autocar-logo
Delhi

Polestar software tweaked to make 4x4 Volvos more rear-biased

The carmaker's updated software tuning now pushes more torque to the rear wheels of 4WDs more often; update unavailable in its hybrid cars.
1 min read16 Aug '18
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk
6K+ views

Volvo’s electric performance offshoot, Polestar, has updated its Polestar Engineered Optimisation Accessory software. The software only activates when the car is in its sportiest Dynamic drive mode or when the driver turns off the electronic stability control. The tweaked system pushes more torque to the rear and more often, which means that the car feels more like a rear-wheel drive feel that Volvo claims results in a sportier drive and better handling.

In addition to this new torque vectoring feature, the Polestar Engineered Optimisation Accessory also sharpens automatic gearshifts, holds gears around corners, gives a speedy throttle response and makes the engine more powerful.

This is available on all of Volvo's four-wheel-drive models. However, it doesn't apply to Volvo’s plug-in hybrids since the rear axle is solely powered by the car's electric motor.

The Polestar Engineered Optimisation Accessory costs £830 (around Rs 74,000) in the UK, with the software update adding no increase to the price. A current promotional offer has temporarily reduced the same pack to £695 (around Rs 62,000).

Maruti Ciaz facelift to get additional safety features, launch this Monday

Apart from dual-airbags and ABS, the Ciaz facelift will get a seatbelt reminder for front passenger along with a speed alert system.
2 min read16 Aug '18
Akbar MerchantAkbar Merchant

In conversation with Michael Perschke, CEO, Automobili Pininfarina

Pininfarina boss speaks about his plans to turn the renowned Italian design house into a full-blown carmaker and global brand.
5 min read16 Aug '18
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk

Government could allow retro-fitment of electric, hybrid systems on cars

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways drafts amendment to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 for allowing certified electric and hybrid systems to be retrofitted onto older vehicles.
2 min read16 Aug '18
Rivan RS Rivan RS

Mahindra Marazzo interior revealed

Official images display the two seating options that will be on offer with Mahindra's new MPV; launch scheduled for Diwali.
2 min read15 Aug '18
Amaan AhmedAmaan Ahmed

Eight-seater variant of the Mahindra Marazzo gets a bench seat.

The seven-seater variant of the Mahindra Marazzo gets captain seats for the second row.

The eight-seat Marazzo with bench and rear seats flipped forward.

2022 Tesla EV hatchback announced

The new model plans to rival the Volkswagen I.D. due in 2020; will be on sale two years later, albeit at a significantly lower price.
3 min read14 Aug '18
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk

Image of the Tesla Model 3 used for representative purposes only.

Poll of the month

How often do you use connected car features from the application on your phone?

Every day
Once a week
Rarely
Almost never
1159 votes44 days remaining
Can't decide which car to buy?
Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries.