Volvo Offers Polestar Power Upgrades For T6 Engines

Polestar? Interesting name.....it is the moniker Volvo slapped on for a new line of power upgrades available direct from the company. Aftermarket chips are out there that aim to boost engine power outputs, but when you have a car that is new or just a few years old, voiding the warranty isn't too bright of an idea. BMW was the first out with their Power Kit line of engine horsepower boosts, and Volvo followed suit. As far as we know other manufacturers aren't doing things like this.

Could this trend catch on? We aren't sure, it depends if there is demand for an expensive package like this. You wouldn't think at Volvo there would be, but according to Chris Dauerer, Volvo Cars of North America vice president of customer service the company has received "tremendous feedback from our customers."

Its surprising given that throughout its history, Volvo has never been known for driving excitement. Its core message of safety might have something to do with that, but we think it more had to do with styling and driving experience. The company tried its hand with R models for a while, but ditched them after poor sales.

Today's Volvos are a lot more engaging to drive and to look at than ever before. Polestar is available on models using Volvo's 3.0-liter turbocharged T6 engine, which powers XC60, S60 and XC70 models. The software tweak boosts power by 25 horsepower and 30 pound feet of torque, to 325 hp and 355 lb-ft. The upgrade starts at $1,495 and goes on sale December 5th.