Volvo announces Polestar-designed tuning packages for cars equipped with a Drive-E engine

By Ronan Glon May 1, 2015

Volvo Drive-E engine — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Volvo will now cater to buyers who seek higher performance by offering tuning packages for models equipped with a Drive-E engine. Called Polestar Performance Optimization, the kits will be compatible with the vast majority of Volvo’s recent three- and four-cylinder engines.

The tuning kits are primarily designed to boost mid-range performance, not to turn a professor-friendly S60 Cross Country into a tire-slaying Hellcat. Cars fitted with the kit will benefit from a slight bump in power, a more responsive throttle, quicker and more precise gear changes, and improved off-throttle response. However, Volvo is keeping precise performance specifications under wraps for the time being.

The automaker points out that the modifications will not have a negative effect on fuel economy and, critically, they will not void the factory warranty. They were developed with input from Polestar Performance, a company that has been tuning and racing all kinds of Volvos for over 20 years, and with help from transmission expert Aisin Warner.

The first Polestar Performance Optimization kits will go on sale in select markets in late June. Initially, the kits will only be available for the T6, T5, D5 and D4 engines, but Volvo promises it will roll out no less than 140 different tuning packages over the coming months.

What’s next?
Volvo has recently confirmed plans to add more full-blown Polestar-tuned cars to its lineup in the near future. Top Gear reports that the next model will be a hot-rodded version of the Europe-only V40 hatchback that will fight in the same arena as the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and the Audi RS 3.

If built, the V40 Polestar will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that will send approximately 340 horsepower to all four wheels via an automatic transmission. It will gain a full body kit, but Top Gear predicts it will be a lot more discreet in appearance than the aggressive-looking A45.

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Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

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