While a natural assumption is that Swedish tuning experts Polestar is to Volvo what the M-division is to BMW there are some important differences to note in terms of the role that Volvo’s performance partner plays in the development of fast Gothenburg-developed machinery.
Although the working relationship between Polestar and Volvo is closer than ever – with some exciting plans ahead – for the time being this relatively small (around 40 people) tuning company still places racing, and, more importantly, racing to win higher on its list of priorities then developing specialised road-going performance cars.
That said, while Polestar continues to impress with its efforts in both the 2014 Australian V8 championship and Swedish Touring car series greater coloration between Volvo and Polestar in recent times has led to the begins of a potentially very exciting production car future.
While the 2010 Polestar C30 and 2012 S60 Concept were one-off celebrations of the company’s racing successes the 750 unit limited run of Volvo S60/V60 Polestar models has been created to showcase a somewhat tamer, more user-friendly side of this tuning house.
I say tamer but the sight of a Rebel Blue S60 parked alongside the naked shell of the car currently leading the 2014 STCC championship within the spotless Polestar workshop still looked fairly menacing to me.
Bespoke 20-inch wheels alloy wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (245/35 ZR20) and up front fit over massive 371 mm ventilated Brembo brakes.
Additional racing-inspired bodywork aside a highlight of the Polestar package, both parked and on the move, is a firmed and lowered stance. While ordinarily an 80 per cent firming of spring ratings would result is a severely compromised real world ride quality the fitment of adjustable (and no doubt expensive) Öhlins dampers at all four corners has created one the most balanced suspension arrangements I’ve encountered on a performance saloon. The advanced new underpinnings add a feeling of sure-footed solidity to S60 package without a noticeable compromise (and possibly even an improvement) in everyday usability or comfort. The real benefit, however, is newfound turn-in response and more front-end grip than any 1 700-kilogram sedan has the right to possess.
A tweak to the Haldex all-wheel drive system means a greater bias towards rearward torque distribution, the result being a more satisfying shove as you dump the throttle out of sharp corners.
On that note a new twin-scroll turbocharger and revised intercooler allows for an increase in both power and torque over the standard (six-cylinder) T6 but also a greater spread of this newfound momentum throughout the rev range. Having spend a lot of time behind the wheel of modern Volvos (including running a V60 T5 long-termer) I was pleasantly surprised to find Polestar has remapped the throttle’s otherwise oversensitive initial bite towards a more natural progression.
Despite sharing a claimed 4,9-seconds 0-100 km/h time, from behind the wheel the S60 Polestar feels faster than its closest rival, the supercharged Audi S4. The revised six-speed automatic transmission in the Volvo not only features faster reaction times (with a fully manual mode) but also a curve-hold function designed to hold off on any potentially unsettling mid-corner gear shifts. It’s still no double-clutch ‘box but reaction times are nevertheless impressive. A more aggressive (mechanical) exhaust note can dialled in via a shift to Sport mode.
Interior revisions to the Volvo S60 Polestar include more heavily bolstered Nubuk leather seats and the inclusion of chrome and genuine carbon highlights.
Returning the S60 Polestar after an afternoon spent exploring its limits was bittersweet. While Volvo’s downsizing strategy means the days of this car’s six-cylinder engine (and all its wonderful attributes) are numbered, based on my experience with the first-ever road-going Polestar, and the glint in the eyes of those enthusiastic few behind-the-scenes at this impressive tuning outfit to know the future of fast Volvos is in safe hands.
Asked about the possibility of cars making their way to the South African market, the answer was, “never say never”.
