Volvo Unveils 2014 V8 Supercars Engine

2014 Volvo Polestar Racing S60 V8 Supercar engine
2014 Volvo Polestar Racing S60 V8 Supercar engine. Photo credit: Volvo Polestar Racing

 
Volvo has unveiled the engine that will power its two Volvo Polestar Racing S60s in the 2014 V8 Supercars Championship.

The 5.0 litre V8 unit made its first public appearance ahead of this weekend’s Sydney 500 event, following Volvo’s announcement in June that it will become the fifth manufacturer in V8 Supercars, entering the sport in 2014 in partnership with Garry Rogers Motorsport.

Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid lifted the covers on the race engine, with Volvo Car Group Motorsport Technical Director Martin Persson and Commercial Director Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin in attendance.

“As the first luxury car manufacturer to field a factory team in the V8 Supercar Championship, we’re delighted to share this milestone moment with you and reveal our race engine for the 2014 V8 Supercar season,” said Matt Braid, Managing Director of Volvo Cars Australia.

“The race team at Polestar have worked hand-in-hand with the engineering team at Volvo Cars to design, build and develop a race engine in Gothenburg, Sweden, to compete in Australia’s premier motor racing category.”

The new race engine is based on Volvo’s B8444S 4.4 litre production V8 and has been modified and built by Volvo’s official Performance Partner, Polestar to a larger 5.0-litre capacity to meet the Series’ regulations. The aluminium engine features a narrow 60-degree vee configuration and double overhead camshafts and motorsport fans can expect to instantly recognise the S60s distinctive soundtrack.

“We have completed a number of high-rev simulations and long-distance runs and we’re very happy with the figures and outcomes we’ve achieved”, said managing director of Polestar, Christian Dahl.

“The next step is to fit the engine to the race car and continue the pre-season development timetable.”

Development of the race engine began in May 2013, with the first block completed in late October and the first run on the dyno performed in mid-November.

Aerodynamic testing of the Volvo S60 V8 Supercar is expected to take place using one of Garry Rogers Motorsport’s existing Holden engines prior to the Polestar unit’s arrival in Australia from Sweden in late January.