Since Geely Motors bought Volvo a few years ago, the Swedish automaker has undergone numerous changes that have helped separate it from its previous owner, Ford Motor Company. The company launched dramatic restylings of its models and introduced unique new cars that have become very popular. The other aspect the automaker has focused on is bringing performance back. They teamed up with Swedish motorsport and tuning company Polestar and collaborated on some high-performance concept cars like the C30 Polestar and S60 Polestar. Now Volvo has officially unveiled the S60 Polestar production model for the Australian market and it’s packed with all sorts of fun and performance-oriented stuff. The engine has been tweaked and modified, the suspension is now snappier with new parts and forged wheels, and the aerodynamics have been tuned for stability.
Polestar tuned the standard 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine to create more power over a wide rev range. The team installed a larger turbocharger, a new air intake system, a larger water-to-air intercooler and a new stainless steel exhaust with polished tips at the rear. The ECU software was then modified to generate a total of 350 bhp at 5700 RPM and over 369 lb-ft. of torque at 2800-4750 RPM that is sent to all four forged wheels. The Volvo S60 Polestar also benefits from a new software setting for the all-wheel drive system that sends more torque to the rear axle in driving situations. This allows the new sports sedan to reach 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Other areas of the Volvo S60 Polestar received the sporty touch of the Swedish company. The chassis was one of the main areas that was updated and the focus was more on sport than comfort. The suspension was fitted with new Ohlins shock absorbers, upgraded springs that are over 60Nm stiffer, new front and rear stabilizers, carbon fiber struts, tie rods and end rods, and more to improve handling and achieve better performance. The factory wheels have been replaced with new in-house forged wheels that measure 8.0 x 19 front and rear and use 235/40R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Behind the new wheels are larger front and rear brake rotors with Brembo and Jurid 958 performance brake pads that provide increased stopping power with less fade.
The aerodynamics of the Volvo S60 Polestar were also a point of emphasis. The front bumper has been fitted with a new spoiler to generate downforce, while new side skirts help redirect air more efficiently away from the rear forged wheels. The trunk uses a new spoiler for increased downforce and a new diffuser sits below the bumper to improve overall stability at high speeds.