What's the news?
Volvo's Polestar offensive - in which it aims to build its performance sub-brand into a hallowed division like BMW M, Audi quattro GmbH or Mercedes-AMG - is gathering pace. First, we had the very rare S60 and V60 Polestar special models, with 350hp. Then we had a Polestarred version of the XC90. Now there's a whole range of upgrade parts available for various line-ups within the Volvo stable.
Polestar Performance Parts (PPP) incorporate improved chassis components, bigger wheels, louder exhausts, and interior and exterior styling modifications, all developed by Polestar. Available in participating Volvo dealers by April, the PPP items are initially available for the S60, V40, V60 and XC60 ranges.
All of the PPP goodies have been developed through Polestar's 20-year association with its motorsport partner, Cyan Racing, and they can be bought individually or as complete upgrade packages for a specific vehicle. Although prices have yet to be confirmed, Volvo has said that any PPP items equipped will not affect the car's factory warranty.
Anything else?
Henrik Fries, the R&D director of Polestar, said: "What we learned on the racing circuits with our colleagues at Cyan Racing is that championships are not won in a single lap. The secret of our success on the tracks is in creating balanced and precise cars that are predictable for the driver to control in all situations.
Lessons learned on the tracks are transferred directly into the development of our road cars and performance products. The new range of Polestar Performance Parts is no exception - they are designed and developed with the very same philosophy."