Volvo Cars has introduced a new Polestar-developed software upgrade that increases torque distribution to the rear wheels of Volvo passenger cars equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD), for more dynamic driving.
Volvo Cars has introduced a new Polestar-developed software upgrade that increases torque distribution to the rear wheels of Volvo passenger cars equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD), for more dynamic driving.
The optimisation software, developed by Volvo Car Group’s new electric performance brand, Polestar, increases the amount and frequency of torque distributed to the rear wheels. The dynamic benefits are improved steering with enhanced turn-in, better control and engagement when cornering, and superior traction when pulling away. The end result on the go is a more engaging drive.
“We are always fine-tuning the driving experience of Volvo cars, and this upgrade makes the all-wheel-drive both smoother and more dynamic,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Volvo Cars.
The AWD optimisation is engaged simply by selecting the Dynamic drive mode, or when the Electronic Stability Control is disengaged.
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The new rear-wheel torque distribution feature adds another optimisation area to the latest Polestar software upgrade. The five existing areas include sharper throttle response, faster off-throttle response, quicker gearchanges, optimised gearshift points and in-corner gear-holding, as well as increased engine output.
The Polestar AWD optimisation will be available for petrol and diesel models of Volvo’s 90 series, 60 series and XC40 cars, from August 2018 onwards. It is applicable to all new Volvo cars built on SPA and CMA architectures from model year 2019 onwards and which feature all-wheel-drive
Plug-in hybrid Volvo variants are excluded, because these models, which include T6 Twin Engine and T8 Twin Engine derivatives, feature an electric rear axle drive (ERAD) system that utilises electric power only on the rear wheels and already provide a rear-drive bias, so they do not require further AWD optimisation.
In Europe, Polestar optimisation software is WLTP-compliant and forms part of the Certificate of Compliancy. Polestar optimisations retain all Volvo factory warranties and are manufacturer-approved.
