Photo: Volvo
The 2017 Volvo S60 and V60 in Polestar flavor aren’t your run-of-the-mill Volvos. In fact, the all-out Polestar treatment had transformed them into the quickest production models to wear Volvo badges. Now, the Polestar division decided to up the ante of Volvo’s 2.0-liter turbo diesel under the hoods of the S90 and V90.
More to the point, Polestar can upgrade the engine which is known as the D5 PowerPulse. The 2.0-liter four-banger develops 235 horsepower and 480 Nm as standard in the Volvo S90 and Volvo V90. After £835 and a Polestar badge affixed on the rear fascia, the numbers hike to 240 horsepower and 500 Nm.
I know what you’re thinking right now. How can Volvo charge UK owners £167 per extra pony and £41.75 per extra newton-meter? At first glance, it does seem like a lot of money for rather modest gains. The thing is, Volvo insists that the Polestar Performance Optimization is more than just an ECU tune.
According to the Swedish automaker, the Polestar-branded upgrade has been designed to enhance the entirety of the drivetrain, not just add horsepower here and some torque there. Among others, Volvo is promising better throttle and off-throttle response, quicker shifting through the gears of the 8-speed auto, and improved performance from the D5 PowerPulse 2.0-liter engine.
"We continue to enhance the performance of Volvo’s new, class-leading SPA vehicle architecture and Drive-E powertrains. The S90 and V90 already offer excellent driving dynamics, and we are delighted to raise the performance level even further with Polestar Performance Optimisation," explains Niels Meller, the chief operating officer of the Polestar brand.
Being an OEM upgrade available exclusively at Volvo dealerships, the Polestar performance pack has been made with certified emissions, fuel efficiency, and service intervals in mind. Also, the upgrade doesn’t default the warranties of the S90 mid-size sedan and V90 family-oriented wagon.
I know what you’re thinking right now. How can Volvo charge UK owners £167 per extra pony and £41.75 per extra newton-meter? At first glance, it does seem like a lot of money for rather modest gains. The thing is, Volvo insists that the Polestar Performance Optimization is more than just an ECU tune.
According to the Swedish automaker, the Polestar-branded upgrade has been designed to enhance the entirety of the drivetrain, not just add horsepower here and some torque there. Among others, Volvo is promising better throttle and off-throttle response, quicker shifting through the gears of the 8-speed auto, and improved performance from the D5 PowerPulse 2.0-liter engine.
"We continue to enhance the performance of Volvo’s new, class-leading SPA vehicle architecture and Drive-E powertrains. The S90 and V90 already offer excellent driving dynamics, and we are delighted to raise the performance level even further with Polestar Performance Optimisation," explains Niels Meller, the chief operating officer of the Polestar brand.
Being an OEM upgrade available exclusively at Volvo dealerships, the Polestar performance pack has been made with certified emissions, fuel efficiency, and service intervals in mind. Also, the upgrade doesn’t default the warranties of the S90 mid-size sedan and V90 family-oriented wagon.
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