Volvo Cars Polestar Performance: What You Need To Know

Volvo Polestar Performance

Welcome to the world of Polestar performance. At its core, the philosophy of unlocking a vehicle's true potential drives every Polestar Engineered model. Achieving that goal is the result of intricate upgrades, each defined by years of experience on both race tracks and the road. But what does "true potential" look and feel like from behind the wheel? With Polestar Engineered, it's a next-level driving experience.

This isn't an aftermarket modification kit; it's an exclusive collaboration between Volvo Cars and Polestar, letting loose the ultimate Volvo Cars performance models that you can buy from authorized dealerships like ours. If you believe that driving matters, Polestar products are precisely developed for enthusiasts like you.

In a far-flung era known as the 1990s, Polestar vehicles were made exclusively for the race track. Known by a different name back then, the company took on the "Polestar" name in the 2000s, releasing the first street-ready production Polestar performance Volvo Cars models in 2013. Now, Polestar makes exclusive performance vehicles, with certain Volvo vehicles receiving an exhilarating overhaul under the Polestar Engineered moniker. With this track-bred DNA backing them, these are the current Polestar Engineered models you can find:

Volvo XC60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
Volvo S60 Recharge Polestar Engineered
Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered

The current generation Volvo S60 and V60 (using the T8 powertrain) receive the overhaul to great effect. For those in Hunt Valley, MD, who want SUV practicality to boot, the Volvo XC60 Recharge will offer it in a larger package.

The Meat of Polestar Performance

Unlike early Polestar performance models, a hybrid layout is used. Why? For the most power possible. For example, the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered produces 415 horsepower combined thanks to the T8 powertrain. But power alone is only half the battle. The rest involves handling and stability. Starting with one of the above T8 powertrain-equipped models, you get the following upgrades to turn your chosen Volvo vehicle into a Polestar Engineered model:

Lightweight forged alloy wheels

Available in 19-inch or 21-inch sizes (depending on the vehicle), these sleek Y-spoke wheels firstly add visual flair, but also performance thanks to a far lighter weight. That low weight is thanks to the construction, milled from a solid aluminum block like the wheels of a proper race car. They're perhaps the greatest wheels you may be able to find with our Volvo Cars parts offers.

Polestar Engineered Öhlins Chassis

With decades of race-winning engineering in their portfolio, Öhlins is a top Swedish marque for performance — just like Polestar. Revising the already agile Volvo Dynamic Chassis, Öhlins shock absorbers with innovative Dual Flow Valve technology and Polestar Engineered springs bestow a planted, balanced, and precise ride. It's great for on-road confidence and smoothness and even better when on the race track.

Bespoke strut bar

A strut bar joins forces with the Polestar Engineered Öhlins Chassis for even more agility. Essentially, as you take a turn on roads near Baltimore, one side of the chassis wants to flex upwards, and the other wants to flex downwards. Bracing the chassis from side to side, the strut bar negates this flexing for added stability. As well, it's a beautifully crafted addition, adding some eye candy under the hood.

Polestar Engineered Brembo Brakes

Whether from race teams or high-end performance cars, you've probably heard the Brembo name before. With Polestar Engineered, you can get meaty six-piston calipers up front, with slotted and ventilated rotors for non-stop stopping power. These brakes bestow the confidence to experience the full potential of Polestar Engineered — on a closed course, of course.

Polestar Engineered Styling

Subtly letting the world know you mean business, Polestar Engineered models get unique styling elements to set them apart. This includes a black-chrome-finish Polestar Engineered exhaust, a sporty Polestar Engineered front grille, Black Stone mirror covers, and more.

There are other ways Polestar can enhance your Volvo vehicle. Available as a software upgrade that authorized Volvo Cars dealerships like ours can perform on many Volvo vehicles (not just Polestar Engineered models), Polestar Engineered Optimization takes things even further. In essence, what it does is as follows:

Increases engine responsiveness for quicker acceleration.
Optimizes gear shifts for sportier performance.
Increases cornering control and balance.
Increase corner-exiting acceleration.
Optimizes driving dynamics for an emotionally engaging experience.
Adds distinct trim inside and out.

Whether with a Volvo V60 lease or XC40 for sale, intelligent software optimizes everything from the throttle response to the gear-shift time for the ultimate performance tuning package.

We hope you enjoyed this look into the world of Polestar performance. If you have any questions about the availability of Polestar software, Polestar Engineered models, or the full range of features and specs, don't hesitate to contact us - we're just as passionate about performance. From further guides like all-wheel drive problems declassified to a wide range of new and used models, we're proud to serve all your Volvo vehicle needs with a smile. Stop by today for a taste of Polestar Engineered performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Polestar on a Volvo car?

Polestar on a Volvo vehicle means one thing: performance taken to the next level with advanced parts and engineering. Style joins in with unique additions, but performance parts like Brembo brakes and Öhlins shocks with innovative Dual Flow Valve technology make every Polestar model shine.

What is the Volvo Cars Polestar upgrade?

The Polestar Engineered Optimization upgrade is a suite of six upgrades that enhances your Volvo vehicle's performance in several ways. From sharpened throttle and gear-shift responses to increased agility, selecting this upgrade takes your Volvo vehicle to the next level of performance.

Is the Polestar upgrade worth it?

Yes, choosing the Polestar Engineered Optimization upgrade is worth it, as it transforms the driving dynamics of your Volvo vehicle. From increased agility to sharper throttle response, if you're craving a performance kick, this upgrade is well worth it.

Is Polestar the same as Volvo Cars?

No, the two companies are closely related, but not the same. Polestar began as a separate Swedish racing team and moved on to making performance-enhanced Volvo vehicles. In 2017, Volvo Cars purchased Polestar, and they now make unique performance vehicles and performance enhancements for production Volvo vehicles as a distinct brand.

How much HP does Polestar add?

The horsepower added by the Polestar Engineered Optimization varies. On some models, like a 2021 Volvo XC60 T5 Drive-E AWD Automatic, seven horsepower is added to the peak. But, the main power difference made is where additional power is brought in. Focusing on the mid-range RPMs, the revamped power gives an extra push for highway passing or race track cornering.

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