Volvo Cars has introduced a new Polestar-developed software upgrade that increases torque distribution to the rear wheels of Volvo 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, improving steering with enhanced turn-in, better control and engagement when cornering, and improved traction when pulling away, delivering a more engaging drive.
The AWD optimisation is engaged simply by selecting the Dynamic drive mode, or when Electronic Stability Control is disengaged.
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 gear changes, 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 90 Series, 60 Series and XC40 cars, from August 2018 onwards. Applicable to all new Volvo cars built on SPA and CMA architecture from model year 2019 onwards and which feature all-wheel drive (excluding plug-in hybrid variants).
Plug-in hybrid models including T8 Twin Engine and T6 Twin Engine derivatives, which feature an electric rear axle drive (ERAD) system that utilises electric power only on the rear wheels, already provide a rear-drive bias and 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.
