Volvo fires up S60 and V60 Polestar production

Mon, 30 Jun 2014

We were pretty smitten with the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar models during our First Drive in Sweden a few months ago. We especially loved the way that its Öhlins adjustable dampers offered a perfect balance between suppleness and sporty handling. Now, the rest of the world will finally be getting the chance to take the Polestar models for a spin because Volvo is shipping out the first units of the limited-edition vehicles.

Their completion marks the first time ever that Polestar-tuned models have come off the line at Volvo's Torslanda factory. However, production of the 350-horsepower hatchback and sedan is very limited. Volvo is building a total of just 750 of them for the world market, and the US is only getting 80 wagons and 40 sedans.

In addition to the cutting-edge dampers and more powerful engine, both Polestar models benefit from a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system routed through a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and launch control. Six-piston Brembo calipers bring things to a halt, and the limited models get unique front and rear fascias and 20-inch wheels. These are two very hot Swedes, and if rumors are right, then there are even more tuned Volvos from Polestar on the way. Scroll down to read the full announcement.

Volvo Cars starts production of the new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar

The first Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar cars have left the Volvo Torslanda factory plant on their way to customers around the world as production has begun.

"We are very happy to see the first ever complete production cars from Polestar be built in the Volvo factory. It is a satisfying result of many hours of work by the people of Polestar and Volvo behind this," said Henrik Fries, S/V60 Polestar Technical Project Manager.

The Volvo factory in Torslanda celebrated 50 years recently with a total of over 6.8 million cars having been produced, starting with the Amazon model in 1964 and all the way to the new S60 and V60 Polestar today. The Polestar model also marks the first ever independent partner being introduced to the production process.

"We are delighted to see the first cars leave the factory and it has been an exciting journey together with Polestar to see these cars from the drawing board until the actual finalized product being produced with us on the factory line," said Magnus Hellsten, Vice President Car Manufacturing Europe at Volvo Cars.

A total of 750 cars will be produced of the S60 and V60 Polestar model this year, heading to customers in Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA.

"It is an exciting process as there are many new and unique Polestar components that needs to work seamlessly in the Volvo factory without interrupting the production of other models. It was a truly proud moment to see the first Polestar blue cars on the production line together with the XCV70, S80 and other models. The cooperation with Volvo works really well and we are looking forward to an exciting future together," said Fries.

The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar features a thoroughly developed chassis with high performance dampers and brakes which in combination with four-wheel drive and 350 hp from a turbo charged 6-cylinder engine creates a driver's car for all year.

Visit www.nextpolestar.com for more information.

By Chris Bruce