This Sleeper Volvo V70R Does More Track Days Than Grocery Runs

Cars are freedom. You can remember that feeling of getting your driver's license in high school, climbing into your first car for the first time, and thinking: Holy crap, I can go anywhere. As we grow up though, life takes over for many of us, and that simple fact slips out of mind. That is, unless you're like Aaron Segal and his tuned 2004 Volvo V70R.

The second-gen V70R was already a pretty special machine out of the box. Volvo's most advanced performance wagon yet, it paired that classic two-box form with a 300-hp 2.5L inline-five engine, Haldex all-wheel-drive system, adjustable suspension, big brakes—and for those making good decisions, a six-speed manual transmission with the now-iconic "spaceball" shifter. A true Swede army knife, if you will.

Looking for a do-it-all car, Aaron bought his used V70R as a college kid with little money and less sense. He was determined to learn how to modify it and make it exactly what he wanted. A few years later, he's built it into his forever car. You know when someone is just matched so perfectly with their ride? It's like that. See what I mean in our newest episode of Carisma on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F7VaEErwHI

[Editor's Note: Aaron works as a product manager for The Drive's parent company.]