Preview: Volvo V60 Polestar

Reviews I By Bradley Iger I November 26, 2013

This is the overview page for the Volvo V60 Polestar. This page will be updated regularly with specifications and other relevant information, as well as links to videos and reviews. Check back here for the latest information on this vehicle.

Fans of fast Swedish bricks, rejoice. Volvo has announced that the Polestar-tuned variants of its V60 and S60 models are coming to a showroom near you very soon. And they’re packing a whole lot more than an eye-catching paintjob.

Set to debut in 2014 on four continents – including North America – these Polestar Volvos mark a new, performance-focused chapter in the automaker’s history. "This is a driver’s car for real life,” says Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar, and from the spec sheet, it’s clear this isn’t just marketing speak.

Sporting the same 3.0-liter biturbocharged six cylinder mill found in the S60 Polestar, the V60 Polestar sends 350 horsepower and 369lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is said to match the sedan’s, with a 0-60 time under 5 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

A beefed up suspension, Brembo brakes, 20-inch wheels and a more aggressive aero kit are all in the cards when this new hot wagon hits our shores next year.

Check out the press release below for more details on the new V60 Polestar.

World debut for a new Volvo V60 engineered by Polestar

The New Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar are Here

S60 and V60 model

0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds

Top Speed of 155 mph

Limited Edition

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Nov. 26, 2013) – The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar are here, set for sale on four continents around the world in 2014. The countries set for the S60 and V60 Polestar include Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States, with further markets and final production numbers to be revealed next year.

“We are proud to present the S60 and V60 Polestar. A car 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. This is a driver’s car for real life,” said Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.

The new Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar are here: world debut for a new Volvo V60 engineered by Polestar

“With the introduction of the V60 model, we are proud to continue the heritage of fast Volvo wagons, such as the racing 850 BTCC, a tradition deeply rooted among Volvo enthusiasts,” continued Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.

“Our motorsport cooperation 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).

“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 V60 with maintained original service program, class leading safety features and certified fuel and emission ratings. Customers buying this car will get the best from both Polestar and Volvo,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales & Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

All-year performance

The car is based on the latest generation Volvo S/V60 and marks the start of an extended Polestar production model range. Development of the car has been ongoing during the past years, picking up from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and the Australian S60 Polestar. Thousands of development miles have been driven on twisty mountain roads, on the Autobahn and test tracks from the south of Europe to the frozen north of Sweden.

“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 favorite 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 firsthand 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 shock absorbers and 20-inch Polestar wheels, result in a precise, yet comfortable, driving experience.

Brakes

The brake system has undergone substantial modifications. Most visible are the 371 millimeter 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 diffusor, increasing down force.

Engine

The six-cylinder, turbocharged T6 engine has undergone extensive development with a new twin-scroll turbo and intercooler to produce 350 hp at 5700 rpm and 369 lbs.-feet already at 2800 rpm. The engine breathes through a 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system, making for a throaty engine note.

Transmission

The six-speed automatic gearbox features a new paddle shift system that together with the Polestar-developed, Haldex four-wheel drive system takes the car from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The gearbox as well as the four-wheel drive system and traction control system has been recalibrated to provide an active driving experience and maximum grip in all situations.

Interior

The interior has been reworked with new details, materials and Polestar colors, such as the steering wheel, seats and more, with the sole purpose of increasing driver support and control.

“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.

Sales and delivery

Polestar will begin delivery of the new S60 and V60 Polestar in June 2014 to the local markets.

“We are all very excited and proud over our launch of two new cars as yet another step toward a range of Polestar engineered Volvo cars available for people like us around the world. To do it together with Volvo, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, is greatly satisfying and we look forward to an exciting future,” said Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.

Visit www.nextpolestar.com for more information.

Technical Specification

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 / 155 mph – Electronically limited

Chassis

Polestar Öhlins shock absorber system

Polestar bespoke rims, 8×20” ET53 with 245/35R20 tires

Engine

6-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953 cc