Australia first to get Volvo S60 Polestar

[Wretched]

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.

Volvo S60 Polestar 08

The Volvo S60 Polestar also shares technology from Polestar racing cars, such as dampers from Öhlins, 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.

Volvo S60 Polestar 12

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 S60 Polestar 13

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 05

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 Öhlins, 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

http://www.caradvice.com.au/226463/v...ormance-sedan/

Yes please!! If only it was available as a V60 and offered manual then I'd be more interested.
Pity they didn't make that 500hp I5 monster, still I approve Volvo

[FPVF6X201]

$120K???

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 0-100kph 4.8 as claimed by Chrysler (owners are getting 4.6). All in a 2.3 ton SUV for $93k

[Wretched]

I think it is because Volvo is aiming for the same market as the BMW 335 which is what ~95k RRP no options?
Then we're the only country to offer it initially with only 100 being made available.
I agree 120k is a big ask but then we're just ripped off with any new car here.
Though i cannot see the sense with the comparison between a Jeep and a Volvo S60

[FPVF6X201]

I agree they are totally different cars. My point I guess is the $120k v $93k for better performance and arguably a better family vehicle. Though I suspect the Volvo is not aimed at Dad with 1 or 2 kids to carry, or Mum with 3 kids to take to school.

[AndyXR6T]

$120k!!!? I thought this car was a contender with the XR6T, SS etc range... Not up there with the "premium" car range

[nstg8a]

It's fugly too, looks like it should have a cherry or ssangyong badge on it.

But pretty ballsy to drop a high priced quasi sports car into the most varied car market on the planet, it gauge its reaction.

[DJM83]

One hot looking car. I love a fast Volvo. Price is a little iffy though.

Wish they made the C30 polestar with the T5, now that was a weapon.

[csv8]

$120k for a Volvo !!!

[GQ_Smooth]

They will struggle to sell these anywhere near that price, my bet is you'll be able to pick up an ex-demo for 90K in 3-6 months (still to much through).

[Rodge]

I've driven the normal Volvo S60 with the T6 engine and its a good car but I agree with other comments...they're absolutly dreaming at that price.

[stevanford]

They'll sell 100 of these very quickly indeed IMO.