Prodrive are a motor development company working in both the motorsport and road car markets. They are probably best known for their Subaru WRC team - but that is only the tip of a very large iceberg.

They are working with most of the worlds car manufacturers, developing not only performance products, but working in all areas of research and development.

Volvo have enlisted the help of Prodrive to develop their new European touring car based on the new S60. We were lucky enough to be invited for a behind the scenes tour to see this new car up close and personal.

The evening started with an AV presentation, before we moved off to take a look around the factory. We took a look first at the developement rooms for the WRC engines and gearboxes.


We took a good look around the WRC car production lines, from the rooms where the original chassis are stripped out, and roll cages bolted in - to the suspension/electrics brakes and test areas.


Prodrive not only build cars for the Subaru WRC team, but also build customer cars for other teams.

We moved on to the room where the Prodrive "Le Mans" Ferrari was being prepared. This is a serious piece of motor car!


Everyone agreed that the rear wing was really sweet - I await with bated breath to see which member of the performance car section puts one on their 850 saloon...


And then onto the bit we were all there to see... The Volvo!

The ETCC cars were both in situe in the garage, so we got a good look around all aspects of the car and engines.



The (naturally aspirated) engines were out for maintenence, giving us a good look at how it can be done.... Check out the size of the air intake!


We had a really good time up at Prodrive, and learned a lot about how much work is going into the new Volvo cars. We're looking forward to catching the car in action when the ETCC returns to Donnington in October this year.

Thanks to everyone at Prodrive for having us! If you would like further information about Prodrive, check out www.prodrive.com