The Volvo V60 And S60 Polestar Bring Race-Tested Innovation To Real-World Driving
02/06/2014
Volvo
The Volvo wagon is most definitely back in the U.S., and together with performance and tuning partner Polestar, 2014 also welcomes the fastest factory Volvos to date: The V60 and S60 Polestar. The ultra-limited edition sports wagon and sedan - only 120 Polestar models will be available in the U.S. - carry on the excitement and racing-inspired heritage of Polestar concept car from 2013.
With a host of upgrades, from the chassis all the way through to the exterior, the latest from the Volvo and Polestar partnership represent the best automotive experience that Sweden has to offer. Both models will be on display in the U.S. for the very first time at a special press conference being held Thursday, February 6 at 11:30am at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.
"We are proud to present the V60 and S60 Polestar models. Both have been 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. These are driver's cars for real life," said Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.
"It is very satisfying to see how Polestar has been able to combine this level of driving performance in their interpretation of the S60 and new V60, while upholding Volvo's original service program, class-leading safety features and certified fuel and emission ratings. Customers buying these cars will get the best from both Polestar and Volvo," said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales & Customer Service at Volvo Cars.
Performance For The Real World
Built around the standard V60 and S60, the Polestar editions combine the safety and comfort customers expect from Volvo with numerous adjustments and updates to numerous facets of the vehicles. The result is a wagon and sedan that are at home on any road in any condition, and that will undoubtedly enhance the everyday driving experience.
Starting with the chassis, upgrades include a more rigid structure overall, with new springs that are 80 percent stiffer than those available on the S60 R-Design. High-performance Öhlins shock absorbers and 20-inch Polestar-exclusive wheels round out the customized handling package. For greater stopping power, Polestar has included 14.6-inch ventilated front discs matched with six-piston Brembo calipers, and 11.8 inch ventilated discs at the rear. The exterior of the V60 and S60 Polestar - available in Black Sapphire or Rebel Blue - carry a number of aerodynamic elements borne directly out of Volvo's and Polestar's wind tunnel testing. New front and rear splitters increase overall down force and allow for more streamlined airflow, as do the new rear spoiler and diffuser.
Under the hood, the V60 and S60 Polestar feature Volvo's venerated turbocharged T6 six cylinder engine, complete with an all-new, twin-scroll turbo as well as a new intercooler. Tweaks to the engine management software have also been made, and the 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust with 3.5-inch tips, finish out the package. All told, the T6 produces 345 hp (SAE) at 5700 rpm, and 369 lbs.-feet of torque available at 2800 rpm. A six-speed automatic gearbox with a new paddle shift system and Polestar-developed, Haldex four-wheel drive system put the power to the road to carry the V60 and S60 Polestar to 62 mph from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds. Inside, upgraded seats, steering wheel, and other items throughout the cabin have been treated with new materials and Polestar-specific colors for an even more engaging feel for the driver and passengers.
The new Volvo V60 and S60 Polestar will be available at select U.S. dealers beginning in June 2014, with pricing to be announced in the coming months. To learn more and to find a dealer, please visit www.nextpolestar.com
Technical Specifications
Performance
0-60 mph 4.9 sec
0-124 mph 17.7 sec
50-75 mph 4.7 sec
Top speed 155 mph - Electronically limited
Chassis
Polestar Öhlins shock absorber system
Polestar bespoke rims, 20x8 inch ET53 with 245/35R20 tires
Engine
6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953 cc
345 hp (SAE) @ 5700 rpm
369 lbs.-feet @ 2800-4750 rpm
Max 6500 rpm
New twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo
New intercooler
Polestar 2.5 inch stainless full-flow exhaust system with twin 3.5 inch tail pipes
Weight
S60 Polestar: 3528 lb
V60 Polestar: 3790 lb
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
14.6 inch (371x32 mm) ventilated and floating Brembo discs
Rear: 11.8 inch (302x22 mm) ventilated disc