Currently reading: Volvo V60 Polestar given race-influenced upgrades

Performance model gets Öhlins suspension and carbonfibre aerodynamic parts that increase downforce by 15%

Volvo performance arm Polestar and its motorsport partner Cyan Racing have upgraded the V60 and its S60 sibling with race-proven parts.

The 362bhp estate and saloon (the latter is not sold in Britain) have been equipped with adjustable suspension produced by Öhlins, a racing specialist, that is 80% stiffer than the standard V60 springs. These come alongside six-piston Brembo brake calipers with 371mm discs and bespoke 20in wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

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There are also aerodynamic enhancements to the exterior, with carbonfibre parts that combine to increase downforce by about 15% on the V60. The parts include a new front splitter and side sills. The S60 also gets an extended rear spoiler which helps that model's downforce grow by about 30%.

Polestar fine-tuned the new components at the Nürburgring, where it also temporarily held the lap record for the fastest production four-door car with its fettled S60. The record was later beaten by the new Honda Civic Type R and then Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Fastest ever Nürburgring lap times

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Volvo claims that the improvements enhance the handling and high-speed performance of its 60-series models without hindering on-road usability. No changes have been made to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine used to power the S60 and V60, so the 0-62mph dash for the models still take 4.7sec and 4.8sec respectively.

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Just 1500 examples of the enhanced models are being produced, with 50 V60 Polestars destined for the UK. Pricing has yet to be announced, but a small increase on the pre-update Polestar estate, which started from £49,665, is expected.

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