Volvo expands Polestar optimisation program to include T4, D4 engines.

Volvo expands Polestar optimisation program to include T4, D4 engines.

Volvo has given its T5 and D4 engines to its Polestar tuning arm, leaving most of the engine range open to performance engine tweaks.

The manufacturer will focus on adding a surge of performance in the mid-range, and this will result in hikes in both horsepower and torque.

For example, the D3 diesel fitted to the S60, normally producing 136bhp, now boasts 163bhp, while torque output has leapt from 350Nm to 400Nm. Demonstrating Polestar's focus on mid-range punch, peak power is delivered between 1,500 and 2,750rpm, compared to 1,500 to 2,250rpm for the standard car.

Polestar is understood to be relying heavily on its glittering motorsport background when developing high-performance Volvo's for the road.

Thed Bj�rk, reigning STCC champion and Polestar factory driver, said: 'The new Polestar optimisation is about making the car more dynamic and responsive to drive. We use the same philosophy as when optimising our race cars, to create a completely balanced package. And this is exactly what we have focused on with the new generation optimisations for Volvo car: powertrain optimisation for real life driving.'