Volvo's 'Polestar Engineered' Performance Variants Arrive Next Year
In order to create a bit of added buzz around the debut of the new Volvo S60, scheduled for next week, the automaker teased images of a performance variant wearing the Polestar emblem. The upcoming sports sedan will be the first Volvo manufactured within the United States. It will also be one of the first models touched by the “Polestar Engineered” performance package, along with the XC60 crossover and V60 wagon.
While Polestar remains its own brand, Volvo plans to continue using the name to denote sporting versions that include some form of electrification. On this batch, that means the only engines receiving special treatment are the T8 Twin-Engine Plug-in Hybrids. The treatment includes upgraded brakes, suspension, and powertrain — resulting in a trim positioned above the R-Design in terms of performance, price, and desirability.
T8s will keep their 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged engines, as well as the battery pack and electric motor mounted at the rear axle. However, Polestar Engineered versions will see their ECUs tweaked slightly, tacking on 15 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque.
That translates to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft in total. Volvo also said the refinements should improve fuel economy a bit — not something you’d expect to hear about a performance variant.
The vehicles also receive Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers and new pads with increased heat tolerance. These systems will also be the telltale sign that a Volvo owner splurged, as the calipers come painted in a difficult-to-ignore gold. It looks great, especially against black bodywork, but we kind of miss the iconic Polestar blue of yesterday.
Specially calibrated multilink front and rear suspensions adopt adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers. Stiffer springs and firmer dampers are said to improve dynamics, but we doubt Volvo will sacrifice too much in the way of comfort. The polestar pack also adopts the strut bar from the Polestar 1.
Visually, the cars are not wildly different from the rest of the T8 models. The biggest giveaways are the gold-painted brake calipers and matching seat belts. Still, Polestar Engineered cars do get some unique emblems (all very subtle), black chrome exhaust finishers, and their own set of lightweight wheels. For the most part, it’s a rather tasteful affair.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but it’s safe to assume they’ll all be the most expensive version of the S60, XC60, and V60 available. Since this is all technically an extended teaser, more details should emerge soon. The S60’s official unveiling comes June 20th, with production starting at Volvo’s new South Carolina factory later this year.
[Images: Volvo Cars]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Hellcat, meet Polecat.
Volvo keeps the forward momentum across ALL vehicle categories. Well executed current vehicles, with more variety on the way.