Gran Turismo 7 • MokkaPower • Volvo 240 SE Estate • Gameplay

Back in the day, when someone uttered the name Volvo, many people tended to envision a station wagon. Until SUVs became popular in the late 1980s, station wagons were considered the ultimate family utility vehicle and the one model that epitomized this genre was the Volvo 240 Estate.
When the 240 was introduced in 1974, it featured a number of different body styles, including the "244" sedan, the "242" coupe and the "245" 5-door wagon. The last digit in these numerical designations denoted the number of doors of the model.
It wasn't until 1983 that these variants were consolidated into a single 240 model. The model was introduced with round headlights, but were replaced with the company's iconic square lamps in 1979. The exterior appearance of the 240 was timeless, remaining largely unchanged until production of the vehicle ended in 1993. But in terms of safety, it was always on the cutting-edge, with airbags and ABS offered as standard equipment. The Estate was extremely popular, making up one-third of the 240 sales mix in an era when sedans were the "in" thing.
One of the most notable features of the 240 Estate was its styling. Its boxy exterior became its most distinguishable feature. It emphasized "safety" with its long overhangs, front and rear that incorporated ample crumble zones. This resulted in the car's characteristically long thin silhouette.
Like the exterior, the car's cabin was characterized by a simple yet functional design that defined cars made in Scandinavia at the time.
Although not particularly powerful, the engine was robust and capable. Ride quality was excellent, thanks to a well-tuned suspension system. Everything about the 240 Estate made drivers want to pack their bags and head out on an extended road trip to enjoy the countryside. It took quite some time until the 240 was recognized for its historical significance. It's rare for a car to retain such a following well after its production run had ended.

So, when you think of station wagons, especially old school ones, you surely don't picture them as sports cars, right?... Well, I believe any car can be turned into a sports car, with the right changes and the right tuning, and this Volvo 240 is just asking for a full upgrade! ;)
After adding some aesthetic elements, for a more convincing sporty look, I concentrated in the mechanics and ended up with 354 BHP! Not bad for a sleeper car more suitable for a quiet family trip in the countryside! :)
Then, I gathered 11 opponents with similar Performance Points (600 to 699 PP) and similar power outputs (300 to 399 BHP). And, what better track to test a car with such a prominent rear than the curvy 20 kms of Nürburgring?... And, how about starting the lap by day and finishing it by night?... Too much for an old station wagon to handle?... No, not at all! It's amazing how the massive chassis of this Volvo handles so well the speed and the mass transfer when turning. You can even provoke the rear to help you turn faster, without losing control! :P
You have to see it to believe it, because this is certainly not your typical Volvo! ;)