Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept

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What is it?
Heico Sportiv S80 T6 High Performance Concept

What's special about it?
In a show full of over-the-top machinery, Heico should be praised for its adherence to the restrained factory-tuned motif evident in its S80 T6 High Performance Concept. The seven-layer aluminum-effect paint says "showcar" without finishing the statement with "...built in a chop shop under the bridge."

The front airdam has been swapped for a more aggressive piece — one that seems to have Audi written all over it, right down to the LED running lights. The open-mouthed look serves a purpose, as the big ducts promote airflow to the intercooler and front brakes. In the rear, rectangular exhaust ports and carbon-fiber inserts provide some style.

Big 20-inch wheels with 9.0-inch rims carry Continental 255/30R20 tires, an indication that such dimensions aren't outrageous anymore. The wheels are built by Volution X for Heico, and could almost pass for optional equipment. Volvo calls the package "a literal reflection of power, sophistication and athleticism." Giant six-piston calipers and 13.9-inch front rotors deliver stopping power, and apparently it's supposed to handle the challenge of fast driving with a Heico sport suspension that lowers the ride height 1.5 inches.

Inside, the theme is futuristic. The existing center console now sweeps in an arc through the interior, floating between the rear bucket seats. At the rear of the console lie controls for the rear-seat entertainment system as well as cupholders and storage bins. The entire console is wrapped in what Volvo describes as "stunning silver aluminum carbon fiber." Sounds like someone picked one too many elements from the periodic table.

The big story isn't aesthetic, though. This car is motivated by a 3.2-liter inline-6 that uses E85 bioethanol to crank out 350 horsepower, a jump of almost 80 hp over stock. With 405 pound-feet of torque available from 1,500-4,000 rpm, the (relatively) green machine is said to reach 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Heico says it started planning the concept immediately after last year's SEMA show, when production had yet to begin on the all-wheel-drive S80 T6. Thus, a front-wheel-drive sedan was used as the basis for the project when it began in Weiterstadt, Germany. It wasn't until after the engine was built that the AWD drivetrain was retrofitted, complete with beefed-up gears to handle the newfound torque.

"The S80 T6 HPC is really where we put all our efforts this year," says Holger Hedtke, Heico's president. "It is our most advanced concept to date and it's one that Heico is extremely proud of."

What's Edmunds' take?
While the concept is undoubtedly cool, it seems to hit only "pretty good" in all categories. It's somewhat fuel forward with its E85-powered engine, it has a midpack 5.8-second 0-62-mph time and it's about as aggressive-looking as your typical RS offering from Audi or Mercedes AMG. — James Tate, Contributor