The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk.

The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk.

      Via Cars & Bids

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      Volvos are inherently unique, which can be considered their most appealing characteristic. Although the newer models are somewhat less quirky than the classic versions, this can be remedied. Take this 2018 Volvo V90 in Big Bird Yellow as an example. It has been completely modified by SARSYS, a company specializing in friction testing for airport runways, and comes equipped with several specialized tools, including a fifth wheel and tire located in the trunk.

      SARSYS stands for Scandinavian Airport and Road Systems. Initially, the company used Saabs but later transitioned to Volvos (in honor of Saab). This particular vehicle is a T5 Inscription model that features a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Being the premium trim, it includes features like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and headlight washers. Great!

      Regarding the additional wheel, it plays a crucial role in the friction testing setup. It is powered pneumatically, with an onboard air compressor allowing it to raise and lower. I was unfamiliar with this type of equipment, but I found an explanation on SARSYS's website:

      “The measuring wheel is not physically linked to the host vehicle’s chassis; instead, it is connected solely to the rear axle via a spring. This innovative design ensures that the vertical ground pressure remains precisely constant at 1,400 Newtons, resulting in highly reproducible measurement outcomes. The measuring tire is made from material that, in terms of shape and tread, closely resembles those of standard aircraft or car tires, depending on its usage. This produces friction readings that align closely with the actual friction values recorded during aircraft or car operations.”

      Data from the testing is transmitted to a secondary screen positioned between the front seats, which also functions as a control center. This unique vehicle is available for sale on Cars & Bids with all its specialized equipment intact, and even if friction testing gear isn’t on your agenda, you could definitely make use of the Kenwood NX-3000 two-way radio, right?

      Perhaps the most inconvenient modification, aside from the opening in the cargo area, is the water tank mounted in the rear seat. If you’re planning to utilize this for its intended purpose instead of as a regular vehicle, you might consider this a benefit of the Volvo. Regardless, it supplies water for the sprayer system designed to mimic conditions when a dry surface becomes wet. The seller mentions in the comments that when the tank is full, the speed should not exceed 60 miles per hour. Understood.

      All the tester vehicles and trailers in SARSYS’s fleet are painted in this distinctive yellow color, making them easily visible from afar. (That’s just a personal observation, but it makes the point.) It was exactly this unique color that drew me to the ad, and only afterward did I discover the additional information. I can imagine it would be quite popular at your local Cars and Coffee event. Don’t you think?

      Bidding for this car concludes on Tuesday, July 14. As of the time of this article, there have been 25 bids, with the highest currently at $6,800—quite reasonable for a vehicle with just over 25,000 miles. However, it will likely appeal to a particular kind of buyer. But you can be sure that those buyers are out there.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly: caleb@thedrive.com

The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk. The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk.

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The strangest feature of this Volvo V90 isn't the color; it's located in the trunk.

There's an opening at the back that reveals a fifth wheel and tire designed for one very particular purpose: testing runway friction at airports.