2014 Volvo XC60 upgraded by Heico Sportiv

Polestar isn't the only Volvo tuner out there, and it's about to face some stiff competition from Stuttgart's Heico Sportiv. If you're not familiar with the company, it offers performance and design upgrades for virtually every Volvo model of the last 20 years. Heico Sportiv took its offerings to the Essen Motor Show in Germany last month, an event often compared to SEMA. Its newest products are the upgrades to the 2014 Volvo XC60 crossover.

First and foremost, the 2014 Volvo XC60 is now offered with a choice of a dual of quad outlet sport-exhaust system, connected to a switch in the cabin that allows the driver to choose from sport- and high-performance mode. Heico Sportiv also offers its own engine-control units for all engine and transmission variants in the XC60--plug-and-play units that work alongside the original engine control unit for naturally aspirated engines as well as the T6. The suspension has also been reworked and is now offered with sport springs. A six-piston sport-braking system has been developed, and the choice of three wheel designs is offered, ranging from 18 inches to 20 inches.

Heico Sportiv
Heico Sportiv offers a number of performance and exterior styling upgrades for the 2014 XC60.

On the outside, Heico Sportiv has reworked the entire front bumper, replacing it with one of its own design. For the first time, Heico is also offering an eight-part fender-extension kit, meant to give the XC60 a more aggressive appearance. The fender extensions can be coupled with a wider track, achieved with wheel spacers offered by the tuning house. A new rear skirt rounds out the exterior changes. All the bodywork is designed to be easily swapped out for the OEM parts, and Heico is keen to point out that the new front bumper complies with pedestrian-safety regulations in Germany.

The company recently invested a six-figure sum in developing the upgrades for the Volvo XC60 alone, so there is quite a bit in store if you own an XC60 and if you're tuning-inclined.

"With this product offensive, we're reinforcing our claim to being the world's leading and most coveted independent refiner for the Volvo mark," said Holger Hedtke, general manager of Heico Sportiv.

Heico Sportiv offers performance parts in the U.S. through a number of retailers, as well as online.

By Jay Ramey