Volvo’s new go-fast division, Polestar, has introduced the first production version of the Volvo S60 Polestar. Developed from 17 years of motorsport experience, and sharing DNA with the 373kW Volvo S60 Polestar Concept car, it will be the first BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG challenging model from the Swedish manufacturer.
“We have built a car that we, as car enthusiasts, want to drive,” says Christian Dahl, Managing Director of Polestar.
“This is a driver’s car, bringing out the very best of the already competent Volvo S60 chassis with our experience and technology from motorsport.
“We received a fantastic response to our Volvo C30 and S60 Polestar concept cars, so we’re happy to now introduce our first production car to the Australian market. This is an important step forward for Polestar, one that promises an exciting future.”
Australia will be the first market in the world to receive the S60 Polestar, with the first cars scheduled for customer delivery in June 2013. Sales in other markets will depend on the response of the Australian introduction.
“The Australian market for performance cars is, and has always been, strong,” says Matt Braid, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia.
“We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the Volvo S60 Polestar, a car more than capable of getting into the thick of the action in this competitive segment of the market.
“The work done by Polestar on the S60 is impressive to say the least – they have transformed the already fun to drive Volvo S60 into a great handling driver’s car.”
Under the bonnet of the S60 Polestar is a 3.0-litre inline-six engine that generates 257kW (350hp) and 500+Nm from 2,800rpm. It is capable of propelling the Polestar from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, on route to a limited top speed of 250km/h.
It is paired with a Polestar-tuned six-speed automatic gearbox which features launch control and Haldex AWD system.
Technical Specification
Performance
- 0-100km/h 4.9sec
- Top speed 250km/h – limited
Engine
- 6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953cc
- 257kW (350bhp) @ 5700rpm
- 500+Nm @ 2800-4750rpm
- Max 6500rpm
- Polestar engine software
- New Borg Warner turbo
- New intercooler
- 2.5″ stainless full-flow exhaust system with 3.5″ tail pipes.
Chassis
- Polestar Ohlins road and track, 2-way adjustable shock absorbers
- Upgraded springs
o 60N/mm front, 65N/mm rear (80% stiffer than stock) - Upgraded stabilizers front and rear
- Upgraded rear tie blades
- Upgraded top mount in front and rear
- Upgraded toe link arms in rear
- Strut brace with carbonfibre enforcement
- 235/40R19, Michelin Pilot Super Sport
- Bespoke Polestar rims, 8×19″ ET51
Drivetrain
- AWF21 automatic gearbox
- Polestar software
o Launch control
o Modified transmission software for faster shifts and launch control
o Modified AWD software for more rear torque
Brakes
- Front: Volvo calipers
o 336 x 29mm ventilated discs
o Jurid 958 performance brake pad - Rear: Volvo calipers
o 302 x 22mm ventilated Brembo discs
o HP2000 Brembo performance brake pads
Aero
- New Polestar front splitter corners
- New Polestar rear spoiler
- New Polestar diffuser
Weight
- 1684kg-same as standard S60 T6 R-Design
Interior / exterior
- Polestar door trims
- Polestar badge on front grille
- Polestar badge on boot
- Polestar gearshift knob
- Polestar badge on engine
- Polestar limited edition plate on door sills and steering wheel
- Black mirror covers
