Volvo's collaboration with Polestar is rapidly expanding.
When you think Volvo you almost certainly think safety. But the Swedish maker also would like to get potential buyers to associate the brand with performance.
Mercedes-Benz has AMG and BMW has its M-Class and now Volvo is challenging its German rivals with cars enhanced by Polestar.
Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Polestar has collaborated with Volvo since 1996. Since 2009 Polestar has developed performance optimization software for Volvo cars. Polestar and Volvo is now boosting the visibility of its partnership with Polestar. The initiative isn’t anywhere near as lavish or expensive as the AMG and or M-Class but it does offer Volvo fans looking for added performance some genuine punch — without the typical mileage penalty.
The Polestar performance software packages are now available on the 2012 XC60 R-Design, S60 and XC70 fitted with a T6 engine for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,495 when installed at the dealer. The T6 Polestar software package adds 25 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque, bringing the three car lines to 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft.
Equally impressive is that the added power does not affect fuel consumption, as the efficient tuning of the engine only increases the power output when it is needed.
“Just a few weeks after announcing the performance package for select T5 models, we have already received tremendous feedback from our customers,” said Chris Dauerer, VCNA’s vice president of customer service. “With Polestar, we are able to deliver our performance-minded customers the enhanced driving package they have been looking for now across a variety of our carlines,” he added, noting the upgrades take only about 10 minutes to re-program a vehicle.
The Polestar performance software package is also available for Volvo’s C30 with the T5 engine from model-years 2008 through 2012 as well as the C70 T5 for model-year 2008 through 2012 and the S40 T5 for model-year 2008 through 2011 and the V50 T5 AWD with manual transmission for model-year 2008- through 2011,
“Volvo has had a long and successful racing history,” Polestar’s Andreas Naeslund noted. Over the years, Polestar has been an integral part of the Volvo’s success. Polestar now offers Volvo customers a chance to enhance the performance of its vehicles while reducing any safety or negative impact on the environment. “It meets the needs of performance oriented customers in a responsible way,” he said.
Joe Haslem, a Volvo brand manager, said making the Polestar performance enhancements available on crossover models such as XC60 and XC70 brings them to the marque’s most popular models.
Polestar also fits nicely into the lifestyle of Volvo’s most loyal customers, added Haslem, who is responsible for the Volvo XC60, XC90 and C70 models.
“Polestar can enhance the customers driving experience,” he said.