Volvo S60 Polestar Concept revealed

Volvo and its aftermarket tuning partner Polestar have outlined comprehensive specifications for the new S60 Polestar concept. While Volvo was keeping mum about the car, which is a project led largely by Polestar, the word is now out: 508hp from the high-performance turbocharged inline six. And the car is not just about straight-line performance, as Polestar officials explained in a press release.

“We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60” said Polestar founder and CEO Christian Dahl.

“It’s a car developed with our own preferences in mind which, we from experience know, are shared by a group of active drivers.”

The concept car, which may yet go into production as Volvo's answer to the BMW M3, is not an all-out racecar. From the start of the project the principals were determined the new car would be comfortable, driveable and safe as any other Volvo — but with considerably more grunt.

To handle the extra performance, the concept features Öhlins three-way adjustable dampers, a 30mm lower ride height, wider track (20mm front, 40mm rear), a stronger bodyshell and a recalibrated version of the Haldex all-wheel drive system.

It has led Volvo Polestar racing driver Robert Dahlgren to remark that: "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."

While the car may be tractable around town, as Dahlgren hints, the concept car still packs quite a punch, capable of reaching 100km/h from a standing start within 3.9 seconds and achieving a top speed above 300km/h, according to the press material provided.

Developing 379kW and 575Nm, the modified B6304T4 engine will rev as hard as 7100rpm. A combination of worked cylinder-head and combustion chambers, a new inlet manifold and air intake, special connecting rods, Garret 3171 turbocharger and a Ferrita 3.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system all had their part to play in the engine's performance lift.

Running through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, drive is delivered to the rear wheels, as well as the front, by a Haldex system with electronically-controlled limited slip differential in the rear.

A combination comprising 265/30 R19 tyres on 9.5x19 Polestar alloy wheels benefits from the suspension changes already noted above, plus reinforced anti-roll bars front and rear, recalibrated electric steering and other mods to control arms, bushes and engine mounts.

Pulling up the S60 Polestar concept is the work of a Polestar/Brembo braking system consisting of six-piston calipers and 380mm ventilated disc rotors at the front. Rear brakes are Polestar/Volvo-developed calipers acting on 302mm ventilated discs.

Based on testing carried out by Volvo's wind tunnel facility, the concept car is slightly wider, and features a new front splitter and larger rear spoiler to reduce lift. Inside, the car comes with exclusive seats providing increased support, with Alcantara trim for the steering wheel, gear knob and seats.

The car has been developed for one specific client, but neither Volvo nor Polestar have said definitively the S60 concept won't go into production, although the production run may be very limited and focused on homologation for racing.  

“Polestar’s heart and soul is motorsport and our main focus is to deliver the absolute best results for Volvo on the track” says Christian Dahl.

“But over the years we have also seen a significant increase in demand for Volvo performance cars and parts and naturally we want to respond to this.”