motor sport engagement is a regular part of our companies philosophy and helps enormously to build up know how - like with alternative fuels", Brenndörfer completed. First serial vehicles with ethanol engine, like the Volvo V70 and S80 2.5FT, will be available soon with HEICO SPORTIV power upgrades.

HEICO SPORTIV is the world’s leading supplier of exclusive Volvo accessories and based in Weiterstadt nr. Frankfurt, Germany. HEICO SPORTIV is officially “Recommended by Volvo Car Germany” and “Recommended by Volvo Cars Overseas Corporation”. Distribution is handled worldwide by contractual partners and in Germany via the Volvo dealership network. For further information, please visit our website at www.HeicoSportiv.com.

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