This rock-solid Volvo V90 hides a horsepower monster

There are hardly any wolves in sheep’s clothing in the car world. You can see immediately from the Audi RS 6 Avant and the BMW M3 Touring that they have plenty of power at their disposal. Want a real sleeper? Then you must have this Volvo V90.

The first generation Volvo V90 replaced the 940 and 960 in the late 1990s. In the Netherlands the model was available with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 180 or 204 hp. The big Swedish station wagon was known primarily for its solidity and space, not for its performance.

Paul Newman never departed from his Volvo standard

So it’s worth noting that American actor and driver Paul Newman was obsessed with Volvo station wagons. Car enthusiasts will no doubt recognize it from the 1968 films Bullit and 1971 Le Mans.

Newman never departed from his Volvo standard. He had a 740 with the 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 from the Buick Grand National and a 960 with a supercharged Ford Mustang V8.

Volvo V90 with 6.0 liter V8 from Corvette C6

This V90 no longer has its six-cylinder either. Newman replaced the block with a Chevrolet LS2 engine, the 6.0-liter V8 from the Corvette C6, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Due to the engine change, the Volvo V90 has become significantly more powerful with an output of around 400 hp. It was commissioned by the Newman-Haas Racing Team in 2007 as a gift to co-owner Paul Newman.

Front suspension with Porsche parts

It didn’t stop with the engine settings alone. The front suspension is said to have been upgraded using parts from a Porsche 911. On the outside, only the V06 badge reveals the potential of this Volvo.

A plaque with the team’s inscription adorns the dashboard. “In PLN,” it says. “This should get you to the start on time.” From the team.’ An additional engine temperature display hangs on the A-pillar.

For 20 mille you get the original engine

The “Volvette”, as Newman called his Volvo, is being auctioned online at RM Sotheby’s. Expected yield is modest, $25,000 maximum. But there is already an offer of 40,000 dollars. The buyer receives the original in-line six-cylinder and the original transmission.