Polestar: Masters of Engineering Essentials

Mercedes-Benz has AMG, BMW has M, Audi has RS. So what does Volvo have?──"Polestar"!



For premium brands, this is the next level beyond sports grades – more extreme, tuned complete cars. While Volvo's sportiest grade was previously R-Design, the arrival of Polestar marks the birth of the most powerful Volvo ever.

Based on the sedan "S60" and wagon "V60" 3-liter inline-six 4WD models, specifically theT6 AWD R-Design"T6 AWD R-Design", these were jointly developed by Polestar Racing, Volvo's official partner since their racing activities began in 1996, and Volvo. Manufacturing takes place at Volvo's Torslanda plant, ensuring the same precision, quality, and safety features as mass-produced models. This means quality is guaranteed, and service is treated the same as for regular production cars.



The development of "Polestar" was led by race car engineers. When you speak with them, you learn they are true car enthusiasts who even participate in track days on weekends. However, they didn't adopt the typical concept of a car for "daily driving on public roads and weekend track excursions." Instead, they said, "We built the car we wanted, one that is comfortable, fast, and fun for us, who are passionate about cars, to use for weekend trips to the track."



When asked what's important in a tuned car, they replied, "Everything is about balance." That statement alone told me these developers understood the essence of tuning. Increasing engine power requires commensurate chassis performance. Suspension, tire grip, braking performance, supportive seats, steering – everything relies on balance.



When tuning a single aspect of a completed road car, one must then rebalance the entire system. As a side note, having come from a "tuned car magazine," I've understood the importance of balance for over 30 years.──

Comfortably Fast

The 3-liter inline-six engine, equipped with a large turbocharger and intercooler, produces 350 ps and 500 Nm of torque at 1.2 bar of boost.



Compared to its "German rivals," the power figures are lower. However, as the developers stated, "The wide torque band is what matters." For a road car, the ability to maintain 500 Nm of torque between 3,000-4,750 rpm is crucial for scenes involving stop-and-go traffic, city driving, and rapid acceleration on the highway. It offers tenacious low-end pull, and from idle to the 6,800 rpm redline, it accelerates with a smooth, motor-like delivery. The intense G-force, combined with the captivating exhaust note from the perfectly balanced inline-six and the surge of turbo torque, provides an experience unlike anything before.



In its home market, the AWD system was also tuned to handle harsh Nordic icy and snowy roads. Polestar modified the typical 50:50 front-rear torque split to bias power towards the rear. The objective is to transmit engine power to the road effectively, resulting in handling characteristics that allow the driver to trace their intended line with ease. The front-rear torque distribution varies dynamically, from 0:100 to 100:0, depending on road conditions.



The "comfortably fast" goal is also effectively achieved by the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This robust transmission, capable of handling up to 1,000 Nm, offers seamless, comfortable shifts in normal D-mode. However, selecting S-mode transforms it into a direct, almost manual-like experience. It intentionally produces slight, crisp shifts and responds instantly to the driver's inputs via the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.



The ride quality is also superb, thanks to suspension springs with 80 percent higher rates than the standard R-Design, coupled with Öhlins double-valve shock absorbers that ensure smooth suspension movement.

A New World of Sporty Volvos

The exceptional grip from the high-stiffness 20-inch tires and the responsive steering make cornering an absolute joy. The tactile steering offers just the right amount of resistance, neither too light nor too heavy, making precise inputs for corners effortless.



The suspension strokes fluidly, as if caressing the road surface, allowing the tires to maintain constant contact. Simply adjusting the steering angle to the curve of the corner allows for incredibly fast tracing. The braking capability is equally impressive; robust brakes designed for track use, featuring large, rigid Brembo 6-piston calipers, provide powerful deceleration with minimal pedal effort, feeling like they pull the car back. Intensity is precisely controlled with the slightest pressure from your foot.



The rich ride quality and the premium interior allow for relaxed cruising. Yet, a slight press of the accelerator instantly transforms it into a beast, appealing to both sports car enthusiasts and lovers of extreme supercars.



With Polestar, a new era of sporty Volvos has begun. It is a car that further illuminates Volvo's transformation.


VOLVO S60 Polestar | Volvo S60 Polestar

VOLVO V60 Polestar | Volvo V60 Polestar

Curb Weight | 1,752kg (S60 Polestar), 1,822kg (V60 Polestar)

Engine | 2,953cc Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve Twin-Scroll Turbo

Max Power | 257 kW (350 ps) / 5,700 rpm

Max Torque | 500 Nm / 2,800-4,750 rpm

Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic (with Paddle Shifters)

Drivetrain | 4WD

Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs (φ371×32mm Brembo)

Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs (φ302×22mm)

0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.9 seconds

Price | ¥7,990,000 (S60 Polestar), ¥8,190,000 (V60 Polestar)



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