Same weight, more power for new Polestar-tuned Volvos
Following the reintroduction of the V60 wagon to the Canadian market, Volvo will also introduce some excitement to the lineup in a nice shade of blue. You also won’t have to break the bank to gobble up these spicy Swedish meatballs.
When the models go on sale this summer, the S60 Polestar will be priced from $64,895. The longroof V60 will only be $2,000 extra at $66,895.
Along with the higher price will be higher performance. Both cars will receive a 3.0-litre T6 inline six-cylinder engine with 345 hp and 369 lb-ft of grunt at 2,800 RPM, good for a sprint to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Getting the power to the ground is a Polestar-tuned Haldex all-wheel drive system.
A full suspension rework thanks to Öhlins shocks, 20-inch wheels, and model specific aero pieces finish the look, while Brembo brakes bring it all to a sudden stop when necessary.
Volvo also states the Poelstar cars will weigh approximately the same as similarly equipped S60 and V60 models. Same weight and more power? Sounds good to us.
Full press release below.
Limited edition Volvo S60 Polestar makes Canadian debut
S60 and V60 Polestar pricing and availability announced at CIAS in Toronto
TORONTO, Ont. – Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. is excited to announce pricing and availability of both the 2015 S60 and V60 Polestar in Canada. Joined by Hans Bååth, Managing Director of Polestar Performance, President and CEO Marc Engelen unveiled the limited edition Polestar S60 to Canadian media today during a press conference at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The S60 and V60 Polestar will only be offered on four continents in a select group of countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA.
Fast Facts:
345 hp @ 5,700 rpm
369 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm
0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds
New twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo
Polestar Öhlins shocks
Polestar 2.5-inch stainless full-flow exhaust
Twin 3.5-inch tail pipes
Available in exclusive colours Black Sapphire
Pricing:
2015 Volvo S60 Polestar: $64,895 CAD
2015 Volvo V60 Polestar: $66,895 CAD
The fastest production Volvos in history, these limited edition Polestar sedans and sportswagons will be sold in limited numbers and available in showrooms this summer. The introduction of the V60 model continues the heritage of fast Volvo estates like the racing 850 BTCC, a deeply rooted tradition in Volvo’s history and the prize of true enthusiasts.
”We are very pleased to offer these two new vehicles here in Canada that represent years of diligent research, racing development and passion,” says Marc Engelen, President and CEO Volvo Cars of Canada, “A true enthusiast’s car should enable you to enjoy driving every day of the year, on all roads and in all weather conditions. This is a true driver’s car for the real world.”
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 shocks 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 with 11.8-inch ventilated discs in the rear. The exterior of the S60 and V60 Polestar – available exclusively in Black Sapphire – benefit from aerodynamic elements directly resulting from Volvo’s and Polestar’s wind tunnel testing. New front and rear splitters increase overall downforce and allow for more streamlined airflow, as do the new rear spoiler and diffuser.
Under the hood, the S60 and V60 Polestar feature Volvo’s acclaimed turbocharged T6 six-cylinder engine, complete with an all-new, twin-scroll turbo as well as a new intercooler. Thanks to engine management software updates, the T6 produces 345 hp at 5,700 rpm, and 369 lb.-ft. of torque available at 2,800 rpm. A six-speed automatic gearbox with new paddle shifters and Polestar-developed Haldex all-wheel drive system transfer power to the road through all four wheels. Inside, materials have been treated with new Polestar-specific materials and colours along with an upgraded steering wheel and sport seats for an even more engaging feel for driver and passengers.
“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.
Both vehicles are based on the latest generation of Volvo S60 and V60, extending the Polestar model production range. Development of the car has been ongoing over several years, derived from C30 and S60 Concept cars as well as 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.
”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 at Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars).
Polestar has been able to combine this level of driving performance in their interpretation of the S60 and V60 while maintaining the original warranty service program, class leading safety features, certified fuel and emission ratings. Customers buying this car will get the best from both Polestar and Volvo.
”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 percent stiffer springs relative to the standard S60 R-Design. These changes combined with the tailored high performance Öhlins shocks and 20-inch Polestar wheels result in a precise, yet comfortable, driving experience.
Brakes
The braking system has undergone substantial modifications. Most visible are the 371 mm 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, optimizing the airflow underneath the car, as well as a new rear spoiler and diffuser, significantly increasing downforce.
Engine
The six-cylinder turbo-charged T6 engine has undergone extensive development with a new twin-scroll turbo and intercooler that produce 345 hp at 5,700 rpm and 369 lb.-ft. at only 2,800 rpm. The engine breathes through a 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system, boasting a deep, throaty engine note.
Transmission
The six-speed automatic gearbox feature new paddle shifters that together with the Polestar developed Haldex all-wheel drive system takes the car from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The gearbox as well as the all-wheel drive and traction control system have been recalibrated to provide an active driving experience offering 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 comfort.
Technical Specifications
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 – Electronically limited
Chassis
Polestar Öhlins shocks
Polestar bespoke rims, 8×20-inch ET53 with 245/35R20 tires
Engine
6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2,953 cc
345 hp @ 5,700 rpm
369 lb-ft @ 2,800 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
Same as equivalently equipped S60 and V60 R-Design
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
371×32 mm ventilated and floating Brembo discs
Rear: 302×22 mm ventilated disc
Visit www.volvocanada.com or www.nextpolestar.com for more information.
