2005 Evolve Volvo S40

(from Volvo Press Release)  It was just one year ago that Volvo Cars of North America, LLC and Evolve Cars, Inc. took the 2003 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) tradeshow by storm with the "Evil Twin" Evolve S60s. For 2004 the collaborative effort continues with the Evolve S40; a significantly modified version of the hot-selling Volvo S40. Don Nicholson, President and CEO of Evolve Cars commented, "The Evolve S40 is exactly the right kind of car for the SEMA show. It's got the looks and performance to lift more than a few eyebrows."

Sold to Evolve Cars, Inc. for $1, the Volvo S40 is strictly a VCNA Marketing exercise designed to build interest among the aftermarket enthusiast segment. "It's great to be at SEMA again," commented Thomas Andersson, Executive Vice President of Marketing at VCNA. "I think that the Evolve S40 will make an even bigger impression than last year's Volvo cars." Painted an eye-catching Silver metallic and Titanium Gray metallic paint scheme, the Evolve S40 is a full force frontal assault on the tuner enthusiast market. With an estimated 400+ horsepower going to all four wheels through a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, the Evolve S40 will turn lap times as fast as it will turn heads.

From 30 feet away it's clear that the Evolve S40, while based on a production version of the popular Volvo S40 sport sedan, is no "normal" Volvo. Praised by the automotive media for its good looks, Volvo S40's design cues are taken to the extreme with the Evolve S40. What's most noticeable is the aggressively styled custom-built body and trim pieces. Up front is the Evolve designed front bumper with an ultra-deep front spoiler that houses Evolve Cars' signature mesh grille inlays. Functional twin air inlet scoops molded into the front fenders direct cool air over the turbocharger and into the engine compartment for improved performance and better engine cooling.

Lower side sills, rear valance, trunk spoiler and taillight trim add to the Evolve S40's aggressive appearance. The fuel door has been saved and the filler is relocated out of sight. Perhaps what lends most to the Evolve S40's stance is the high-performance wheel and tire package. As with all true performance cars, the Evolve S40 rides on staggered shoes. The lightweight HRE "C21"alloy wheels are 8.5-inches wide in front and a full 11.0-inches wide at the rear. Diameters front and rear are 19.0 inches. The wheels are wrapped in low profile Pirelli PZero "Rosso" tires that are 255/30ZR-19 up front and 305/25ZR-19 around back.

Other exterior modifications include a custom made 3.5-inch dual exhaust system, darkened tail lamps and a body color moon roof.

The two small openings on the Evolve S40's fenders belie its performance potential. Used to direct air in and around the engine compartment, they are needed to keep things cool beneath the car's sculpted hood. And they are truly needed. Residing front and center in the engine bay is a massive intercooled turbocharger. Thick veins of plumbing run across the inline 5-cylinder engine and a strut tower brace helps stabilize the chassis of the Evolve S40 for up to 550 horsepower of body twisting power.

Obviously with an engine capable of producing this much power, heat is an issue that needs to be dealt with accordingly. Heat resistant silicone hoses and heat protection material keep the Evolve S40's fluids from boiling and the paint from peeling off the hood.

Bringing 550 snorting horses to a stop in short order is the Evolve S40's high-performance braking system. Up front are monstrous 380mm two-piece rotors with eight-piston liquid cooled AP Racing calipers. At the rear are 362mm two-piece rotors with six-piston AP Racing calipers. Gracing the massive rotors is a special slotting pattern using the signature Evolve “E” to maximize braking performance. Keeping all of this under supreme control is Volvo's anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.

When Evolve decided how much tire contact patch they needed to handle the power and deliver the cornering and braking performance desired, it quickly became clear that an extraordinary suspension was needed. To accommodate, Evolve’s Chief Engineer, Mano Agulian, created a Formula One style pushrod rear suspension, bringing the strut/spring assembly inboard into the vehicle’s trunk and created new wheel wells around the aggressive tires. Up front, a custom Evolve adjustable coil-over suspension provides precision handling and a nearly flat cornering stance. Large Evolve anti-roll bars and fully adjustable Koni struts and Eibach springs give the driver ultimate control and adjustability for any road surface. Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) system is also on hand to help keep the car under control during extreme maneuvers.

Long praised by the automotive media for its ergonomically superior interiors, the S40 keeps the tradition alive, with a twist. While still providing the utmost in functionality, the 2005 Volvo S40 introduced an automotive first: the ultra slim center stack. Covered in stylish genuine aluminum trim, the swooping curve combines Scandinavian design influence with a touch of high-end electronics. Behind the slim panel, more interior storage space is available with the addition of a small tray that's perfect for a cell phone or other items.

The Evolve S40 adds unique interior appointments including silver carbon fiber leather and gray leather seating surfaces atop the supremely comfortable Volvo seats. A silver suede headliner and other silver and graphite colored pieces highlight the interior along with performance aluminum pedals, custom speaker and grilles and an Evolve shift knob. An Alpine audio system is also included.

Evolve Cars, Inc. designs, builds and markets unique styling and performance products specifically for late model Volvo automobiles. Based in Southern California, Evolve products are distributed internationally through select Volvo dealerships and other independent suppliers. For more information, please visit: www.evolvecars.com.

VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information on specific production vehicles or special vehicles please refer to the Volvo Cars of North America, LLC public relations website at: www.volvocars-pr.com.