508hp Volvo S60 Polestar revealed

Volvo’s performance partner Polestar has had another crack at fantasy football by stuffing 508hp under the bonnet of an S60 sedan. That’s not a typo—508hp—that’s near as damn is to swearing 380kW!

To achieve these lofty results Polestar has thrown out the standard turbo from the inline T6 engine and bolted on a kick arse Garrett turbo. Of course, a big turbo alone won’t provide smooth results, so a modified air intake and manifold have been added, along with an uprated head and cylinder chambers. A 3.5″ stainless steel exhust system rounds of the mechanical upgrades.

Power is transferred to the ground by a modified Haldex all-wheel drive system. We suspect it has to work damn hard to maintain traction while propelling the S60 Polestar to 100km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds. Top speed is said to be beyond 300km/h, if you don’t mind.

The production-spec suspension and brakes have also been chucked out in favour of uprated gear from Ohlins and Brembo. Even the track has been widened to aid handling; 20mm at the front and 40mm at the rear.

For now this is a one off creation, but if there are enough cashed up punters screaming, “Hey, I want one too!”, then Volvo may consider building the car in limited numbers.

Polestar presents Volvo S60 Polestar performance concept

Volvo Cars Official Motorsport and Performance partner Polestar present the Volvo S60 Polestar, a performance concept car developed with the aim of satisfying the performance minded driver.

“We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60” says Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar. “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 main focus when developing the car has been to combine a comfortable genuine Volvo driving experience with a high level of power and handling. The Volvo T6 engine has been tuned to deliver a considerable increase in power and torque. This, in combination with a lowered, widened and reinforced chassis together with a tuned Haldex all-wheel drive system and Öhlins suspension makes the car suitable for both high performance driving and long distance travelling.

Robert Dahlgren, Volvo Polestar racing driver, comments the driving experience: “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. “

The car presented at Gothenburg CityArena is the first car built for one specific client. A small series of Polestar modified S60s may be built pending market response;

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

Technical specification

Performance
0-100 km/h 3.9s
Top speed more than 300km/h

Engine
Volvo T6 inline six (B6304T4)
508 hp @ 6500rpm
575Nm @ 5500rpm
Max rpm: 7100
Modified cylinder head and combustion chambers
Modified inlet manifold and air intake
Special manufactured conrods
Garret 3171 turbo
Ferrita 3.5” stainless steel exhaust system

Drive train
Reinforced M66C (close ratio) manual 6-speed gear box.
Haldex E-LSD in rear
Haldex Gen4 XWD

Chassis
Tires 265/30R19
Rims Polestar 9,5X19”
Chassis lowered 30mm
Öhlins 3- way shock absorbers
Reinforced anti-roll bar front and rear
Track width increased 20 mm front and 40 mm rear
Polestar-tuned EHPAS steering
Stabilising X- members, front and rear.
Modified control-arms with uniballs front and rear.
Reinforced bushings in sub-frame and control-arms
Modified engine mounts

Weight
Total weight 1640kg and optimized weight distribution

Brakes
Front Polestar-Brembo 6 piston calipers, 380 mm ventilated discs
Rear Polestar-Volvo calipers, 302 mm ventilated discs
Brake cooling air intakes from front

Aerodynamics
Based on tests in Volvo’s wind-tunnel
Lowered front splitter and larger rear spoiler to reduce high speed lift
Carbon fiber diffusor
Body 20 mm widened front and rear

Interior
Polestar designed seats with increased support. Alcantara on all functional areas steering wheel, gear knob, and seats to ensure maximum grip.
Centre console lowered for optimised gear-lever ergonomics.