What’s blue and incredibly fast. Yes, Sonic the hedgehog fulfils that criteria, as does planet Earth as it hurtles its way around the sun, but we’re on about the forthcoming Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar, both of which are extremely blue and incredibly rapid.
Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and the US residents will get both the V60 estate and the S60 saloon models when Volvo launch the things in June 2014. The UK will have to settle for the V60 Polestar estate alone.
Sadly the S60 and V60 Polestar are more reserved than the 400bhp Polestar C30 concept, which many petrolheads will have seen in action on Top Gear. Even the 501bhp S60 Polestar prototype was beefier in the engine department.
The V60 and S60 Polestar are, however, still pretty rapid in production car form. A six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo T6 produces a thunderous 350bhp (up 50bhp from the standard T5) and 369lb/ft (500Nm) of torque from 2,800rpm, allowing both cars to hit 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds and up to a limited 155mph. 0 to 124mph takes just 17.7 seconds.
The engine breathes through a 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system for a throaty sound, while all that power is sent through a four-wheel drive system and gearbox that have been specifically recalibrated. Grip should, therefore, be plentiful.
The springs have been made 80 per cent stiffer than they are on the S60 R-Design and are now attached to Ohlins shock absorbers. Braking is now taken care of by 371mm ventilated front discs and six-pot Brembo calipers.
On the outside Volvo has used data from wind tunnel testing to help the S60 and V60 slip through the air. A front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser help increase downforce and optimise the airflow under the car, while the Polestar blue paintjob is there to, well, look blooming awesome.
Step into the S60 and V60 Polestar and you’ll see a few new tweaks to the interior. There are new materials to touch and colours to look at. Here’s hoping Volvo’s new Sensus infotainment system will be a part of the experience.
”All in all we have taken a major step forward in all areas, from chassis and engine to interior and exterior details,” Polestar Technical Project Manager Henrik Fries explained. “Development work has been focused on the overall package in order to create a car that you want to use every day, both from a practical and emotional perspective.”
The S60 and V60 Polestar will run as a limited edition, but Volvo is yet to say how limited production will be. It has also neglected to give a price, stating all will be revealed in 2014.
Volvo V60 pictures
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