Volvo's back...possibly!

kmchow · 21 Aug 2005, 03:52 (Ref:1387217)

According to Johan's website, it says Volvo has homologated the new S40 under S2000 rules. It will probably race in the STCC then possibly WTCC.
Does that mean we could see Ford versus Volvo. They are basically the same chassis. If Mazda races their Mazda3, then it'll be a full family feud!

E46 · 21 Aug 2005, 09:10 (Ref:1387286)

Other very good new. Although i care FIA reaction with so much manufacturers in WTCC and being a successful.

Dani Filth · 21 Aug 2005, 09:36 (Ref:1387296)

that would be lovely .. in my beginings in Touring Car racing .. the S40 was my favorite touring car ..

**touringlegend** · 21 Aug 2005, 15:02 (Ref:1387500)

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46

Although i care FIA reaction with so much manufacturers in WTCC and being a successful.

If it keeps attracting more manufacturers we'll end up with a carbon copy of Super Touring BTCC, boom then bust when manufacturers decide their budget, however little, would be worth more elsewhere rather than getting beat on track.

**FIRE** · 21 Aug 2005, 16:52 (Ref:1387582)

Would be great to see Volvo back in international touring car racing, but first see then believe.

kmchow · 22 Aug 2005, 01:12 (Ref:1387918)

Assuming the rumor is true--if Volvo has actually homologated the car with the FIA, it doesn't make sense for them to race it solely in the STCC. So that makes an international (WTCC) effort likely. OTOH, if it's solely been homologated for the STCC, it may very well stay a STCC entry only.

**touringlegend** · 22 Aug 2005, 08:24 (Ref:1388067)

Just remembered, I'm sure Volvo did say they would homologate cars for customers at one point recently. Anyone else back me up on this?

JMeissner · 22 Aug 2005, 09:49 (Ref:1388117)

Well, Volvo´s got a new boss, lets hope that he makes more "motorsport-friendly" decisions. Though, still to remember: Ford are in the WTCC already and they're trying to cut back their costs currently.

And, there are no new Volvo S40 S2000 shells at the STCC team (yet?) at this point.

E46 · 22 Aug 2005, 11:52 (Ref:1388232)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMeissner

Though, still to remember: Ford are in the WTCC already

Is Ford really? I doubt if a small team with a slow and undeveloped car can be considered like official team. Despite FIA says.

JMeissner · 22 Aug 2005, 13:17 (Ref:1388340)

Well, its true what you say E46. But still, Ford have given the green for their Focuses to be developed for WTCC. They do provide "customers" with the S2000 Focus for further development.

I´m not sure if Ford likes if Volvo would go hard for it and really outpacing their Focuses.

Another thing as well:

Autosport pointed out Mazda as one of three manufactures on the way to WTCC. And Mazda are owned by... ?

Yup, Ford.

JMeissner · 22 Aug 2005, 13:19 (Ref:1388345)

But wouldnt this look good in S2000 outfit?

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-20...-1600x1200.jpg

E46 · 22 Aug 2005, 14:26 (Ref:1388397)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMeissner

Another thing as well:

Autosport pointed out Mazda as one of three manufactures on the way to WTCC. And Mazda are owned by... ?

Yup, Ford.

This is a more likely reason, a Mazda vs Volvo wouldn´t do sense. But look PSA in WRC...

That Volvo S40´s beatiful, no doubts.

kmchow · 23 Aug 2005, 01:51 (Ref:1388845)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMeissner

And, there are no new Volvo S40 S2000 shells at the STCC team (yet?) at this point.

I assume if the new S40 has been homologated, work will probably begin after the STCC season ends. Didn't Volvo just release a heavily revised S60 in the STCC? The car seems more competitive now?

JMeissner · 23 Aug 2005, 09:43 (Ref:1389091)

Thats true with the revised S60 kmchow.

Although, today one can read this in the newspapers in Sweden:

1.500 jobs to be cut at Volvo and 1 billion swedish kronor is to be saved.

Not good for any eventual plans of WTCC racing...

Bezzen · 24 Aug 2005, 21:36 (Ref:1390523)

Volvo's the only Ford company making good results at the moment. The ironic thing is that Ford is making big changes to Americanize the way Volvo is run so that it works like all the other Ford companies. Looking at the results I think it should be the other way around.

JMeissner · 25 Aug 2005, 09:33 (Ref:1390814)

Very true Bezzen.

Although, Volvo is making more money today than when they were deeply involved in BTCC...

Gil Abobeleira · 25 Aug 2005, 10:19 (Ref:1390837)

Is that so? I thought that in the times of the 850 sedan and breaks, Volvo had a greater image and sold more cars...
But hey, what do I know about profits and enterprises, I'm just an economist...

JMeissner · 25 Aug 2005, 10:44 (Ref:1390853)

Nope, they´re selling more cars now than ever. The XC90 and V70 is selling very much, especially in the US. And the new S/V50 is pulling the figures up even more..

But Ford didnt own Volvo back in the 850 days, so I guess there is another economical situation now...

**FIRE** · 25 Aug 2005, 11:06 (Ref:1390876)

Factory Volvo's are racing in the US.

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