Driving Impressions
2013 Volvo C30 K-PAX Racing, 'Racing Edition Package'
Volvo Marin in Corte Madera, California
Volvo Marin
"Volvo Marin" sits right off Highway 101 next the hills in Corte Madera, California and a short drive from the headquarters of All Car Central. So when our new friend and Marketing Director of Volvo Marin, Paige Casamento, invited us over for Volvo drive and lunch we said yes. Getting there I enjoyed a nice warm sunny day ride across the San Francisco Bay.
Volvo. That car from the land of snow and distant lands far north, lauded as the safest car in the road. Not too exciting of a sales pitch but a sensible reputation nonetheless.
I had my choice of cars on the lot. "How about something exciting I suggested". "How about that?" asked the Sales manager, pointing to a smallish white 2 door hatch back setting in the middle of the showroom floor. "This is a C30 with a K-PAX Racing, 'Racing Edition Package' installed."
2013 Volvo C30 K-PAX Racing, 'Racing Edition Package'
The car looked great, so they moved it out into the sun. Some simple 'K-PAX Racing' lettering, hot looking 19" BBS wheels and Pirelli P-Zero performance tires were visible. Raising the hood showed off a 2.5L DOHC in-line 5-cylinder x-mounted engine rated at 227 HP, which was actually visible without removing large bits of plastic covering. But Wait! This had the "Package". Now the engine is putting out about 251 HP and 310ft lb of torque. But Wait again! This also has a Turbo charger. The power is set to the tarmac through a 6-speed manual to the front wheels. The C30 setting in the sun was a rare car as only 500 were made for the US. The sticker in the window said #009.
K-PAX Racing is a Volvo performance company only distributed by Volvo retailers in North America. They developed their street-car upgrades through their race track experience.
In the seat, the C30 is well sorted out. All the controls are right-at-hand. Simple layout, very plain dash; could use a bit larger visor the 2 large tach and speed dials to keep the sun off. Good seat and wheel adjustments. The seats are part of the 'Package' but with minimal side bolsters. Special panel detailing adds to the up grading. Nice sound from the twin exhaust outlets.
My guide around the back roads of Corte Madera was Anthony Meadows an enthusiastic Sales Consultant. As we drove, Anthony gave me the rundown on the C30. He said that the C30 was to be replace by a 4 wheel drive S60 model, and I soon found out why.
The K-PAX Racing, C30 is not your Uncles Volvo. Nor is it a car for the beginning driver. The K-PAX Volvo C30 is way over the top. By that I mean you really have to pay attention and know how to drive, and by saying "know how to drive' I mean 'know how to drive that car'. The throttle is very sensitive to input and will spin the front wheels at the slightest provocation, almost at any speed or RPM. Turbo charged? I did not even realize there was Turbo on this car, it was that refined at all throttle inputs that I had time to try. No lag. No Turbo rush. Just an explosion of power. This Car can bite you!
On the slow twisty 2 lane road we took, coming out of a comer or just on the straight a sharp throttle input would jerk and spin the front wheels. The more interesting effect seemed to be from the rear of the car 'squatting' under hard accelerating which would then 'un-load the front driving wheels. However during a smoothly applied input through the corners, the C30 would beautifully power through. The suspension's side to side and up/down was solid but not that harsh and for me spot on for the tuning.
Back at the dealership, a final once over showed off the rear-hatch that was a design straight from the beautiful earlier Volvo P1800 wagon.
Thanks to Marketing Director Paige Casamento for making this day possible.
Frank Cunningham
Window Poster For This Car - JPG file
Window Poster For This Car - JPG file
Simple straight forward dash shows this is a no nonsense car.
Everything is easy to reach. Short throw shifter. The K-PAX Racing, 'Racing Edition Package' has many interior up grades and panel inserts. Bolstered seats.
More K-PAX Racing, 'Racing Edition Package' interior up grade panel inserts.
19" BBS wheels and Pirelli P-Zero performance tires
2.5L Turbo Charged DOHC in-line 5-cylinder x-mounted engine rated at 251 HP and 310ft lb of torque.
And yes, you can haul stuff
BACK TO TOP
|
