- Volvo starts to get serious about tuning options for some of its lineup, debuting Polestar tuning software for the C30, C70 and S40 with the T5 engine.
- The tuning package is priced at $1,295 and goes on sale November 14.
ROCKLEIGH, New Jersey — Volvo is not the first name that springs to mind when it comes to tuning. But the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker is beginning to rectify that omission, saying on Monday that it will offer Polestar tuning software for the C30, C70 and S40 models with the T5 engine.
The tuning package is priced at $1,295 and goes on sale November 14. It adds 23 horsepower by increasing airflow to the combustion chambers and advancing spark timing.
The automaker said that this is the first time it is offering factory-authorized performance tuning software. The package retains the original manufacturer warranty, "so customers no longer need to take risks with 'chip tuning,'" Volvo Cars of North America said in a statement.
"Our performance-oriented customers have told us they wanted a tuning option for their vehicles," said Chris Dauerer, Volvo Cars of North America vice president of customer service.
Inside Line says: A key announcement for Volvo, on the heels of the 2011 SEMA Show.
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engineer_mba says:
05:40 AM, 11/08/2011
The Volvo C30-R is my personal favorite in the hot hatch compact performance car segment. The Polestar Tuning Software, though expensive, will allow the C30-R to achieve 250 horsepower making it more competitive performance wise while also maintaining the factory warranty (Volvos have an outstanding reputation for reliability anyway, more so than much of the competition). I would love a C30-R with the Polestar Tuning Software and a Quaife Helical LSD added to complete the performance package.
gam2 says:
05:23 AM, 11/08/2011
Geez, the Stage 1 upgrade to my HHR SS cost $600 installed, included new MAP sensors and netted me 60HP!! What a rip-off......
veryhrm says:
12:53 AM, 11/08/2011
(sooo... umm by "ridiculous" i meant it's a high price just for the different program. it kind of makes sense from the warranty point of view.)
veryhrm says:
12:51 AM, 11/08/2011
That's a ridiculous premium. What are you paying for exactly ? The only thing i can think of is that you're basically paying a higher premium for the warranty which isn't a bad thing honestly...
It would be nice if they offered multiple programs like aftermarket chips do... like the kid/valet program... maybe a nice e85 program... a program for an aftermarket exhaust and airfilter maybe...
lincolnman3 says:
11:26 PM, 11/07/2011
Good news though I agree its way too expensive. You may have seen pictures of a new C30 four door mule driving around. Initially thought that might have the S60 250 hp T5 motor but Volvo recently announced that it will go to an all 4 cyilder engine lineup, so expect this will have some version of a new turbo 4, with perhaps direct injection and maybe 230-240 hp.
Sure would like see them produce the WTCC C30 Polestar though, that's one mean Volvo......
90in55 says:
07:25 PM, 11/07/2011
"Polestar" sounds like a really skilled exotic dancer.
v8vader says:
04:20 PM, 11/07/2011
it will make the C30 more interesting... but it needs suspension updates, too
church123 says:
03:43 PM, 11/07/2011
It isn't really tuning software. I mean, you can't buy the software and tune your car. It's just a reflash - and an expensive one at that. Even BMW offers cheaper reflashes on the twin turbo 6's.
lookatmyshoes says:
02:39 PM, 11/07/2011
Why not in the S60 T5, with 23 more hp will be closer in performance to the T6.
Just imagine a basic volvo s60 costing 32K with manual transmission, poleastar kit and then you add custom wheels.
Result the best looking, and fastest sedan for less than 35K