Don Nicholson-related to the famed "Dyno Don" Nicholson-carries on the family tradition of power and performance in the form of Evolve Cars. Rather than wrenching on NHRA Pro Stock monsters, Nicholson squeezes power out of-yep, you guessed it-Volvos. Before you snicker, know that Evolve has the expertise to extract over 430 horsepower from Volvo's svelte 2.4-liter I-5 engine. And that's on 91-octane fuel.
Whether you start with a base 257-horsepower S60 T5 or a 300-horse S60 R, Evolve replaces the factory turbocharger setup with a specially made ceramic-coated high-output ballbearing-style turbo. A custom exhaust manifold, external wastegate, and unique turbo downpipe compose the exhaust setup, while a special high-flow air-inlet system, a suitcase-size front-mounted aluminum intercooler, and race-style pop-off valve handle intake duties. Oversized fuel injectors with a proprietary support computer ensure a proper air/fuel ratio as the inline-five churns out a stout 433 horsepower. Other underhood goodies include heavy-duty silicone radiator hoses, a beefier engine-mount bushing, specially painted and badged bits, and a 3.0-inch-diameter stainless-steel exhaust system that voices the perfect amount of growl.
From a stop, plant the throttle, quickly fan the gears, and the family-friendly Evolve S60 cranks out a 4.7-second 0-to-60-mph run and nearly breaks into the 12s in the quarter. Can you see the kids smiling from their car seats?
The S60 R's suspension is surprisingly good, but is upped in the form of Evolve's sport spring kit that lowers the car over one inch and increases the spring rate by 20 percent. Adjustable front and rear anti-roll-bars and a custom rear track bar are added along with urethane suspension bushings. A set of Evolve's 19-inch-diameter E7 multipiece alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero tires puts the I-5's 442 pound-feet of torque to the pavement.
Handling is crisper and more predictable, but not so racy as to jiggle the juice boxes from the little hands of the backseat-riding kidlets. For improved safety, optional six-piston front brake calipers clamp 14-inch-diameter two-piece rotors that deliver consistent fade-free stopping.
The S60 sports more tailored looks, too, thanks to Evolve's aerodynamic-esque front bumper, unique side sills, reshaped rear bumper, trunk spoiler, functional hood grilles, and taillight trim. Custom-stitched leather seats, a recovered steering wheel, upgraded carpeting, and sporty foot pedals add flair.
If you're looking for something different for your daily commute, consider Evolve. This Swede has speed.
<TABLE class=insettxt cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=420 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD>Stock S60R <TD>Evolve S60R </TD></TR><TR><TD>Power </TD><TD>300 hp </TD><TD>430 hp </TD></TR><TR><TD>0-60 mph </TD><TD>6.1 sec </TD><TD>4.7 sec </TD></TR><TR><TD>Quarter mile </TD><TD>14.4 @ 99.2 mph </TD><TD>13.1 sec @ 111.1 mph </TD></TR><TR><TD>Braking, 60-0 mph </TD><TD>114 ft </TD><TD>118 ft </TD></TR><TR><TD>Lateral acceleration </TD><TD>0.87 g, avg </TD><TD>0.89 g, avg </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--endclickprintinclude-->
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