?2016 Volvo V60 Polestar?
A Special Order Limited Edition Wagon

Volvo?s Polestar S60 and V60 models are not Polish actors, but are in fact exclusive Swedish hot rods from Volvo?s Polestar Performance Division. The S60 is a 4-door example, while the V60 answers the call for wagon fans.

Volvo Cars of North America imported 750 Polestars for 2016 model year, and will double that number, importing 1,500 – S60 and V60 Polestar vehicles globally or the 2017 model year, with 60% of the mix expected to be V60s, and the remaining 40% .S60s.

Polestar engineers have incorporated more than 70 modifications and upgrades to the stock S60 and V60 vehicles, resulting in highly enhanced performance, that provides the driver with optimal control on all roads in virtually all conditions.

Polestar modified vehicles enjoy a large following of performance enthusiasts, and the 2015 model year examples quickly sold out. S60 and V60 Polestar models were previously only available in Rebel Blue and Black Sapphire, but the 2016 models will now be available in Ice White and Bright Silver as well.

Polestar edition vehicles serve up the visual appeal of a classic Volvo, but come with enhanced driving dynamics, making them extremely popular and truly unique on U.S. highway and byways.

Every Polestar edition Volvo is powered by a 3.0-liter T6 Drive-E DOHC, 24-valve Twin scroll turbocharged, intercooled inline 6-cylinder transversely mounted front engine with CVVT and full flow exhaust, that cranks out 345 horsepower at 5,250 rpm, while also developing 369 pound feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. Motive energy is routed to Volvo?s R Design AWD system via a Polestar modified and calibrated 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, enabling the S60 to be propelled from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with the V60 taking an extra 1/10 of a second.
This motive force is coupled with a chassis that delivers impressive road feedback and control. Custom ?hlins shock absorbers were developed producing a suspension generally only found on supercars. Bringing the Polestar hot rods to a halt from speed has been optimized by a completely upgraded four-wheel ventilated brake system that includes 6piston Brembo brake calipers.

To achieve the balance, performance and control in virtually any driving scenario, each S60 and V60 Polestar ride features restyled exterior aerodynamics and special 5-?Y?-spoke 20-inch alloy Polestar wheels, with a unique chiseled and sculpted design that generates airflow around the brakes for improved braking endurance.

Custom features continue into the cabin with a Nubuck wrapped steering wheel and ergonomically sculpted seats to increase grip and to avoid slippage during spirited maneuvers. ?This is a performance vehicle that combines Polestar?s racing experience with Volvo Cars? exceptional ability to build everyday cars? said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, ?it is a rare combination that is hard for others to duplicate successfully.?

Each Polestar vehicle comes with a lengthy and impressive list of standard equipment, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Adaptive
Cruise Control, Harman Kardon Premium Sound and several features that would normally be optional fare optional on competitive models.

Volvo Cars? partnership with Polestar was further enhanced when the Swedish automaker announced the 100% purchase of Polestar Performance AB. Further development of Polestar enhanced vehicles are anticipated as the company transitions all vehicles to the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) by the end of
2018.

The philosophy of Polestar Performance AB mandated that ?everything on a performance car needs to work as one in order to deliver optimum driveability?, and that will continue to be the mantra under Volvo ownership.

The exterior of the car is no exception. The aero kit front splitters on the S60 and V60 Polestar vehicles have been carefully redesigned to reduce the amount of airflow beneath the car, while adding a subtle perfor?mance visual appeal to the overall design. The same applies to the rear spoiler and diffuser, which both aid in increasing down-force, optimizing tire adhesion and control. The unique design of the bespoke Polestar rims is yet another contributing factor that combines an appealing form with a functional purpose.

In 1927 the founders of Volvo, decided to make really strong cars that could cope with Sweden?s rough country roads. But strength alone wasn?t the only focus. Volvo engineers felt that ?Cars are driven by people, so the guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo is ? and must remain ? safety.? The goal at Volvo Cars is that, by 2020, nobody shall be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo. In seeking that goal, and in keeping with the safety philosophy, the S60 and V60 Polestars maintain the same level of safety technologies found on all stock Volvo vehicles. High-end racing engineering, which ensures optimized control, stopping power, and responsiveness is added for heightened performance and driving enjoyment.

Safety support systems include: Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go, with ACC to CC toggling; Adjustable speed limiter; City Safety; Lane Departure Warning with sound warning, One Line Tracking; Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian detection; Blind Spot Information System with CTRA; Park Assist Camera, XCAN; Park Assist Front and Rear; Height/length adjustable steering wheel; Speed sensitive power steering; and Rain sensor. Gen. 2

All controls and switchgear are intuitively placed for ease of use. The Adaptive Digital Display displays all-important information, as well as three options of background modes to choose from ? Elegance, Eco, and Performance. When adjusting the display theme, the color scheme of the centre screen changes as well.

Connectivity is via Volvo?s Sensus Connect solutions, allowing the dashboard?s 7-inch screen to be converted into an internet-connected infotainment hub, providing access to Tunein internet radio with 100,000 stations worldwide as well as a range of useful web-apps. Adding Sensus Navigation allows access to worldwide maps with free map updates. Bundling Sensus Connect and Sensus Navigation with Volvo On Call giving a 3G connection through the vehicle?s integrated rooftop antenna, creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for internet-connected devices. Also included is a smartphone app that provides remote control over various car functions.

My test Volvo V60 Polestar Limited Edition wagon sported a bright Rebel Blue exterior finish, while the interior was dine in Black with Satin Silver accents and Blue stitching. The base price was set at $61,300., while the final sticker came to $62,240. With the Destination charge.

SUMMARY: The 2016 Volvo V60 Polestar Limited Edition Wagon is a real life performance car for everyday use and not only for a perfect sunny Sunday according to the Polestar team ? a fact that I can’t disagree with.

The V60 not only talks the talk with its authoritative growl, but it walks the walk with its elevated level of performance and handling attributes. Steering is spot on with instant response to directional input, and the V60 is stable and stays flat and controlled through twists and turns. The ride quality is okay on a smooth freeway surface at speed, but at low speeds over rough roads, the suspension will be considered brutally stiff and harsh ? hey, you can’t have everything.

Acceleration is rapidly responsive and quick, but nailing the throttle with abandon requires paying close attention along with a firm grip on the steering wheel to counter for torque steer.

The Volvo V60 Polestar, though race bred delivers all the creature comforts and attention to fit and finish details found in a stock V60. It is not your Uncle Sven?s V60 wagon (unless of course, he happens to be a race or rallye driver). It is clearly a hot rod Volvo that?s capable of traveling anywhere in any weather with complete control and confidence.

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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.