Volvo S60 Polestar launched

The Volvo S60 Polestar is entering production. However, for now at least, it’ll only be available in Australia and just 100 examples are going to be built.

Power might be down on the 501 bhp (373 kW / 508 PS) of the original S60 Polestar Concept, but the showroom version’s tweaked six-cylinder turbocharged engine still produces a healthy 344 bhp (257 kW / 350 PS) with over 500 Nm (370 lb/ft) of torque.

Volvo S60 Polestar (2013) Front Side

That output is sent to a rear-biased Haldex all-wheel drive system via a specially modified six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to launch control, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint is completed in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To go with the upgraded powertrain, the chassis has also been completely reworked. Included in the specification are Öhlins two-way adjustable dampers, stiffer springs, stronger anti-roll bars, sturdier brakes and a carbon fibre-reinforced strut brace.

Volvo S60 Polestar (2013) Rear Side

Visually, the look is subtle but effective. Along with the trademark blue paintwork, the S60 Polestar features a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, front splitter and 19” wheels that come shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

Deliveries are due to begin this June. Volvo is treating Australia as a test market, so sales success there could eventually lead to the S60 Polestar being offered in further territories. Knowing it has already been engineered for right-hand drive should be an encouraging sign for UK fans, at least.

Related posts:
Volvo S60 Polestar concept
Volvo reveals the S60 TTA
Volvo C30 Polestar PCP

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more