Polestar Tech Sends All-Wheel-Drive to the Rear

Volvo Car Corp.’s Polestar performance unit has updated its Engineered Optimization Accessory software to give all-wheel-drive models a sportier rear-bias feel.

The torque vectoring software is activated when the car is in “Dynamic” drive mode or when the driver disables electronic stability control. This enhances ride and handling characteristics, according to the carmaker.

Other purported benefits include crisper gear shifts, holding a gear through turns, faster throttle response and improved power. Volvo says the system also enhances steering and provides the driver with better control of the vehicle.

Volvo will introduce the technology on awd-equipped XC40 crossover vehicles and 60- and 90-series cars and crossover models with piston-only engines. The technology won’t be available on Volvo’s hybrid models, whose powertrains already have a rear bias.