Volvo expands Polestar software upgrade to more models

Volvo is spreading the horsepower love around its fleet with a wider array of Polestar Performance software upgrades. 2011 and 2012 XC60, S60 and XC70 models equipped with a T6 engine are now available with a software upgrade that adds in 25 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque without impacting fuel economy. Those improvements put the engine's final figures at 325 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque, though the extra grunt won't come cheap. Volvo says that the software package will set buyers back a hefty $1,495 including destination when it goes on sale on December 5th. The company isn't saying why the T6 software costs $200 more than the 23-horsepower upgrade available on vehicles equipped with the automaker's T5 engine. That boost can be had on the C30, C70 and S40, and will eventually show up on the V50. Hit the jump for the brief press release.

PRESS RELEASE

Volvo Announces Newest Polestar Performance Packages Upgrade Now Available for 2011, 2012 XC60, S60 and XC70 T6 ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Nov. 28, 2011) - Expanding on its recent announcement of performance packages for certain models with T5 engines, Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) today announced factory-authorized performance tuning software for several additional Volvo models will be available next week at Volvo retailers across the country. The next wave of Polestar performance software packages will be available for 2011-2012 XC60, S60 and XC70 fitted with a T6 engine. The T6 performance software package carries an MSRP of $1,495 installed and goes on sale nationwide Dec. 5. The T6 Polestar software package adds 25 horsepower and 30 lb.-ft. of torque, bringing the three carlines to 325 horsepower and 355 lb.-ft. of torque. Equally impressive is that the added power does not affect fuel consumption, as the efficient tuning of the engine only increases the power output when it is needed. "Just a few weeks after announcing the performance package for select T5 models, we have already received tremendous feedback from our customers," said Chris Dauerer, VCNA's vice president of customer service. "With Polestar, we are able to deliver our performance-minded customers the enhanced driving package they have been looking for now across a variety of our carlines." Currently, the Polestar performance software package is also available for the following carlines: * XC60 T6 R-Design (MY2011-2012) * C30 T5 (MY2008-2012) * C70 T5 (MY2008-2012) * S40 T5 (MY2008-2011)