The production version of the new?Volvo S60 Polestar has been launched with a limited production run developed exclusively for the Australian market.
Under the bonnet of the new Volvo S60 Polestar lies the T6 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine, that has been optimised by Polestar tuners with a larger turbo, new intercooler, revised engine mapping and racing exhaust to produce 257kW and in "500Nm-plus" torque.
With a re-tuned six-speed automatic transmission – which also features a launch control function – and Haldex all-wheel-drive system, the S60 Polestar accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The Volvo S60 Polestar also shares technology from Polestar racing cars, such as dampers from ?hlins, high-capacity brakes and the highly-tuned chassis.
There's also a new aerodynamic package that has been developed for the car that includes a front splitter, rear wing and diffuser, which have all been tweaked and modified using the Volvo Car Group wind tunnel.
Volvo chose Australia for the S60 Polestar pilot project due to the ongoing and historical success of performance models in this country, with the first cars set to be delivered in late June. Dealers have been told to expect a starting price of around $120,000 for the new S60 Polestar flagship.
Introduction of the Volvo S60 Polestar to other markets will largely depend on its response in Australia.
"The Australian market for performance cars is, and has always been, strong," says?Volvo Cars Australia managing director?Matt Braid. "We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the Volvo S60 Polestar, a car more than capable of getting into the thick of the action in this competitive segment of the market.
"The work done by Polestar on the S60 is impressive to say the least – they have transformed the already fun to drive Volvo S60 into a great handling driver's car."
Volvo Cars Australia introduced an optional Polestar tune for the S60 (along with other Volvo models) in 2011, but this new fully-fledged production version of the Volvo S60 Polestar represents a big step up from what was effectively a performance download to the car's ECU.
Volvo Polestar Racing driver Robert Dahlgren, who has played an integral part in the development of the car, believes the S60 Polestar will find plenty of favour with its customers.
"We have taken the best bits of the standard S60 T6 and our S60 Polestar Concept Car, creating a vehicle that puts a smile on your face when you drive it over your favourite twisty road. At the same time, it is more than capable of everyday driving, too."
Volvo S60 Polestar technical specifications
Performance
? 0-100 km/h 4.9 sec
? Top speed 250 km/h (limited)
Engine
? Six-cylinder inline T6 engine, 2953cc
? 257kW @ 5700rpm
? 500Nm-plus @ 2800-4750rpm
? Max 6500rpm
? Polestar engine software
? New Borg Warner turbo
? New intercooler
? 2.5-inch stainless full-flow exhaust system with 3.5-inch tailpipes
Chassis
? Polestar ?hlins, two-way adjustable shock absorbers
? Upgraded springs – 60N/mm front, 65N/mm rear (80% stiffer than stock)
? Upgraded stabilisers front and rear
? Upgraded rear tie blades
? Upgraded top mount in front and rear
? Upgraded toe link arms in rear
? Strut brace with carbonfiber enforcement
? 235/40R19, Michelin Pilot Super Sport
? Bespoke Polestar rims, 8×19-inch ET51
Weight
? 1684kg – same as standard S60 T6 R-Design
Drivetrain
? AWF21 automatic gearbox
? Launch control
? Modified transmission software for faster shifts and launch control
? Modified AWD software for more rear torque
Brakes
Front:
o 336×29 mm ventilated discs
o Jurid 958 performance brake pad
Rear:
o 302×22 mm ventilated discs
o HP2000 Brembo performance brake pads
Aero
New Polestar front splitter corners
New Polestar rear spoiler
New Polestar diffuser
Interior/Exterior
Polestar door trims
Polestar badge on front grille
Polestar badge on boot
Polestar gear shift knob
Polestar badge on engine
Polestar limited edition plate on door sills and steering wheel
Black outside mirror covers
