Finland boasts of having 188,000 lakes without making use of the word “swamp” to depict the scenario, and concerning neighboring Sweden, we are dealing with a colossal 97,500 lakes that surpass two acres in size. It’s no surprise that Cyan Racing located a spot to partake in some ice-driving using a Volvo P1800 Cyan resto-rocket, thereby generating a genuine win-win circumstance.
As an individual who had the opportunity to pilot a convertible Mazda Miata up to the northernmost point of Europe via Sweden, Finland, and Norway during frigid March conditions, I can affirm that few experiences rival the enjoyment of controlling a rear-wheel-drive sports car on ice and snow, primarily by placing trust in your four studded Nokians to fulfill their duties. Surrounded by a winter wonderland, what superior engine to challenge traction limits than a turbocharged 2.0-liter Volvo four-cylinder, which proved competent enough to secure Cyan Racing the TC1 touring car championship in 2017?
Cyan Racing
The squad of racing specialists swiftly deduced that with 420 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque accessible, this cutting-edge, 7,700-rpm powerplant merits being housed in an enhanced Volvo classic, specifically the P1800 coupe initially marketed in 1961. The outcome is the magnificent carbon fiber creation recognized as the Volvo P1800 Cyan, an extremely restricted restomod weighing just 2,183 pounds.
Cyan’s inaugural limited-production model boasts a personalized five-speed Holinger transmission with a dogleg first gear, and manual brakes devoid of any ABS system in sight. These brakes remain AP Racing components featuring four-piston alloy calipers, while the engine has been fine-tuned to deliver power and torque in a more linear fashion. Those 420 turbocharged horses are routed through a torque-biasing limited-slip differential to the 18-inch forged alloy wheels at the back.
A retro-themed interior furnished with complete digital gauges finalizes the offering, constructed with top-notch materials adhering to the strictest racing norms. Including carbon fiber on the exterior and deluxe leathers within, the Volvo P1800 Cyan even includes a leather-covered titanium roll cage seamlessly integrated into its widened steel-carbon framework. Despite the repositioning of the P1800’s windows, Cyan Racing states the potential to manufacture up to ten of these annually.
Ice tracks on frozen lakes offer a unique advantage – if your extremely costly racing Volvo becomes a bit too tail-happy in the turns, the snowbank will gently redirect it without causing any damage to the carbon fiber body.
The meticulously crafted 2.0 turbo-four produces one of the most pleasing engine notes among all four-cylinders, making it a top choice for those seeking innovative winter driving solutions – a recommendation strongly endorsed by Scandinavia as a whole:
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