Volvo has been known for producing safe and unique cars since 1927. But is there a sporty Volvo?
There are many sporty Volvos, but this was not originally the case. They only evolved as time progressed. Among the many Volvo sports cars is the old Volvo 142, the outgoing Volvo S60 and the newest XC60.
The Volvo S60 is the sportiest Volvo model
Volvo’s sportiest and most dynamic sedan car is the Volvo S60. The S60 version is fast, swift in performance, and comes in different models (T5, T6, and T8 Polestar). It has been in production since 2018. The drawbacks of the former led to the production of the latter.
The 2018 Volvo S60 is a smooth ride with optimal engine performance and cozy front seats, but it can’t compete with its rivals in terms of driving verve. Yet, it is known to be a luxurious car with great designs and performance.
The S60 series has handsome exteriors, sophisticated interiors, comfortable seats, and great technological sensors for optimal operation. These sensors can be frustrating to operate because they do not always respond on time; however, the designs and looks are what separates the Volvo S60 from most rival cars in its category.
The evolution of Volvo sports cars
The first Volvo sports cars weren’t originally created as sports cars. They were only built to look like sports cars. The first sports car look-alike was the P1900, which was produced in 1957. It was shortly after replaced by the P1800 in 1960, an excellent grand touring car.
Though the Volvo P1800 didn’t do well as an actual sports car, it had a more spirited performance than anything Volvo has ever produced. Aside from not acting like a real sports car, the P1800 had some other drawbacks as well. It was overweight, could only take two passengers, and didn’t meet many other requirements a car should.
These drawbacks lead to the production of the 1800S and 1800E, which were real sports wagons. But not long after, production stopped in 1973, as it could not meet the requirements of the new American emission law. However, this did not stop Volvo from building more cars. They have since produced tons of sports cars that have kept people wowed.
These cars have been beautifully designed with magnificent interiors and exteriors. And each new one has dealt with the inefficiencies of the former model. Let’s take a look at some of Volvo’s sports cars since 1956.
Volvo’s sports cars over the years
Volvo 1900
The Volvo P1900 was built in 1956 and 1957, using the 70-horsepower engine of Volvo PV444. However, it had a tacky look. Soon after its introduction, it went off the market.
Volvo P1800
On 1960, the P1800 replaced the P1900. Though it wasn’t an actual sports car, it did exceptionally well at high speeds. However, it also had many drawbacks, including being overweight.
1800ES
The 1800S and 1800E replaced the P1800. It had a great look and was fuel-efficient. But production was discontinued in 1973 due to the new American emissions law.
Volvo 142
Another high-performance car with sedan B18 and B20 engines with up to 190 HP.
Volvo 242 GT
The 242GT is swift and almost noiseless on the road and can take on many different types of terrain.
Other Volvo sports cars include:
- Volvo 242 Turbo
- Volvo 242 Turbo Group A
- Volvo 262C
- Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon
- Volvo 480
- Volvo 780
- Volvo 850 T5-R / 850 R
- Volvo C70
- Volvo S60R/ V60R
- Volvo S80/XC90 V-8
- Volvo C30
- Volvo S60 Polestar/V60 Polestar
- Polestar 1
FAQ
Which is the most luxurious Volvo sports car?
When it comes to luxury, safety, and beauty, Volvo cars are a top match. But the most luxurious Volvo sports car is the XC90 Excellence, which is sold for almost $106,000. It comes with four matching passenger seats.
The XC90 Excellence is not just a safe and reliable option for daily commuter, it also is made with quality materials. It’s a stylish car with a superb performance, due to its high-performance, 400-horespower twin engine.
In the back seat, you can find a refrigerator and a glass/bottle holder made with handmade crystal glasses to keep rear riders happy. The car is equipped with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats covered in Nappa leather frill. The XC90 Excellence offers a degree of luxuriousness that even many higher-priced vehicles don’t provide.
Has Volvo ever produced an electrically-powered sports car?
Volvo has electrically-powered sports cars, the first being the Volvo Polestar 1. It was first produced in 2019 and posed as Volvo’s first stand-alone performance car. The 2020 and 2021 series released newly improved specs.
As noted, it uses an electric driving range and is extremely beautiful in all aspects, but it still has its flaws. It has a small trunk and rear seat, as well as what some would describe as substandard interiors. The Polestar interior is cozy, sleek, and clean. It has a touchscreen infotainment, which allows you to incorporate use of your smartphone.
The Polestar comes with a supercharged four-cylinder engine (2 liters each), a turbo, and an electric motor. These sum to a 375 HP used to run the front wheels. The rear electric motors produce 114 HP used to drive the rear wheels. It is fuel-efficient and has an estimated 58MPGe and 52-mile electric range on highways/cities.
What is the most-sold Volvo car?
As of 2020, the highest sold Volvo cars in Sweden are the SV60 and XC60. The SV60 has recorded about eighteen thousand sold units, while the XC60 stands at more than twelve thousand units. Though they are not high-performance cars, they still take the lead.
The latest Volvo SV60 is an incredible car with super spacious interiors and classy amenities. But one of its major drawbacks is the infotainment system and the steering. The infotainment system is difficult to operate while driving and the car has poor steering responsiveness. Aside from that, it’s a great car to have.
The XC60 is an excellent crossover car and a perfect choice for those looking for a portable luxury car. It comes with comfortable seats, sweet interiors, and interesting technology. However, it’s not an exciting car to drive. So, if you are fun personified, you may want to go for something else.
