Daily Archives: July 15, 2017
3 Important Notes About The Polestar-Tuned 2018 Volvo XC60
We know that Polestar is slowly transitioning into a standalone brand that will handle Volvo’s high-performance electrified cars. Still, this does not mean it won’t tinker with its bigger brother’s luxurious vehicles.
The Swedish brand that became known for its race-car specifications will continue to offer tuning programs and optimizations for Volvo cars. This despite the fact that the Volvo spinoff is already focusing on electric vehicles. The latest vehicle of the automaker to get a tuning program from Polestar is the 2018 Volvo XC60, or to be more specific, the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid.
1. Power up to 421 Horses
Thanks to its expertise on this particular field, Polestar managed to crank up the power of the Volvo XC60 to 421 horsepower. That’s 21 hp more than the standard XC60 T8, which is using a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged inline-4 at the front axle and an electric motor at the rear axle.
The current XC60 T8 can go 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Given that there are 21 more horses here, that start time should go down even more.
2. Better Driving Experience
Aside from adding power, there are ways that a Volvo XC60 can be more driver- and user-friendly. Thanks to Polestar’s tuner program, the XC60 T8 now has more torque in mid-range to ensure accessible thrust for daily driving modes. Pairing that up with the eight-speed automatic transmission, and you’re bound to hold a car that is quick and easy to shift for that perfect balance.
The tuner update from Polestar will bring the XC60 T8 to the level of the larger XC90 T8. Both vehicles will represent Volvo’s most powerful vehicles ever.
3. Pricing Details to Come in the Near Future
The market launch of the Polestar-tuned XC60 T8 is scheduled this fall, so pricing details are expected to be revealed around that time, too. Installation of the tuning program itself will be done in the authorized dealer’s shop.
For now, only the T8 will receive the Polestar tuner program. Soon, we’re hoping to see a similar treatment on the other trim levels such as the T6, T5, D4, and D4.
3 Things To Know About The Stylish And Powerful 2018 Audi RS5
When cars appear to be stylish, sophisticated, and powerful all at the same time, we tend to look at it warily and ask what the catch is. In the 2018 Audi RS5, there is no catch to speak of. There is only that unique blend of a sporty interior and an engine fit for a race car.
1. Sporty, Stylish, and Refined
Audi’s RS concept is based on the Audi Sport division, which focuses on high-performance Audis that can tackle both the race track and the road. But to separate it from the S models such as the S4 and S5, Audi went beyond that with the RS5. Based on the new A5 coupe, the redesigned RS5 is a four-seat, two-door model that has an aggressive styling and sharper features.
To reiterate that, the RS5 has a more muscular overall body design and wider wheel arches thanks to the five-spoke forged aluminum 20-inch wheels.
2. Modest but Modern Interior
The interior is nothing too special, except for the fact that Audi went all the way to make this as comfortable and luxurious as possible. There’s no eye-popping elements here as the RS5 comes in an all-black cabin with the diamond-quilted seats wrapped in leather with contrast red stitching. There’s also a flat-bottomed steering wheel, but that’s all about it.
3. Power, Muscle, and Speed
The RS5 comes packed with a second turbo to its 2.9-liter V-6 engine that boosts the coupe to a stunning 450 horsepower and 442 lb ft of torque. Even if it’s used in high altitude, there’s no denying that the RS5 is a wonder of the auto world. Fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RS5 can go from 0 to 60 mph in a flash—in 3.9 seconds no less. It has a top speed of 174mph, in case you want to crank it up.