Not sure which sub-forum this news item should be listed under because besides talking about future Polestar models (V40 or XC60), its also has some insights into the future use of the new Drive-E engines across all Volvo models.
Interesting points for me were :-
1. the Drive-E T6 will eventually replace the existing I6 T6 even for Polestar models
2. the article seems to suggest that for the S60 & V60, the marriage of Drive-E and AWD will take place in 2016 on the existing platform - a year before the next generation S60/V60 models on the SPA platform
3. all Volvo models will transition out of existing 4,5 & 6 cylinder engines to the Drive-E engines by 2015 (ie next year)
4. The 2015 S60 Polestar goes on sale here late in 2014 and will be joined by the V60 Polestar for the first time. Pricing is likely to stay around the $99,950 mark.
That explains the ~175 2015 Polestars that have not been allocated to other markets yet. I suspected some may go to Australia later this year in their spring/summer. We will have to wait for a future announcement on what that allocation is and if any other countries (also south of the equator?) get some of the love as well.
2. I heard from a Volvo sales manager here in Finland about the possibility of a Drive-E + AWD on current platforms for MY16 cars but as I said in another thread I'm still a bit sceptical about that. It just seems odd to me that they would use anymore resources for a platform that will be completely phased out "soon".
Not that I'd have anything against that since I originally wanted a facelifted S60 R-Design T5 Drive-E AWD but it should have been available right at that moment and not now when the model is nearing it's end.
From what I was told at the Drive-E launch event last year, no Drive-E + AWD on the current 60-series platform, that will wait until the redesign coming in a couple years. I would like to see a XC60 Polestar model offered. Rebel Blue on a XC60 is unique and only offered in 2013 on the R-Design.
Certainly in recent times its been my understanding there will be no AWD Drive-E variants on existing platforms. As ElectroNoire said it would be appear a wasted effort to carry out all that engineering just for a year or so of sales. That's why I was a bit surprised to see the inference in the news item that this might be the case. Probably just a mis-understood question or answer.
The M3 in the test is 140.000 SEK (14.000 euro) more with same equitment (accurding to the article but when i do the same on BMW website its more then 25.000 euro more and thats without the active chassi and better breaks)
The RS4 is more then 200.000 SEK (20.000 euro) more with same equitment
so keep in mind what they compair against, its no stock M3 or RS4
I dont share your opinion, cause what is written about the volvo doesnt change with different rivals. The brakes are still bad, the chassis still to soft (even though I dont understand this...)...
It dosn´t mention what settings the dampers are on. U can change the settings at the dealer so.
And this is for track driving they say its to soft.
Lets see what the comming reviews says about it.
But the chassis should still be top notch, also against an M3 and an RS4. The same for the brakes!
Talking about chassis for track use. Polestar recommends to set de dampers on "15" in front and "5" in the back for track use. They say change the dampers in the area 20-30 doesn't make such a huge difference like changing it in the area 0-20.
I will focus on the comments on the Polestar in the article. What they say about the M3 and RS4 falls in line with previous reviews. Possibly complaining more about road noise in the M3 than I have read elsewhere?
-They like the sound of the Polestar, both inside and from the exhaust (Swedish made Ferrita exhaust)
-The taylor made suspension with Öhlins dampers is a bit stiff and feels even more harsh than in the M3
-The seats are comfortable and good rear seat space
-Comfort winner is Audi, Volvo and BMW last
-It feels stronger than it's stated 350hp and the transmission has been upgraded with higher oil pressure for shifts. It reminds of a DCT transmission (not quite, but good) as it shifts hard. This also leads to a more nervous behaviour during parking manoeuvring.
-Shift paddles a bit to close to the steering wheel
-The steering is very quick (perhaps a bit to quick), but this feels fun.
-It isn't as settled as it's rivals when driving fast. It feels like a "standard car that's been souped up" according to some of the test drivers.
-The Polestar comes last on the track. It understeers and feels to soft in the front.
-The driveline also lags behind on the track, the trans lacks that same sharpness and the engine runs out of breath on top.
-The brake pedal softens under track driving, but stopping power remains.
-Volvo says that track driving never was a priority with this car, and that is felt in this company.
But, the suspension has to be removed to adjust it...not just a simple on-vehicle adjustment, from what I've read. No idea how easy/hard that is to do.
not totally true. Just need to jack the car up and get under the car or maybe remove the wheel for easier access for the fronts of both v/s. The V60 adds needing to either remove some cladding or as you note, detaching the damper; TBD which. Similar to what I do now with my Penskes only there adjusting the rears are much easier than the fronts.
No, the suspension does not have to be removed! You can acces the damper without any problems (may need a lift for the front)
M80
1 beeing the hardest. A hard setup in the front leads to understeer, a hard setup in the back leads to oversteer.
So they recommend soft in the front (15 "clicks"(?)) and hard in the back (5) for the track. Its from an intern sheet (cant tell more, but there isnt more to read anyway...)
They recommend 15 (front and back) for a comfort setup. Base setup is 10 (front and back)
Thanx. I knew it to be as you cite too. Just wanted to make sure something unusual wasn't being recommended by P* in this instance for this chassis. Also, in my case with the Penske 8100 dual adjustable dampers I have, 1 is the softest so wanted to make sure. ; )
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