Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar updated with enhanced aerodynamics

Polestar, the in-house performance division of Volvo, has unveiled the updated 2018 Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar, complete with additional aerodynamic components made from lightweight carbon fibre material that is said to increase downforce by 30 per cent for improved performance and handling. A limited number of 1,500 vehicles will be produced, with all cars receiving a unique number on the tread plate.

The new aerodynamic exterior package has been developed jointly by the engineers of Polestar and Cyan Racing, the motorsport partner of Polestar, with data and learnings derived from the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) program where the team is involved in the title fight.

The aerodynamic enhancements include a new front splitter, side sills and a rear spoiler extension, all made in lightweight carbon fibre, increasing the downforce by 30 per cent. The new components are said to increase grip and high-speed stability, further sharpening dynamics.

Many of these components were developed and tested during Polestar Cyan Racing’s recently-revealed secret Nürburgring test where a Polestar S60 claimed the record for the fastest four-door road legal car around the infamous Nordschleife circuit. 

Other visual changes include high-gloss black Polestar diamond cut wheels, carbon fibre door mirror casings and a new colour – Bursting Blue Metallic. The interior has been updated with a new seat upholstery, blue contrast stitching and Polestar embroidering.

According to the Swedish car maker, more than 250 components have been changed compared to the standard variants to create a car with all the usability and practicality of the Volvo S60 and V60, while also delivering all-year round sports car performance. Key component changes include the adjustable Öhlins shock absorber system and six-piston Brembo brake callipers with 371 mm discs.

The S60 and V60 Polestar retains the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 270kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

“The Model Year 18 S60 and V60 Polestar models are the pinnacle of our road car programmes that we have been developing successfully since our first road car was launched in 2013,” said Jörgen Ronstad, Vice President, Product Strategy & Management at Polestar. 

“The aerodynamic enhancements, combined with other small but important changes, further enhances our base philosophy of a performance car for all roads and conditions, transferring technology and learnings from track to road.”

Technical Overview

Performance

Volvo S60 Polestar

0-100 km/h 4.7 sec

0-200 km/h 17.2 sec

0-60 mph 4.4 sec

0-120 mph 15.6 sec

Top speed 250 km/h*/155 mph*

Volvo V60 Polestar

0-100 km/h 4.8 sec

0-200 km/h 17.4 sec

0-60 mph 4.5 sec

0-120 mph 15.8 sec

Top speed 250 km/h*/155 mph*

* = Electronically limited

Chassis

Adjustable Polestar Öhlins shock absorbers

Front strut brace with carbon fibre enforcement

Stiffer top mount front and rear

Stiffer tie blade bushing

Polestar optimised steering

80% stiffer springs compared to S/V60 T6 R-Design

Front: 60 N/mm

Rear: 67 N/mm (S60) 

72 N/mm (V60)

Tyres and rims

Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/35 ZR20 (95Y) XL with cavity damping

Black Polestar bespoke rims, 20×8”

Engine

4-cylinder inline engine with turbo and supercharger

1969 cc

270 kW (367 hp DIN / 362 hp SAE) @ 6000 rpm

470 Nm (347 lb-ft) @ 3100-5100 rpm

Max 7000 rpm

Max boost 2.0 bar

Polestar 3.0” stainless full-flow active exhaust system with twin 3.5” tail pipes

Higher capacity turbo

Strengthened conrods

Strengthened camshaft

Higher capacity fuel pump

Higher capacity air filter

Higher capacity air intake

Transmission

BorgWarner four-wheel drive

Polestar calibration for more rear torque dynamic distribution

Polestar calibrated stability control system

8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox with paddle shifters

Faster gearshifts

Curve-hold functionality

Off-throttle functionality

Optimised shift precision

Brakes

Front: Polestar/Brembo 6 piston brake calipers

371×32 mm ventilated and floating Brembo discs

Rear: 302×22 mm ventilated discs

New brake pads for model year 2018

Curb weight

1753 kg / 3865 lb (S60)

1800 kg / 3968 lb (V60)

Features

Launch control

Sport+ mode

Aerodynamics

Polestar carbon fibre front splitter

Polestar carbon fibre side sills

Polestar carbon fibre spoiler extension (S60)

Polestar front splitter corners

Polestar rear spoiler

Polestar diffuser

Interior and exterior

Sport seats with charcoal, nubuk, blue thread and Polestar imprint

Steering wheel with blue thread and leather/nubuk

Carbon fibre centre stack

Nubuk inlay in doors

Nubuk centre armrest

Polestar gearshift knob

Polestar carpets with blue thread

Polestar sport pedals and footrest

Polestar door sills with numbering

Colours

Bursting Blue Premium Metallic

Cyan Racing Blue

Onyx Black Metallic

Bright Silver Metallic

Ice White Solid

Equipment

Sunroof and colour only options, all others included in base specification

Fuel tank

67.5 litres

Fuel consumption (combined)

7,8 l/100 km (S60)

8,1 l/100 km (V60)

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