Volvo V60 Polestar is one hot hauler

Tue, 26 Nov 2013

Earlier this year, Polestar jumped from the racetrack to the showroom with its own take on the Volvo S60 sedan. And given the similarity and the proud history of hot Volvo wagons, not to mention the spy shots and teasers, we knew it would only be a matter of time before Volvo's racing partner would return with a similar take on the V60. And that's just what it's done.

Powering the new Volvo V60 Polestar is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six as the sedan, driving 350 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Hitting 62 miles per hour reportedly happens in the same 4.9 seconds as the sedan, on its way to a stop speed of 155 mph.

The power upgrades come courtesy of a twin-scroll Borg Warner turbocharger, intercooler and overhauled exhaust system. Other upgrades over Volvo's own R-Design model include stiffer springs, Öhlins shocks, 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and a full aero kit, not to mention an upgraded cabin from which to command the performance.

Best of all, unlike previous specials that were limited to Australia (where Polestar is heading into the V8 Supercars series), the new S60 and V60 Polestar editions are bound for markets around the world - including this one. Check out the full details in the press release below and the images in the gallery above for a closer look.

World debut for a new Volvo V60 engineered by Polestar

The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar is here, set for sale on four continents around the world in 2014.

"We are proud to present the S60 and V60 Polestar. A car developed for those who share our passion at Polestar: That driving really matters and that a true driver's car should enable you to enjoy driving all-year, on all roads and in all weather conditions. This is a driver's car for real life," said Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.

"With the introduction of the V60 model, we are proud to continue the heritage of fast Volvo estates like the racing 850 BTCC, a tradition deeply rooted among Volvo enthusiasts," continued Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.

- S60 and V60 model
- 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds
- Limited Edition

The countries set for the S60 and V60 Polestar include Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA, with further markets and final production numbers to be revealed next year.

"Our motorsport co-operation with Polestar has been going on for almost two decades and it is rewarding to see how Polestar can use their experiences from motorsport to engineer such an exciting and competent car," said Derek Crabb, Motorsport Director of Volvo Cars.

"It is very satisfying to see how Polestar have been able to combine this level of driving performance in their interpretation of the S60 and V60 with maintained original service program, class leading safety features and certified fuel- and emission ratings. Customers buying this car will get the best from both Polestar and Volvo," said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales & Customer Service of Volvo Cars Group.

All-year performance

The car is based on the latest generation Volvo S/V60 and marks the start of an extended Polestar production model range.

Development of the car has been ongoing over the past years, picking up from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and the Australian S60 Polestar. Thousands of development kilometres have been driven on twisty mountain roads, on the Autobahn and test tracks from the south of Europe to the frozen north of Sweden.

"We have continued our work to create a true driver's car which is not limited only to a few specific driving conditions, but enjoyable on everything from your favourite winding roads to taking the family for a long journey, no matter summer or winter. And in my view, we have gotten very close to our goals, something that of course is best experienced first-hand behind the wheel," said Robert Dahlgren, Polestar racing and test driver.

Polestar performance engineering

Chassis
Upgrades include modifications made to increase rigidity of the chassis to cater for the 80% stiffer springs relative to the standard S60 R-Design. These changes combined with the tailored high performance Öhlins shock absorbers and 20" Polestar wheels results in a precise, yet comfortable, driving experience.

Brakes
The brake system has undergone substantial modifications. Most visible are the 371 millimetre ventilated front discs and six-piston Brembo calipers, guaranteeing a high level of braking performance.

Aerodynamics
To reflect the increased performance of the S/V60 Polestar, positive aerodynamic effects have been achieved through subtle, yet efficient, modifications based on data from tests in the Volvo Cars wind tunnel. The changes are visible with the front splitters, optimising the airflow underneath the car, as well as a new rear spoiler and diffusor, increasing downforce.

Engine
The six-cylinder turbo-charged T6 engine has undergone extensive development with a new twin-scroll turbo and intercooler to produce 350 HP/257 kW at 5700 rpm and 500 Nm/369 lb-ft already at 2800 rpm. The engine breathes through a 2.5" stainless steel exhaust system, making for a throaty engine note.

Transmission

The six-speed automatic gearbox features a new paddle shift system that together with the Polestar developed Haldex four-wheel drive system takes the car from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The gearbox as well as the four-wheel drive system and traction control system has been recalibrated in order to provide an active driving experience and maximum grip in all situations.

Interior
The interior has been reworked with new details, materials and Polestar colours, such as the steering wheel, seats and more, with the sole purpose of increasing driver support and control.

"All in all we have taken a major step forward in all areas, from chassis and engine to interior and exterior details. Development work has been focused on the overall package in order to create a car that you want to use every day, both from a practical and emotional perspective," said Henrik Fries, S/V60 Polestar Technical Project Manager.

Sales and delivery

Polestar will begin delivery of the new S60 and V60 Polestar in June 2014 to the local markets.

"We are all very excited and proud over our launch of two new cars as yet another step towards a range of Polestar Engineered Volvo cars available for people like us around the world. To do it together with Volvo, one of the world's leading car manufacturers, is greatly satisfying and we look forward to an exciting future," said Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.

Visit www.nextpolestar.com for more information and our pressroom for further pictures.

Technical Specification

Performance
0-100 km/h 4.9 sec
0-200 km/h 17.7 sec
80-120 km/h 4.7 sec
Top speed 250 km/h / 155 mph – Electronically limited

Chassis
Polestar Öhlins shock absorber system
Polestar bespoke rims, 8x20" ET53 with 245/35R20 tyres

Engine
6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953 cc
257 kW (350 hp) @ 5700 rpm
500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 2800-4750 rpm
Max 6500 rpm
New twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo
New intercooler
Polestar 2.5" stainless full-flow exhaust system with twin 3.5" tail pipes

Weight
S60 Polestar: 1752 kg
V60 Polestar: 1822 kg

Transmission
AWF21 automatic gearbox with paddle shift system
Polestar transmission calibration for faster gearshifts, launch control and curve-hold functionality
Polestar Haldex calibration for more rear torque dynamic distribution
Polestar calibrated stability control system

Brakes
Front: Polestar/Brembo 6 piston brake calipers
371x32 mm ventilated and floating Brembo discs
Rear: 302x22 mm ventilated disc

By Noah Joseph