The new Volvo V60 Polestar - overview
The new Volvo V60 Polestar
When driving matters
The new Volvo V60 Polestar is here, set for sale on four continents around the world in 2014.
”We are proud to present the 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.
“With the introduction of the V60 model, we are proud to continue the heritage of fast Volvo estates like the racing 850 BTCC, a tradition deeply rooted among Volvo enthusiasts,” continued Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar.
”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 together with Volvo’s specialists from vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics and powertrain to engineer such an exciting and competent car,” said Derek Crabb, Motorsport Director of 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 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 of Volvo Cars Group.
All-year performance
The car is based on the latest generation Volvo V60 and marks the start of an extended Polestar production model range.
Development of the car has been ongoing over the past years, picking up from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and 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.
”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.
The Volvo V60
In 2013, the V60 was re-designed, most noticeably with a new front nose, increasing its road presence by emphasising its horizontal lines. The V60's silhouette is a visual reminder that this is no ordinary estate - it's a wagon with a coupé-like appearance.
There are several examples of the attention to detail in the new V60, such as the previously visible washer nozzles have been relocated out of sight under the bonnet and the headlamp washer jets now sit flush to help create a cleaner bumper line.
The radar cover has been painted gloss black, which practically makes it disappear in the grille. The chrome frame around the grille has been removed and the new, bigger ironmark badge enhances the new cars' self-confident look.
The previous camera based BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) has been replaced by radar sensors, meaning the removal of the familiar 'bubble' on the underside of the rear-view mirrors.
All these details help create a cleaner, simpler and more distinguished look.
Polestar Performance Engineering
The Volvo V60 has been re-engineered by the technicians at Polestar to create an exclusive car with a number of unique features only available on the V60 Polestar. The main areas are:
- Chassis - Upgrades include modifications made to increase rigidity of the chassis to cater for the 80% stiffer springs relative to the standard V60 R-Design. These changes combined with the tailored high performance Öhlins shock absorbers and 20” Polestar wheels result in a significantly raised level of grip and a precise, yet comfortable, driving experience.
- Brakes - The brake system has undergone substantial modifications. Most visible are the 371 millimetre ventilated front discs and six-piston Brembo calipers, guaranteeing a high level of braking performance.
- Aerodynamics - To reflect the increased performance of the 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, optimising the airflow underneath the car, as well as a new rear spoiler and diffusor, increasing downforce.
- Engine - The six-cylinder turbo-charged T6 engine has undergone extensive development with a new twin-scroll turbo and intercooler to produce 350 HP/257 kW at 5250 rpm and 500 Nm/369 lb-ft at 3000 rpm. The engine breathes through a 2.5” stainless steel active 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 BorgWarner four-wheel drive system takes the car from 0-62 mph in just 5.0 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 in order to provide an active driving experience and 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 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
A limited number of markets have been chosen to deliver the 750 cars globally that will be produced. The markets receiving the Polestar models are Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. The UK market is receiving the most with 125 cars making their way from the Torslanda production line in Sweden. Orders have already started to be taken and deliveries are expected to start from quarter three this year.
“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.
Pricing and Specification – the only option is the colour
The Volvo V60 Polestar is a complete offering from Volvo in that each and every one of the 125 cars will be fully specified with every factory option possible. In fact, the only option each customer has is what colour to choose. The V60 Polestar is available in the stand-out colour of Rebel Blue, Black Sapphire Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic and Ice White.
The start base for the V60 Polestar was the already amply specified V60 R-Design Lux Nav. In addition are the special value packs, such as Driver Support, Security and Winter Illumination, plus individual options such as Premium Sound by Harman Kardon, a sunroof and Volvo On Call.
Although offering a fully loaded vehicle, complete with a bespoke package with racing technology for the road, pricing has been kept in line with the rest of Volvo’s product range. The on-the-road price of £49,775 offers great value for money for a unique vehicle with rarity and performance in abundance.