Polestar offers rear-biased upgrade to AWD Volvos
A software change designed to make 90 series, 60 series and XC40s feel more dynamic? Sounds good to us
So you know how Polestar is now a standalone performance brand creating its own models? Well, it turns out this doesn't mean it can't occasionally still have some fun with Volvos. The division's latest input into its parent company's regular cars comes in the form of new software designed to "optimise" all-wheel drive models "for more dynamic driving", which sounds good to us.
While no numbers have been released as of yet, Polestar said the optional software, available with 90 series, 60 series and XC40s in petrol and diesel forms from August, will send more torque to the rear axle. This should give the car more throttle adjustability and therefore make them more appealing to us lot.
Polestar's new optional software, which will cost £695 until the end of September and £835 from then on, is separate to its existing digital upgrade - the one that's already included on optional equipment lists. This software change quickens throttle response and gear change times, as well as boosting engine output to produce regular variants that rival the likes of BMW's M-fettled cars. The good news is cars already featuring the latter software upgrade get the new one for free, should their owners want it.
Looking further ahead, Polestar's influence on Volvo's range won't end here, because it'll also create more 'Polestar Engineered' models. It recently revealed an upgraded S60 Polestar Engineered that gained Ohlins dampers and Brembo brakes along with a boost for its electrified powertrain, which offers 415hp and 494b ft of torque, up from 400hp and 472b ft.
This all serves to keep the Polestar name burbling along before it really gets going. The firm's first standalone model, the 1, isn't due to reach roads in mid-2019, when it'll use a hybrid powertrain. Every other car after that will come in pure electric form, meaning pepped-up Volvos with Polestar upgrades could become the only way to enjoy this division's engineering talents with an internal combustion engine.
There's absolutely no way they can send more than 50% of the total torque to the rear wheels unless they've magically found a way of changing the rear diff ratio with software....
Unfortunately, to get any actual rear bias from a Haldex or Twinster 'hang on' rear diff you need to run your Power Takeoff Unit at a physically higher ratio than the front diff. The only car that I believe actually does this currently is the Focus RS. Still....hats off to Polestar for fiddling around with some AWD cal stuff. It certainly can't hurt, and it's nice to see they have this freedom.
The other myth the other way around is that Haldex won't drive to the rear untill the front wheels lose grip which is untrue for the later generations. So great traction, yes, truly intresting rear drive dynamics, not really...
The other myth the other way around is that Haldex won't drive to the rear untill the front wheels lose grip which is untrue for the later generations. So great traction, yes, truly intresting rear drive dynamics, not really...
There's absolutely no way they can send more than 50% of the total torque to the rear wheels unless they've magically found a way of changing the rear diff ratio with software....
Unfortunately, to get any actual rear bias from a Haldex or Twinster 'hang on' rear diff you need to run your Power Takeoff Unit at a physically higher ratio than the front diff. The only car that I believe actually does this currently is the Focus RS. Still....hats off to Polestar for fiddling around with some AWD cal stuff. It certainly can't hurt, and it's nice to see they have this freedom.
"Rear bias AWD" is either a thing people want or it is car salesman b
ks because I've been told variously by owners of X-types, VWs, Insignias, SAABs and Volvos (the latter three all using the same Aisin-Warner transmission) that their particular car has a rear-biased system but on the occasions I've queried how I usually have to change the subject to avoid hurt feelings. One chap even told me he was getting a piggyback TCU on his Golf so he could switch it into RWD mode.The other myth the other way around is that Haldex won't drive to the rear untill the front wheels lose grip which is untrue for the later generations. So great traction, yes, truly intresting rear drive dynamics, not really...
Not gonna happen (less efficient), but a direct drive to the rear and a haldex to the fronts would be even better dynamically, completely new gearbox layout needed then though...
There's absolutely no way they can send more than 50% of the total torque to the rear wheels unless they've magically found a way of changing the rear diff ratio with software....
Unfortunately, to get any actual rear bias from a Haldex or Twinster 'hang on' rear diff you need to run your Power Takeoff Unit at a physically higher ratio than the front diff. The only car that I believe actually does this currently is the Focus RS. Still....hats off to Polestar for fiddling around with some AWD cal stuff. It certainly can't hurt, and it's nice to see they have this freedom.
"Rear bias AWD" is either a thing people want or it is car salesman b
ks because I've been told variously by owners of X-types, VWs, Insignias, SAABs and Volvos (the latter three all using the same Aisin-Warner transmission) that their particular car has a rear-biased system but on the occasions I've queried how I usually have to change the subject to avoid hurt feelings. One chap even told me he was getting a piggyback TCU on his Golf so he could switch it into RWD mode.The older system on my Leg End is rather fun, but it is very heavy having three clutch/epicyclic packs. Since the drive torque is through the epicyclics rather than clutches, it ought to be able to handle a true RWD-bias.
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