Polestar to Volvo is like what AMG is to Mercedes – a division solely specialising in making the brand’s humdrum saloon into a tarmac blistering rocket to get that grin on your face when you put your foot down on the accelerator. First came to life as a racing team back in 1996, they have put their racing engineering and technological know-how gathered from the 5 driving titles and 6 team titles from Touring Car Championship wins to make the rather safe and responsible Volvo cars into an enthusiastic mad hound.
They were first responsible for the C30 Polestar Performance Concept back in 2010 which has made them rather famed for making the 200bhp hot hatch into a fire-breathing, 450bhp pocket rocket. Too bad it never came to life but following that, Polestar Performance created the S60 Polestar concept as an heir to their first creation, and we are glad to say… Its coming to life!
Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line 6 cylinder engine – the S60/V60 Polestar has a rated output of 350bhp and 500nm of torquey twist to catapult this sleeping saloon from Zerotohundred in a claimed time of 4.9 seconds. Power is then transmitted to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with a launch control function. The new hot Polestar is also fitted with a Haldex system for better torque distribution between the all-wheel drive system.
On the handling side of things, Polestar has also beefed up the chassis for improved stability; courtesy of Ohlins shock absorbers that promises less roll and sharper handling. At the same time, new front splitters and rear diffusers will also help to optimize the airflow at speed. Brakes? Not to worry.. Polestar has fitted large 4 pots on the front and performance rear brakes too for added performance and safety.
No word on pricing yet but all we know is that its going to be sold in very very limited numbers around the world. For those who are bored with the German’s Audi S4 and BMW 335i – this should be something of interest within your radar. Will we see it here in Malaysia? Tough to say.. Volvo is still seen here as a very safe car, and surely many would consider a hot Volvo rather pointless. Us however? We like it! A sleeper machine to worry the likes of 911s.. Why not right?
