For some time, drifting enthusiasts have known that old Volvo wagons can serve as excellent drift cars. Their rear-wheel-drive setup, affordable price (especially for initial purchase), and distinctive, boxy appearance attract attention in the drifting scene. However, these Swedish vehicles also have drawbacks, such as their considerable weight. Additionally, if you aim to build one properly, managing costs becomes challenging. So, why would someone add carbon kevlar body panels to a Volvo 745 for drift? To save money, of course!
While carbon kevlar panels are indeed pricier than steel or fiberglass, the reasoning is more complex. Swedish professional drifter Kevin Brunberg has been sliding his 1980s Volvo 745 for over five years now.
Competing in the Swedish Pro Drift Championship – where his best finish was 4th place in 2021 – has taught him valuable lessons. One crucial insight is that during inevitable wall rides, repairing a damaged rear end can consume precious time and incur substantial costs.
For the 2023 season, Brunberg decided to remove the entire rear section, including the C-pillars, from his 740 wagon (the 745 is the official designation for this body type). He replaced it with a carbon kevlar unit crafted by fellow professional drifter Jonas Franzen.
Time is money, but weight is also important
Indeed, the tailgate remains functional, and the entire assembly weighs just 3.5 kilos, making it at least eight times lighter than the original steel panels. The carbon kevlar rear section of the Volvo 745 is secured with rivets and stands out thanks to a clear coat, necessary to protect the kevlar from UV damage.
As with many drift builds worldwide that incorporate carbon kevlar body parts, the material’s appeal lies in its combination of strength and elasticity. This design allows the body parts to absorb and dissipate energy from minor collisions, effectively bouncing back from impacts.
The cost of producing carbon kevlar body panels can vary significantly depending on methods, production runs, and other factors. However, a drifter known as Conorsev on YouTube mentioned spending between $150 and $200 to create a fender for his Honda, providing a useful cost reference.
For more severe impacts, replacing the entire structure will be necessary, but this can be accomplished in less than an hour. As stated on Brunberg’s Instagram, swapping out the carbon kevlar piece with a new one can take as little as ten minutes. However, additional tasks, such as managing the plastic windows, may extend this timeframe.
While shedding some weight from the front for better balance would have been beneficial, the heavily modified Volvo employs other strategies to achieve optimal weight distribution. For instance, in the trunk area, alongside the battery, you’ll find the radiator and brake fluid tank. The latter appears to be an older component, and its presence inside the carbon kevlar structure adds a unique charm.
At least 800 horsepower for Brunberg’s Volvo 745
Over the past three years, Brunberg’s 740 wagon featured a Volvo T6 straight-six engine. However, for the 2023 season, it has been upgraded with a new T6 unit. This engine, custom-built by 021 Motor AB (also known as oggeracing), includes an aluminum block and works with a Garrett G40 1150 turbocharger. The exhaust header design also enhances its performance significantly.
Further along the exhaust system, there is a 4-inch stainless downpipe and a 3.5-inch titanium exhaust pipe. The impressive craftsmanship and welding work for this setup are credited to KZR Fabrication.
Regarding power, Brunberg’s previous engine produced up to 800 hp. Although usability and race reliability may restrict further increases, the new setup should deliver even more power. This energy is transferred to the rear wheels through a Sellhom MPG sequential transmission. Naturally, the suspension has been extensively modified for drifting, and the vehicle includes a wide-angle steering kit and numerous other enhancements typical at this competitive level.
Brunberg intends to test his new drift Volvo 745 configuration in late March. I wish him success for the upcoming season. We can expect to see him participating in the Gatebil 2023 festival in Norway, running from May 19th to October 1st. However, the Scandinavian Drift Series, where this car competes, offers an even more extended competition period. In the meantime, you can watch some of his previous escapades in the second Instagram clip below.