Volvo planning to delve into high performance? More Polestar models planned specifically for the US market

[Sticky]

The words 'high performance' are likely not the first set of words that pop into your head when thinking about the Swedish auto brand Volvo. Words such as 'safety' or possibly 'boring' are far more likely to be thought of in association and some of this is Volvo's own doing.

The higher ups did not think more performance oriented models were a good idea. When all the Polestar models sold out that changed some minds over at Volvo so more Polestar models are on the way. Surprisingly, the exec responsible, VP of product planning Lex Kerssemakers, took responsibility, “It was my mistake. I limited it to just 750 cars. I just didn’t want those cars sitting around in case it doesn’t work, because then, rather than a brand driver it becomes a burden to the dealer. But the cars sold out significantly faster [than we expected]. That’s why we decided to do another batch.”

What is Polestar? It is the official factory backed Volvo racing team. They also release performance parts and Polestar Volvo models so they can be thought of as Volvo's in house tuning brand.

The 40 Volvo Polestar sedans and 80 wagons that came to the USA last year all sold out practically immediately. Another batch is on the way but we do not know how many or when. The good news is it caught Volvo's attention and they will be taking performance more seriously.

Source

[Gmanuel11]

I love the idea of high performance Volvo's. Isn't it the noble, that uses the V8 from an XC90 (the block at least)?
I drove a beat up 2003 S40 for a little while, and even though it was probably way down on the 170 horsepower it made brand new -not to mention, it was fwd- I loved to chuck it around the backroads here. It could have had something to do with it being a hand me down that was already ripped apart by the previous owner (druggy daughter of my dad's friend), so I just didn't give a crap about it. I'd like to think it was because it had spunk - as in spirit, or pluck; get your mind out of the gutter - and it was fairly light.

[Sticky]

Isn't it the noble, that uses the V8 from an XC90 (the block at least)?

The Noble M600 features a Volvo V8 block, yes.

[Gmanuel11]

I thought so. I'm sure that's the only thing they keep, but I still love me some swedespeed. The local guy I took my crusty volvo to whenever something big went wrong with it, had an S60 R that he had fiddled with. I can't remember what all he had done to it, but that thing pulled pretty damn hard.
My S40 was the first car that I really took care of myself, except for big things. At the time, I hated my Volvo; looking back, I almost miss it. Almost.

[Sticky]

Always loved the S40 looks. The S60R I thought was pretty badass too.

Volvo is going to improve their performance offering, no doubt.

[subaru335i]

Are they still going to keep their stupid transverse engine layout and fwd biased awd? If so, I still don't want one.
Test drove the last S60 Polesmoker edition and handling is meh.

[subaru335i]

Actually I take it back, it was just the normal S60. The polesmoker edition was supposed to be better with the haldex setup to put more power to the rear. Still not the best awd system out there.
I do like how they look though. The interior is a little too basic for me.

[Sticky]

Are they still going to keep their stupid transverse engine layout and fwd biased awd? If so, I still don't want one.
Test drove the last S60 Polesmoker edition and handling is meh.

Yeah the handling needs some help.

But... it's a step in the right direction.

[Sticky]

Actually I take it back, it was just the normal S60. The polesmoker edition was supposed to be better with the haldex setup to put more power to the rear. Still not the best awd system out there.
I do like how they look though. The interior is a little too basic for me.

Perhaps but if it wasn't a Polestar model then this isn't fair criticism from you.

[subaru335i]

I have a friend who really likes volvos and I like to give him $#@! all the time. Can't help it haha.
They are interesting cars and I love the old ones but I don't like that they have been bought by the chinese. not the same quality anymore.