Enter
the Polestar Performance Volvo C30 Prototype: the savior for Volvo
performance enthusiasts. Volvo has long been one of the world’s most
iconic sport wagon manufactures. Yet rarely have they produced a wagon
or hot-hatch that packs enough punch for enthusiasts- the 850R wagon and V70R being the notable exceptions. Recently, with their “R-Design” packages for the V60 and V70 wagons, this sad story has been much the same: style over substance.
But
there is hope for Volvo enthusiasts, and it comes in the word of one
company: Polestar. The company was founded in 1996 to drive forward
Volvo’s racing efforts, especially in the Swedish Touring Car
Championships. Since 1996, they’ve tuned the 850, S40, S60, and C30.
Above is their greatest creation: a 405-horsepower race-derived C30 hot
hatch.
Starting with a C30 T5 hatchback with
the 6-speed manual, Polestar set out to transform Volvo’s smallest car
into its fastest. With a larger turbocharger and intercooler, custom
free-flow center-mounted duel exhaust and engine software, their C30
offers an incredible 405 horsepower. Yet, the standard front-wheel drive
system simply wouldn’t suffice- especially for racing- so Polestar
installed an advanced all-wheel drive system. To increase steering feel
and handling performance, Polestar then installed a thicker custom
steering wheel. Aerodynamics are the direct product of Polestar’s STCC
efforts with their C30 racer, and significantly improve down force and
handling. With these performance modifications, Polestar claims their
C30 can sprint to sixty in just 4.6 seconds- an undeniable claim
considering their breadth of performance modifications. Stylistic
upgrades also come in the form of a custom full-suede interior and
stunning “Polestar blue” paint.
“Polestar
Performance” is the company’s division aimed at tuning Volvo customer’s
vehicles, and their efforts are an essential part of Volvo’s
performance future. Polestar was the driving force behind increasing the
horsepower of the V60 R-Design (from 300 to 325), and intends to
continue boosting and improving Volvo offerings. Polestar is poised to
become an Alpina or Brabus- that is not a full in-house tuner like BMW’s M-division or Mercedes' AMG,
but an off-site tuner with impressive knowledge and experience that has
the potential to transform Volvo’s sport wagon offerings into
incredible athletes.
July 8th, 2011 (Source: Polestar)
Specifications
Engine | 2.5L I5 ("T5") |
Aspiration | KKK 26 Turbocharger, Intercooled |
Horsepower | 405 |
Torque | 376 lb-ft (510 NM) |
Transmission | 6-speed Manual |
Drivetrain | Front-Engined Haldex All-Wheel Drive |
0-60 | 4.6 seconds |
Wheels | BBS Fl 19x8 |
Brakes | Brembo 380mm 6-piston (front) Brembo 330mm 4-piston (rear) |
Production Units | 1 |
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