Continuing its return to the very cool end of the scale, Volvo has announced plans for new S60 and V60 Polestar models that are due to be launched in mid-2014. These performance variants will aim to be an alternative to German rivals and could give the Swedish brand even more of a cult following, and with the suggestion that each will be produced in only limited numbers, the demand should be high.
Exterior
Although the S60 and V60 won't exactly be Q cars, neither will they have over-the-top styling. Instead Volvo has added aerodynamic front splitters and bumpers while the rear of each model gains an optimised diffusor. Both cars also ride on 20-inch Polestar alloy wheels, which, combined with upgraded suspension and a lower ride height, mean that they both have a great stance. As you would expect with a Polestar model, Volvo has released the images of them painted in that divisive 'Rebel Blue' paintwork and the cars will also carry subtle Polestar badging.
Interior
The S and V60 both have fine interiors to begin with but Volvo has allowed Polestar to re-work the inside with more supportive front seats, which have larger side bolsters to help when cornering while a new steering wheel is another of the unique Polestar additions. We would also expect less leather and more use of Alcantara.
Mechanicals
Powering these new Volvos isn't the famous five-cylinder engine (much to the disappointment of the purists) but a six-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged unit. The engine, which has been breathed on quite heavily by Polestar, produces 350hp and 500Nm. Some of this additional performance is thanks to a 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system that allows the engine to breathe a little better.
Mated to the engine is a six-speed automatic gearbox, which, in conjunction with a Haldex four-wheel drive system, enables the cars to dispatch the a 0-100km/h dash in 4.9 seconds. The driver will be able to change gear via a paddle-shift system and the traction control has been tuned to handle the extra power.
Anything else?
Although Volvo has said that it expects these new Polestar models to be available in mid-2014, they will not be sold in every country. So far it has been confirmed that the UK, USA, Japan and the Netherlands will get these cars, and hopefully Ireland will be added to that list soon. Currently no pricing or indeed production numbers have been announced as yet.