The system allows exceptional fine tuning of controls such as the rev limiter, the engine's deceleration map, the gas/brake boost limiter (allowing the engine to stay on boost with the brakes applied), and letting you program the torque limits for individual gears. This futuristic control was combined with traditional tuning, including a BSR air filter, larger injectors, a larger Mitsubishi 19T turbo and 3-in., catalyst-equipped stainless exhaust.
The suspension received similar fine tuning. Sachs Sportdampers were applied to each corner, and the car was lowered 35mm in front, 20mm in the rear. Rear spring rate increased 60%, and a second rear anti-roll was added, the largest available from Volvo (off an ambulance). Up front, BSR added its strut bar and an engine stabilizer bar, and all the rubber front subframe bushings were replaced with aluminum inserts, just like the real Challenge Cup cars.
The brakes got similar treatment, with BSR's 356mm Challenge series rotors combined with red Porsche/Brembo four-piston calipers. A spoiler and wing from a Challenge Cup car were added, and the foglights were replaced with brake cooling ducts. 18-in. Volvo Nebula wheels were added, and shod with 235/40-series Bridgestone rubber.
According to the BSR dyno, the tuning results were 355 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to propel the front-drive BSR S60 T5 to a 5.9 sec. 0-to-62-mph time, and a 173-mph top speed. More important, Olsson stresses, is how well balanced and civilized the car was, while still placing 32nd in a popular Swedish car magazine's all-time "Superstage" decathalon listing. "My wife drove it. My two daughters drove it," he offered, mentioning that it retained its electronic climate control, its Volvo GPS system, and its fully equipped and lush OEM interior. "I don't want to lose anything."
Had BSR continued to modify the car, Olsson's plans were to add all-wheel drive and a six-piston brake setup. Sadly, this finely tuned example has been sold, purchased by a local Volvo dealer. This particular Volvo dealer happens to be owned by Volvo, Olsson's former employer, and he's heard it has been taken back to Volvo headquarters in Gteborg. "They want to look at the car." Can you blame them?