Sports saloons: Volvo 850 T5-R

Today we are launching a special series of content, monthly, in which we will make room for all those versions with a sporty soul of street sedans, those that at first sight and for a stranger in the matter would go through a car without further ado. Some people call this type of car "sleepers", others prefer to speak of them as wolves in sheep's clothing.

Given this idea, what better model to launch this series than the Volvo 850 T5-R, the most radical version of this medium sedan from the Swedish firm. The Volvo 850 saw the light in 1991, its first version being the 850 GLT. The commercialization of this new model was everything a success in every way, from the numerous awards garnered by this 850 to the good sales figures.

These facts were clearly influenced by these 4 differentiating elements included in the sedan: a transverse 5-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, a rear axle delta-link capable of offering high performance in dynamic driving conditions without compromising comfort, the modern system SIPS (integrated side impact protection system), and the addition of the ARH reel automatic adjustment mechanism to the front seat belts.

Another key factor in the success of this Volvo 850 was the addition to its range in 1993 of the family variant, which was awarded the prestigious Japanese award «Good Design 1994». Precisely in 1994 Volvo returned to top competition, specifically to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), being the model chosen to compete the Volvo 850.

Inspired by this competition model, the agile Volvo 850 T5-R. Assembling the same block as the 850 T5, from 2,3 liter 5 cylinder, but this time boosted up to 240 hp, reaches scandal benefits for a front-wheel drive, in addition to being at that time the most powerful striker for sale, and become the most powerful Volvo ever built to date.

outwardly it is sober, elegant, with subtle sporty features. Its 17″-inch Titan wheels stand out, its reduced ground clearance effect achieved by the effective sports suspension mounted on the T5-R, as well as new bumpers and wider wheel arches. Perhaps it is more discreet, as is logical in dark colors, but it just so happens that one of the most requested colors for this beast was yellow, hence the nickname "custard" that many give it.

It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, while its top speed far exceeds the patterns of the time, reaching 250 km/h self-limited. These figures, closer to a sports car than a sedan, make this Volvo 850 T5-R a true cult car for all those who love high-performance sedans.

Outside the purely mechanical realm, the 850 T5-R It does not lack any element of safety or comfort that they detract from other premium mid-range sedans of the time, quite the contrary. It includes a sunroof as standard, 4 airbags, leather upholstery with sports front seats with memory and heating, on-board computer, high-performance sound system with 6-CD charger...

was for sale until 1996, moment in which he gave the baton of leading the range to the new Volvo 850R, very similar to the T5-R although with a touch more sportiness and 250 horsepower. Those who are interested in this model say that apparently well-maintained units can be found on the second-hand market for around €6000/7000, while there are units of its successor, the 850 R, for around €4000.