Volvo offering 23-hp upgrade for $1,295
11/14/2011
Volvo enthusiasts should know the name Polestar well. The performance garage has a long history of tuning Volvos, and was anointed by the factory to run its works touring car program. Based on that success, Polestar launched a radical C30 PCP concept that is tipped to jump-start a new era of performance models from the Swedish auto marque.
Most recently, Volvo turned to Polestar to help tweak its R-Design specs, and had the tuning house start work on an ECU reflash for the S60. Now Volvo has officially announced the availability of the fruit of its collaboration with an upgrade for select models.
For $1,295 (including installation), owners of the C30, C70 and S40 (and soon the V50) with the T5 engine will be able to have an extra 23 horsepower and 29 pound-feet of torque squeezed out of their turbocharged five-pots with a dealer-installed tuning package.
The enhancement is affected by increasing airflow and optimizing spark timing, and while the aftermarket could surely squeeze out more for less, for a factory-backed upgrade, it strikes us as a good deal. Follow the jump for the full press release.
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Performance Software from Polestar Available on Select Volvo Models
Upgrade for C30, C70 and S40 from model year 2008 and later
ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Nov. 7, 2011) - For the first time, factory-authorized performance tuning software for several Volvo models becomes available next week at Volvo retailers across the country, it was announced today by Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA).
Polestar, Volvo's Swedish-based performance partner, has developed tuning software for C30, C70 and S40 carlines fitted with a T5 engine, model year 2008 and newer. With an MSRP of $1,295 installed, the tuning package goes on sale Nov. 14 and adds a powerful 23 hp and 29 lb.-ft. of torque to the respective models. The power boost is realized by increasing airflow into the combustion chambers and advancing spark timing.
Polestar has been Volvo Car Corp.'s official partner since 1996, and has been optimizing cars for racing for several years. Now, it's adding its muscle to the U.S. market.
"Our performance-oriented customers have told us they wanted a tuning option for their vehicles," said Chris Dauerer, VCNA's vice president of customer service. "With Polestar, we are able to unlock the power potential of our engines which leads to impressive acceleration and a more memorable driving experience - not to mention it adds value to the vehicle."
Polestar also optimizes the power and torque without affecting fuel consumption. This is possible thanks to Polestar's efficient tuning of the engine, which only increases the power output when it is needed. The package also retains the original manufacturer warranty, so customers no longer need to take risks with "chip tuning" to achieve a more powerful driving experience.
Additionally, the performance software package for V50 AWD with manual transmission will be available soon.
About Volvo
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (www.volvocars.com/us) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corp. of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada. For more information please refer to the VCNA media website at: http://www.volvocars-pr.com/, and follow Volvo's blog at: http://www.volvoblog.us/.