Everything You Need To Know About Sweden's Coolest Volvo 242 Turbo

Image source: Garaget.org

Recognise this? It's the same Volvo 242 Turbo we recently saw going very sideways with some of its esteemed friends in Sweden. In case you missed it, here it is again:

Video 1

In the original video article, we mentioned that it was the Volvo we were desperate to know more about - after all, it's built, not bought, has more retro cool than anything we've seen for a while and let's face it, Volvos are well and truly in at the moment.

A few hours later, we were sent an email by a chap called Fredrik who gave us this link. Thanks to Fredrik, we now have all the info we were hoping for.

Originally made in 1975, this Volvo 242 is powered by the same turbocharged 2.3-litre, high pressure turbocharged and intercooled engine (B5234T) you'd find in a 1997 S70 T5 model. In standard guise, this engine produces 237bhp and 243lb ft torque. But this is no standard Volvo.

Thanks to the addition of an uprated Garrett GT3582R turbo, PPM Racing forged pistons and a Motec M600 ECU, the S70's five-cylinder has been pumped up to produce 540hp and a meaty 442lb ft of torque at 25psi boost. Bearing the 242 T's minimal weight in mind (we're guessing no more than 1100kg), we'd estimate a 0-62mph time of around 4.0sec and a top speed in excess of 170mph...

Image source: Garaget.org

Other features include a reinforced Supra gearbox, an AP Racing clutch, adjustable suspension, Volvo S60R brakes and 19-inch lightweight magnesium wheels.

Inside the cabin, you'll find lashings of carbonfibre, a Sparco steering wheel and Sparco bucket seats.

So there you have it: one of Sweden's coolest Volvos not only looks epic, it's also been updated to modern standards (and beyond) while maintaining all of its retro charm. Big respect!

Video 2

If you think we should feature more cars like this, give us a link in the comments section.