Volvo S60 Polestar ultra-performance concept revealed

Motorsport and performance tuner Polestar, who is the official partner of Volvo, has just released official details on the high-performance Volvo S60 Polestar sedan.

When most people think of Volvo, the image is one of a safe family vehicle that will get them to their destination in comfort. But Volvo is beginning to change that image with the help of Polestar, who is the official partner of Volvo. Polestar is Volvo’s performance tuner and motorsport partner who has already developed a race-ready S60 that is successful on the track. As we reported last month, a Volvo S60 Polestar performance model has been in the works and now details have been officially released with some exciting performance numbers.

The S60 Polestar is expected to compete with some of the world’s finest super sedans like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG. And with the just released numbers, they may be able to do just that. Polestar's goal all along was to combine the same comfortable Volvo driving experience with a high level of power and handling.

Robert Dahlgren, Volvo Polestar racing driver, comments the driving experience: “to me the Volvo S60 is a very well sorted car from start. In our concept car we have developed chassis, engine and transmission just like we want it, and the result is a huge leap forward in terms of handling and performance. It is, by far, the most impressive street Volvo I’ve ever driven. But I must also say that the genuine Volvo feeling is still there. “

Polestar applies their magic to the S60

Polestar started by taking the stock Volvo T6 engine and tuned it to deliver an incredible 508 horsepower and 424 lb. ft. of torque. They accomplished this by modifying the cylinder heads and combustion chambers. They gave it a larger air intake and inlet manifold and added a Garret 3171 turbocharger. In order to handle all that horsepower, Polestar had to reinforce the close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

The chassis was given a complete sports suspension that was lowered and widened. They added a special tuned Haldex all-wheel drive system and Ohlins suspension andt left nothing on the stock S60 suspension untouched. The brakes were the next thing to get the Polestar treatment with large Brembo 380 mm discs up front and 302 mm discs in the rear. Outside, the Polestar S60 was made extra slippery with a lowered front splitter, large rear spoiler and a carbon fiber diffuser. The body was also widened front and rear for greater stability at high speeds.

When you compare the Volvo S60 Polestar performance numbers with the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, it fares very well. The Mercedes C 63 AMG V-8 pumps out 510 horsepower and the BMW M3 delivers 450 horsepower. It will be interesting to see what Volvo intends to do with their new high-performance S60 Polestar.

The development of the new Volvo S60 Polestar will take place at Polestar's premises in Gothenburg, where the engine, chassis, electronics and aerodynamics will be optimized for performance. We will see if the Volvo S60 Polestar concept makes it to production, but Volvo says a limited number may be built pending market response.