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December 4, 2014
Testing the S60/V60 T4 with the Polestar Performance Package | Volvo
Volvo S60/V60 T4 R-DESIGN Polestar Performance Package |
Volvo S60/V60 T4 R-DESIGN Polestar Performance Package
Testing the Volvo S60 T4 with the Polestar Performance Package
Introduced late last year, the 3.0-liter inline-six turboPolestar Performance Package for T6 Engineis an unusual optional package that allows the manufacturer to officially tune the engine's computer. This popular package is now available for models equipped with the 1.6-liter inline-four T4 engine. This time, Mr. Satoshi Shiomi tested the "S60" equipped with this T4-向け Polestar Performance Package.
Text by SHIOMI Satoshi
Photographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki
Volvo Riding the Wave
Perhaps the biggest news in imported cars so far in 2013 has been the Japanese debut of the VolvoV40"V40."
The hatchback, which combines a powerful yet efficient engine, stylish design with practicality, and strategic pricing, has been selling well since its launch. Volvo Cars Japan is ambitious, aiming to "exceed 20,000 units annually for the first time since 1997 within a few years."
Volvo's latest offering is not a new model, but a tuning kit to enhance engine performance called the "Polestar Performance Package."
The package for the inline-six engine was released in November 2012, and now it's available for the inline-four engine.
It is compatible with the T4 engine, a 1.6-liter direct-injection inline-four turbo found in the V40, V60, and V70. With the package installed, power specifications increase from the normal 180ps/5,700rpm maximum output and 240Nm (24.5kgm)/1,600-5,000rpm maximum torque to 200ps/5,750rpm and 285Nm (29.1kgm)/2,000-4,250rpm, representing an approximate 10% increase in maximum output and a 19% increase in maximum torque.
Polestar is Volvo's official racing partner, having competed alongside Volvo in series such as the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) and BTCC (British Touring Car Championship).
We test drove a V60 equipped with this package.
Volvo S60/V60 T4 R-DESIGN Polestar Performance Package |
Volvo S60/V60 T4 R-DESIGN Polestar Performance Package
Testing the Volvo S60 T4 with the Polestar Performance Package (2)
Power Increases Naturally
The T4 engine already boasts top-class performance in terms of both maximum output and torque among 1.6-liter inline-four turbo engines. Therefore, the package's effect is difficult to perceive under light loads, such as driving in city traffic.
However, as soon as I paid the toll at the Hakone Turnpike and pressed the accelerator on the uphill straight, I could feel the V60 accelerating powerfully. While the peak torque range has narrowed, it doesn't feel peaky; rather, it feels like a portion of the already torquey engine's wide operating range has been boosted.
This package doesn't alter the engine's physical components but instead modifies the engine management computer's mapping – a so-called ROM tune. However, it exhibits no unnatural behavior, whether in low-load city driving or high-load mountain roads; the power simply increases naturally. While fuel economy is said to remain unchanged, if you drive the more powerful V60 enthusiastically and press the accelerator too much, fuel economy might suffer as a result. But that's not the responsibility of this product.
Installation is available at any authorized dealer, and the new car warranty naturally continues after installation. Currently, only 2013 models are eligible, but 2011 and 2012 models will soon be included, and retrofitting will be possible. The price is 200,000 yen. Volvo owners are fortunate to be able to enhance their car's performance with the ease of upgrading computer memory.