Push It: Volvo's Got a Solution for Owners Wanting a Livelier Rear End
If only all automakers had what Volvo’s offering. Starting this month, buyers wishing for more of a sports car experience from their all-wheel drive, non-hybrid Volvo can hack some more attitude into it. On Wednesday, the Swedish automaker announced the availability of new software developed by its Polestar performance division that should do the trick.
Job One for this software? Send more torque to the rear wheels.
Clearly, Volvo’s heard cries from owners wishing for less tug and more shove. Hybrid owners already enjoy rear-biased AWD, Volvo said, as the electric motors powering those rear hoops deliver more twist. Gas and diesel models are another story.
Available on 90, 60, and XC40 series Volvos, the Polestar-derived software upgrade only applies to 2019 model year cars. Sorry, 2018 owners, you’ll just have to toss that car a little harder to break the rear end loose. For applicable owners, the newfound dynamics won’t be a constant. Volvo claims the software only activates when a driver engages Dynamic mode, or when the stability control’s turned off. Only then does the car’s brain know the owner wants to play.
It’s not just the amount of torque sent rearward. The upgrade promises “sharper throttle response, faster off-throttle response, quicker gear changes, optimised gearshift points and in-corner gear holding, as well as increased engine output.”
Naturally, there’s a big caveat: Volvo hasn’t said whether North American owners can join the tail-happy party.
[Image: Volvo Cars]
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Useless complication. Will create more problems than solve. Weight distribution in FWD car is not good enough for RWD, unless they put battery somewhere in the rear. Who needs RWD Volvo anyway? There are so many much better authentic options on the market if you need RWD.
Doesn't every Volvo station wagon driver want to look like Steve Kinser riding the cushion at Eldora?
Volvo is a CHINESE automaker, not Swedish.
I've never been much of a fan of Volvo's design until the most recent 90. That's a nice looking big wagon, just too bad it doesn't have a 3rd row. Actually want.