A Volvo track day? What?
When you think of Volvo as a brand, there are probably a few adjectives that spring to mind. I’d typically reach for words like ‘refined’, ‘quiet’, or ‘comfortable’. A Volvo is also a vehicle that typically scoffs at the thought of sportiness or dynamism because, quite frankly, it’s not concerned with such juvenile activities. Having said all that, what better setting to experience Volvo than the dynamic, high-speed, tyre-mark-laden test facility of Gerotek?
I’ll be honest, my curiosity was piqued when I heard that Volvo had invited us to a track experience. BMW? Sure. Volvo? Well, this should be interesting. As we arrived, the whole lineup of Volvo models was on display for us to sample. Everything from the compact XC40 through to the stately EX90 luxury EV, and everything in between, was on offer. Apart from the recently launched ES90, that is… We won’t let that small omission dampen our spirits, though, because ahead of us a dynamic handling circuit as well as a lovely long straight for some drag racing awaited.
Our mandate was simple. Use, abuse and put the models on offer through their paces in an environment where you can exploit the vehicle’s performance safely without having to worry about a policeman writing you a letter or a child running across the road. The lack of speed limits is certainly something that doesn’t cross one’s path too often, so it would be rude not to take the opportunity.
Waiting for us were the XC60 and XC90 hybrids, plus the EX30 Cross Country, EC40 and EX90 EVs. While Volvo isn’t your typical track day car, the fact is that the introduction of an electric motor, either on its own or working with an engine, provides suitable forward motivation.
When throwing the various models into the bends at brisk speeds, it’s evident how the traction control systems will respond and ultimately assist you. A good thing, in this case. If you’ve entered a turn too hot and understeer rears its head, the system withholds power, and only once the car determines that everything is sufficiently sorted will it provide full power again. For the most part, the Volvo all-wheel drive system kept everything in check. The standout model in this setting was the 315kW EX30 Cross Country. With 543Nm of torque on tap, it arguably has absolutely no need to be as rapid as it is. Especially considering it’s designed for the unpaved road. Sure, the bigger SUVs (I’m looking at you, EX90) weren’t exactly light-footed, but the systems manage that weight just fine, in my view.
Once the smell of well-used brakes was a prominent aroma, we moved on to the next activity – the drag races. Once again, a variety of hybrid and EV models were provided to size up against each other. The gauntlet had been laid down. If you’re not first at the end of the straight, you’re last. This boy-racer attitude also meant that we pushed the cars as hard as possible. I saw a max speed of 172km/h before I smashed the brake pedal in the electric EC40 crossover coupé. The EC40, as did all the cars we sampled, took it in its stride. 0-170-0km/h. Again, and again, and again.
Perhaps that was the most impressive part of the day for me. Sure, you can drive aggressively and do an emergency braking test from silly speeds once. However, to be able to do it for an entire morning without a glitch or gremlin certainly goes to prove the build quality of Volvo is of an impressive standard. Also keep in mind that Volvos aren’t necessarily built to be used in that fashion either.
Despite the dynamic environment, ultimately, the goal of the day was to emphasise Volvo’s safety. Here, Volvo could showcase features that usually work in the background. Safety belts step in to protect the occupants during an emergency stop, for example. The repetitive use of ABS under extreme speeds is, likewise, not something that you would typically be able to test.
I think it was cunning for Volvo to showcase their vehicles in this way. A setting where you wouldn’t naturally expect something like an XC90 T8 PHEV to perform. Sure, the chances are that Volvo customers will never exploit their vehicle in the same way we did, and yet, it is nice to know that the Swedes do build cars that are safe, refined, and comfortable and that can still hold their own when challenged with twists and turns.
Words: Barrie Ferreira
