Volvo S60 (V8 Supercar)

Lore & Background

Volvo announced their entry into V8 Supercars in June 2013, partnering with Garry Rogers Motorsport on a three-year deal – marking the brand's first foray into Australian touring car racing since it won the 1986 championship with Robbie Francevic driving a 240T. Rogers had been in 'very, very close' discussions with Chrysler about using the 300C model since January 2012, before ultimately signing with the Swedish manufacturer. The second-generation S60 model was chosen to represent the brand from 2014, using panels and fixings based on the original design of the S60 but modified in various places (such as the raising and pushing back of the roofline) to fit the control chassis. The V8 Supercar included the fitment of the Yamaha-designed B8444S engine, with an increased bore and stroke from 4.4L to 5.0L to meet series requirements – its flat-plane crank and 60° cylinder block produced a distinctive, deeper tone compared to its pushrod 90° counterparts.

The car was launched on 13 February 2014, having been driven via police escort over the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunrise. It was liveried predominantly in Volvo's cyan, with a Swedish flag on the roof and black patches on the doors – primary sponsorship came from long-time Garry Rogers supporter Valvoline. Scott McLaughlin was retained by GRM for his sophomore season in the category, and was joined by long-serving Volvo Sweden factory driver Robert Dahlgren; reigning STCC champion Thed Björk had requested the drive, but was instead tasked with testing Volvo's upcoming WTCC TC1 car based on the same road-going model. The cars' first outings were surrounded by controversy, as rivals claimed it had an aerodynamic and power advantage. This was exacerbated by the B8444S engine, which was substituted with a Holden Commodore VF-derived Chevrolet unit during homologation at RAAF Base East Sale, producing so much power in the pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park that it was catching rival cars without reaching full throttle.

Reader's Guide

The Volvo S60 V8 Supercar represented a significant return of the Swedish manufacturer to Australian touring car racing after a 28-year absence. Its entry under the Car of the Future regulations demonstrated the success of the series' strategy to attract new manufacturers alongside the traditional Holden and Ford competitors. The car's distinctive Yamaha-derived engine, with its flat-plane crank and 60° cylinder block, produced a unique sound that set it apart from the pushrod V8s of its rivals. Scott McLaughlin's performance in the S60 was notable, finishing 5th in the 2014 drivers' championship and securing multiple race wins and pole positions. The car's competitive debut was marked by controversy over perceived advantages, leading to technical adjustments such as the relocation of 20kg of ballast in the engine bay. Despite a three-year deal, Volvo's involvement ended after the 2016 season, but the S60 left a mark as a distinctive and competitive entry in the V8 Supercars era. The car's legacy includes its role in showcasing the viability of the Car of the Future platform for attracting non-traditional manufacturers, and its contribution to the career of Scott McLaughlin, who would go on to become a multiple champion in the series.

Did You Know?

• The Volvo S60 V8 Supercar used a Yamaha-designed B8444S engine bored and stroked from 4.4L to 5.0L to meet series requirements.
• Scott McLaughlin scored the S60's first championship race win in Perth despite a cracked header.