Volvo S60 Polestar concept

The new Volvo S60 Polestar concept might lead to a small production run, depending on market response.

That’s the official line, anyway. But it seems incredible that the Swedish marque wouldn’t want to exploit the relationship with Polestar, its official motorsport partner, by creating a permanent high-performance member of the S60 range to steal sales from the Audi RS4 / BMW M3 / Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG trio.

Volvo S60 Polestar Concept (2012) Front Side
Volvo S60 Polestar Concept (2012) Rear Side

On paper at least, it would certainly be more than a match for the Germans:

Manufacturer Volvo Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz
Model S60 Polestar RS4 Avant M3 Coupé C 63 AMG Saloon
Engine 3.0 litres, I6, turbocharged 4.2 litres, V8 4.0 litres, V8 6.2 litres, V8
Power 501 bhp (373 kW / 508 PS) 443 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS) 414 bhp (309 kW / 420 PS) 450 bhp (336 kW / 457 PS)
Torque 575 Nm (424 lb/ft) 430 Nm (317 lb/ft) 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) 600 Nm (442 lb/ft)
Drive All-wheel drive All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 3.9 secs 4.7 secs 4.8 secs 4.5 secs
Top Speed Over 186 mph (300 km/h) 155 mph (250 km/h)* 155 mph (250 km/h)* 155 mph (250 km/h)*
* Electronically limited.

It’s not just the engine that has been fettled, though. The S60 Polestar also features a chassis upgrade package that includes Öhlins dampers, wider front and rear tracks, a lowered ride height, strengthened anti-roll bars, 19” Polestar alloy wheels and recalibrated steering.

Visually, form very much follows function: wider wheel arches, extra brake cooling ducts, a front splitter, a rear boot lid spoiler and a rear carbon fibre diffuser all contribute to a subtle yet effective look. On the inside meanwhile, changes have been limited to specially-designed front seats, a revised centre console and lots of Alcantara trim.

Related posts:
Volvo reveals the S60 TTA
Volvo V60 diesel hybrid
Volvo C30 Polestar PCP

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