VATS, short for “Volvo Acceleration Test Sprint“.
This is the metric we at Penta Performance Tuning use to measure real-world performance of road-tuned Volvos. While other communities have their own tests, we’re simply sharing the system we already use in-house so anyone can benefit.

• Performance Metrics Mode → most accurate (only tracks required PIDs, faster sampling rate).
• Power Run Mode → lower sampling rate but logs your full PID list, so you get more overall data.

Both support VATS, but for leaderboard submissions, Performance Metrics is recommended.

• Build momentum before the test window: you should already be accelerating and in full boost by the time you hit 95 km/h.
• Avoid gear changes between 95–150 km/h: a shift adds ~0.3–0.5s delay.
• Use a flat, safe stretch of road for consistency.

Running VATS involves accelerating up to and beyond 150 km/h, which is inherently risky. These speeds should only be attempted in a controlled environment, such as a closed track, drag strip, or private test facility.

Safety reminders:

• Never attempt VATS on public roads — it endangers you and others.
• Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound (tires, brakes, suspension, cooling).
• Understand that repeated high-speed runs put extra stress on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
• Always prioritize safety over chasing leaderboard numbers.

VATS is designed as a hobbyist benchmark — use it responsibly, and only where it’s legal and safe to do so.

In VATS, Slope refers to the effect of road inclination on the result. Since we can’t directly measure road grade, we approximate it using barometric pressure change during the run:

• Slope > 1.0 → downhill (baro rising)
• Slope < 1.0 → uphill (baro dropping)

This helps normalize results and gives context to leaderboard numbers.

Typical ranges (varies by car model & weight):

• Stage 1 tune → ~7.5–7.8 sec
• Well-built K04 car → high 5s to low 6s
• K16 setup → low 5s to high 4s

Heavier cars (like the S40) usually read higher than lighter ones (like the C30). That’s why our leaderboard includes vehicle model, so comparisons are fair.

Accuracy depends on your sensors and logging hardware. These aren’t certified telemetry tools, so results are not “lab precise.”
The test can be manipulated, so VATS should be treated as a hobby metric — fun for comparing setups, not a scientific measurement.

The leaderboard is community-driven and for enjoyment. It’s not meant as an absolute authority, but as a way to share results.

VATS was inspired by the Audi community’s well-known benchmarks: FATS (For Advancement of the S) and CAPS (Competition Acceleration Performance Standard). Those tests became the gold standard for measuring tuning gains on Audi S4/RS4s without relying on a dyno.

We wanted a comparable, repeatable way to measure real-world performance of Volvos during road tuning. That’s why we created VATS and began using it in-house.

We chose the 95–150 km/h window because it reflects a realistic acceleration range where Volvos build power, and it keeps the pull clean, consistent, and relevant for highway scenarios.

A dyno is a controlled environment tool that’s useful for steady-state tuning and establishing baseline power figures. However, it doesn’t fully replicate real-world conditions such as load, airflow, or road resistance.

VATS, on the other hand, measures how your car actually accelerates on the road, under the same conditions you drive in every day. With proper logging, road tuning has proven to be more accurate and relevant for real performance than a dyno graph alone.

Before attempting a VATS run, make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the stress of high-speed acceleration. A quick checklist:

Engine & Drivetrain

• Warm up the engine and drivetrain to normal operating temperatures.
• Ensure there are no fault codes present.
• Use high-quality fuel (ideally the fuel type your tune is designed for).
• Verify that boost pipes, intercooler hoses, and clamps are secure.

Tires & Brakes

• Check tire pressure (set to recommended spec).
• Inspect tires for wear or damage.
• Confirm brakes are in good condition (pads, rotors, fluid).

Cooling & Fluids

• Ensure coolant and oil levels are correct.
• Avoid heat soak — allow the car to cool between runs if necessary.
• Confirm transmission fluid levels (especially for automatics).

Road & Safety

• Perform the test only on a safe, controlled environment (track/strip/private road).
• Avoid traffic, pedestrians, and unsafe conditions.
• Make sure you have enough runoff space beyond 150 km/h to slow down safely.
• Use a co-pilot/logger if possible, so the driver can focus 100% on the road.

Extra Precautions

• Record weather conditions (temperature, slope factor, barometric pressure).
• Keep runs limited to prevent unnecessary wear.
• Always have a plan if something goes wrong (cool-down area, tow option).

It is free to join.
You just need our app, Penta Tuning Studio and a compatible J2534 Pass-through Cable or Volvo DiCE.

You can download the app here:
https://pentaperformance.com/pentatuningstudio/