Tuesday 26th November 2013

350hp Volvo V60 Polestar confirmed

A new era in fast Volvo estates begins with Polestar V60

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Polestar's transition from Volvo race team and occasional builder of mad one-off road cars into a proper in-house tuner in the mould of BMW M or AMG takes another step forward with today's announcement of an all-new Polestar S60 and V60.

Polestar mods more extensive than before

Having driven Polestar's six-figure, 500hp-plus S60 on a couple of occasions - see Chris Harris's video here - we've been very impressed with the Swedes' ability to make (whisper it) boring Volvos more exciting. At a price.

The tuning packages made available for those not ready to fork out supercar money for a bright blue Volvo saloon have done the numbers too, if not quite delivered on the M-beating promise. See our drive in the S60 T6 Polestar for more.

The new Polestar S60 and V60 take a decisive leap forwards though, keeping the transverse straight-six, Haldex four-wheel drive and autobox of the standard T6 models but increasing power to 350hp and 369lb ft. This is a significant increase on the 329hp and 351lb ft of the previous Polestar package and puts a lot more ground between it and the standard car's 306hp and 324lb ft. Polestar achieves the increased power with a new twin-scroll Borg Warner turbo and 2.5-inch exhaust system with suitably girthsome 3.5-inch tail pipes, the better for broadcasting what's described as "a throaty engine note" in the official press release. 0-62 is now 4.9 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph.

Estate only for the UK market Polestar

The more decisive nature of the engine upgrade is matched with some extensive chassis modifications, including an eyebrow raising 80 per cent increase in spring rates over the standard S60 R-Design. On its own that might sound worrying but paired with fancy Ohlins dampers you'd have to hope there will be a taste of the suppleness and control we felt in the similarly equipped concept car. Polestar has also had use of Volvo's wind tunnel to hone some aero additions, including a front splitter and rear diffuser. Six-pot Brembo brakes gripping monster 371mm calipers complete the package.

Although the Polestar package will be offered for both S60 saloon and V60 estate variants in various markets Volvo UK has opted to limit availability to just the latter, reviving fond memories of fast Volvo wagons of old. Pricing has yet to be confirmed but don't expect it to be quite as attractive as the £660 asked for the existing power upgrade. Indeed, given that the base price for a V60 T6 R-Design is £39,435 and the extensive nature of the modifications we'd be inclined to speculate on a price well into the 40s. Which, given the 333hp Audi S4 Avant starts at £39,865 and a BMW 335i M Sport Touring with 306hp would cost from £38,865, is nearly as bold as the trademark Rebel Blue paint.

 

[dukebox9reg]

I likey. Is it me or they look like VXR-8 wheels. If I was in the market it would be a close call between one of these and an S4.

It would all depend on which one was the worse understeery mess when pushing on. The quick 4wd Volvos of past have not really been looked on favorably in that discipline

[LuS1fer]

I really like the idea of this after the piece Johnny did on 5G.

[chrisp84]

Estate looks good, aslong as it handles ok. Has Volvo produced a decent handling car recently?

[Finlandia]

chrisp84 said:

Has Volvo produced a decent handling car recently?

Compared to the 240, yes

[HustleRussell]

Meh. The Polestar C30 was the only one I was interested in.

[Davie]

Big fast Volvo estate = win!

That said, I can't see me chucking my bike and a wet dog in the back of these 15 years down the line and treating it with all the mechanical sympathy of a well used sledgehammer whilst headed for KFC with the change from £500.

[bogie]

Looks good ...so long as its 4WD

[epom]

That really looks good

[Chicane-UK]

Love that... very nice indeed.

[chrisw666]

Nice, but the V60 doesn't feel anywhere near as big as the 850/V70 did, still very much one for the list.

[365daytonafan]

Soon to appear in your rear view mirror with flashing blue lights in the grille?

[hondansx]

Sounds fantastic! Bravo Volvo for responding to calls - time for the enthusiasts to put their money where their mouths are then.

I've certainly been impressed by the styling of recent Volvos, but have never given them the chance. I'll certainly visit a local dealer to have a look at one of these as a left-field choice.

[Agoogy]

shame no saloon.... but it's still a big step in the right direction

[Liquid Tuna]

YAY!!

[ManOpener]

Still think that, from the rear at least, these are the best looking large estate on the market.
Who else thinks that ~350bhp from a turbocharged six is still only just scratching the surface? I really hope they do a couple of extra versions...

[5lab]

i don't see this lasting very long, as volvo are dropping the 5- and 6- pot engines to use only i4 going forwards. There is still a T6, but that's already got 300bhp from a 2l engine. I'd be surprised if polestar got another 50 and left the warranty in tact (I know AMG have done just this - so its not impossible)

Agoogy said:

shame no saloon.... but it's still a big step in the right direction

the s60 is also confirmed - www.nextpolestar.com

Edited by 5lab on Tuesday 26th November 12:33

[mnkiboy]

chrisw666 said:

Nice, but the V60 doesn't feel anywhere near as big as the 850/V70 did, still very much one for the list.

This. It's nowhere near as big as the V70. It's missing the Volvo trademark of having the rear side window longer than the rear door window. It's almost like a big hatchback, 3 Series GT style.

[filski666]

" Six-pot Brembo brakes gripping monster 371mm calipers"

...well, that ain't gonna work.....!

[SeiW500]

BMW 335d M-Sport Touring for me please.....

[Dave Hedgehog]

very interested in this