CAR WARRIORS: VOLVO S60 POLESTAR

Sunday, April 19, 2015

VOLVO S60 POLESTAR

All new 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar represents the culmination of the Swedish automaker's flirtations with performance car credibility. Although Volvo's history is littered with limited-production, scarcely-noticed go-fast variants such as the V70 R wagon and the 850 T-5R, the S60 Polestar sedan (and its V60 Polestar wagon sibling) are aimed squarely at the mainstream European car fan's sensibilities.

Riverside, California Sweltering in the bursting desert daylight outside the 110-year-old Mission Inn, it appears to be really moronic to be getting prepared to drive the 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar. Minutes back, we were demonstrated a photo of this all-wheel-drive auto in its regular habitat, a frosty street in Sweden. We have looked painstakingly, yet can see no indications of solidified Arctic tundra in the region of the Mission Inn.

Anyway then we sort of get it. As we're told, the Volvo S60 Polestar should be the same sort of forte auto as a BMW M3 vehicle, just its implied for consistently, not simply Sunday. This is a shrewd thing to say, since there are days when you're not profiling your Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz speedster outside some bistro (the regular habitat for such autos, our experience proposes), and rather really need to push some place far away.

The Polestar people have added a lot of snap to the Volvo brand in a short time, which is something of a miracle, since you could fit all 45 of them into a small neighborhood bar in Gothenburg, Sweden, where Volvo and Polestar are both located. First Polestar developed street-legal performance chips for the ECUs of various Volvo models, then it put a broader array of specially tuned hardware on display in the limited-production Volvo C30 Polestar. It even created a handful of Volvo S60 sedans powered by a 508-hp tuned engine.

Now the 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar and 2015 Volvo V60 Polestar are leading Volvo into the same place where Audi Quattro, BMW M, and Mercedes-Benz AMG do business. Yet Polestar couldn’t be more different than its rivals. It’s really just a small racing team that has kept Volvo on the top step of the podium in the Swedish Touring Car Championship the last few years, and it cleverly uses Volvo’s own research and development labs and manufacturing facilities to create and produce specialty tuned cars.

Polestar is more like Alpina than BMW M -- more focused on racing, more dependent on its manufacturer’s production lines to build the products it creates. Just like the Swedes themselves, the Polestar people are like the Germans, only more modest and practical, even as they make plans that are anything but.

The previous spring, our man had an opportunity to drive the 2015 S60 Polestar in Sweden, however this is the all-wheel-drive auto's first excursion in America, and we can't think about a harsher test than beating down a solid expressway in the unfashionable 909 phone zone code close Riverside. Our spirits are high in light of the fact that we're made a beeline for Big Bear Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains, where it will be cooler by around 30 degrees contrasted with the Mission Inn.

Out of the blue this Polestar drives like a Volvo, not a course beast. Certainly, you can hear the tenacious drumming of the track-prepared 245/35R-20 95Y Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on the cement, however the case stays balanced and the suspension is supple. For all you know, you're driving one of Volvo's own R-Design models, not an auto with low-profile 20-inch tires, springs that are 80 percent stiffer, twofold movable Ohlins dampers, and some dashing style guile in the bushings. This S60 Polestar is really agreeable.Mostly you notice that the seats feel plush in the usual Volvo style, only these are actually supportive. The hydraulic-assist steering can be adjusted to three different effort levels, though only by pulling to a stop and diving into the electronic menu displayed on the 7.0-inch touchscreen on the dash. (There will be no distracted driving, the safety-conscious Swedes say.)

We’re climbing the San Gabriel Mountains through a pine forest, and it’s not something you’d see in Sweden, not the least because the primary obstacle to forward progress is a tourist bus, not reindeer. Fortunately the intercooler and twin-scroll turbo help the 3.0-liter inline-six engine make enough power to speed us on our way, as the broad powerband works with the six-speed automatic to ensure the car is always ready for speed even if you are not. Once past 4000 rpm, the Polestar exhaust system will even growl louder for you.

You’ve got plenty of power here, and the Polestar-calibrated automatic transmission makes quick work of things through shift paddles on the steering wheel. Of course, if you look at this car’s specifications, you’ll be reminded that it is not a BMW M3. First, the turbocharged engine makes 345 hp @ 5,250 rpm , and this is just 20 hp more and 15 lb-ft more than the Polestar-tuned Volvo S60 R-Design. The BMW M3’s 425-hp turbocharged inline-six is simply in another league.

And yet as we corner through the switchbacks down the hill after reaching Big Bear Lake at 6,752 feet, we realize that we have no complaints. (Perhaps we are becoming Swedish.) All the dynamic performance of this car -- speeding, steering and stopping -- has been so well blended together that you’re aware only of driving, not specifications. This is what you want from a mature, well-developed sporting sedan, and it is as if the Volvo S60 Polestar has taken all the best aspects of the Audi S4, BMW M3, and Mercedes-AMG C63 and stitched them together.

On the track if you must

Polestar has won three STCC titles in a row, so we feel obligated to drive the S60 Polestar on the infield circuit of Auto Club Speedway just to recognize that it can be done, especially since Polestar’s Thed Bjork -- who won the STCC title for the second time this past year -- is here to show us how it should be done.

And this car will definitely go when you adjust the stability control, which not only becomes more permissive but also biases the drivetrain torque to the rear. (Launch control is here too if you want it.) The racing-style, 14.6-inch, floating brake discs with six-piston Brembo calipers deliver predictable (not sudden) bite from the Brembo SPS-1000 brake pads, and the 20-inch Michelins will not wimp out in the corners. The torque-vectoring rear differential of the Haldex all-wheel-drive system does its magic, though it’s fair to say that this car still feels like a front-wheel-drive car in the corners, as most AWD cars do. There are no easy-peasy electronically adjustable chassis calibrations available, but if you’re serious about track duty, the racing-spec, double-adjustable Ohlins dampers await you.

At $60,227 with destination, the 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar is priced right on top of the $62,935 2015 BMW M3, and the Volvo’s engine falls 80 hp short in the process. This doesn’t sound so good, except then you remember that BMW charges you $2,900 more for a dual-clutch automatic, $1,900 more for a package that includes a simple backup camera, and $1,200 for 19-inch wheels. (And what about the tires, eh?) And then there’s the question of all-wheel drive.

Sadly, it’s likely that there are few examples of the 2015 Volvo S60 Polestar (and its companion, the 2015 Volvo V60 Polestar wagon) left on the shelves of the 56 Volvo dealerships that are Polestar outlets across the country. That’s because only 750 examples of these two cars have been built, and only 120 of them will reach the United States. The Polestar people tell us that its label will only trickle out of Gothenburg until 2017, when there will finally be a Polestar for everyone.

But we’re interested in this car nevertheless. It proves that there are a useful number of people who still believe that Volvo continues to have a unique identity. And even better, Volvo has the resources and the corporate will to take advantage

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Sunday, April 19, 2015

VOLVO S60 POLESTAR

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