Volvo Cars has launched a new Polestar performance package to go on the new S90 and V90 luxury cars.

Polestar has launched the new generation of its performance package for the new Volvo S90 and V90. Known as Polestar Performance Optimisation, the package upgrades the entire drivetrain and further improves driving dynamics.

The S90 and V90 are the latest models launched on SPA, Volvo Cars’ new modular vehicle architecture that will underpin all new cars in Volvo’s 90 and 60 series. After bringing its new performance package to the XC90 last year, Polestar now launches the same upgrades for the other two models in Volvo’s top-of-the-line 90 range.

Rather than simply increasing engine performance, Polestar Performance Optimisation upgrades the entire drivetrain. By improving throttle and off-throttle response, gearshift speed and precision, as well as overall engine performance, the S90 and V90 become even more dynamic and fun to drive.

"We continue to enhance the performance of Volvo’s new, class-leading SPA vehicle architecture and Drive-E powertrains. The S90 and V90 already offer excellent driving dynamics, and we are delighted to raise the performance level even further with Polestar Performance Optimisation," said Niels Möller, COO of Polestar, the Volvo Cars performance brand.

The performance package has been developed in close cooperation with the engineers and racing drivers of Polestar Cyan Racing.

"It is exciting to take the technology we use in our race cars and apply that to Volvo’s road cars. We have created a balanced package that provides performance in all conditions, whether you are winning a race or driving actively on your favourite roads," said Thed Björk, who drives a Volvo S60 Polestar TC1 with Drive-E technology in the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The first S90/V90 variant available for optimisation is the D5 PowerPulse diesel. The upgrade increases the engine's output from 235 hp and 480 Nm to 240 hp and 500 Nm. The upgrade costs £835.

Porsche is Upping the power with a Performance Package added to the Macan Twin-Turbocharged SUV.

• More power, bigger brakes, and sportier suspension calibration

As the sports car of the compact SUV segment, the Macan has been setting standards in terms of driving dynamics since it made its debut. Now, Porsche is upping the ante: equipped with the Performance Package, the Macan Turbo now sits at the top of the model line, highlighting increased power and agility, with an exclusive interior package.

The newly calibrated twin-turbocharged, 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers 440 hp. With 40 more horsepower than the Macan Turbo, the Performance Package offers a corresponding performance improvement of 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds (a reduction of 0.2 seconds), and a new top track speed of 169 mph (an increase of 5 mph).

The maximum torque has also risen to 442 lb.-ft. (an increase of 36 lb.-ft.) and is available to the driver across a broad rev range from 1500 to 4500 rpm.

However, it is not just engine power that is given a boost in the Performance Package equipped Macan Turbo – a newly developed brake system, a lowered sport chassis, the Sport Chrono Package, and a sport exhaust system are all fitted as standard. 

The front axle features grooved brake discs with a diameter of 390 millimeters – 30 millimeters larger than the discs fitted on the standard Macan Turbo – and are gripped by six-piston brake calipers painted red. 

Additionally, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with air suspension is available at the push of a button to deliver an exceptionally sporty feel on the road. 

This system has also been optimally tuned to the the vehicle, which has been lowered by 10 millimeters. Air suspension also features a self-leveling function and height adjustability.

With the Sport Chrono Package, drivers can ramp up the performance of the Macan Turbo even further. In Sport Plus mode, this package ensures the chassis, engine, and transmission are tuned to the most dynamic level – accompanied by an even more emotional sound from the sport exhaust system. 

The seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission delivers even shorter response times, with optimum gear change points, and increased torque during gear changes for maximum acceleration.

To customize the Macan Turbo with Performance Package, a range of tailored equipment options are available, such as the Turbo Exterior Package. 

Options available with this package include 21-inch 911 Turbo design wheels with spokes painted in high-gloss black, LED headlights equipped with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) Plus, and numerous other black elements. 

The Turbo Interior Package delivers a black leather interior with Alcantara® elements, color appliqué in numerous areas and carbon elements such as the door entry guards with the model logo lit up in white.

The Macan Turbo with Performance Package is available to order now and starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $86,445, excluding title, tax, registration, dealer charges, and delivery, preparation, and handling fee.

CHEVROLET 2 - The Camaro now sports an optional 1LE performance package to boost it's track presence.

Track package returns with more technology for V8 models, first time offered on V6

The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2017, poised to set new benchmarks for attainable track performance. 

The package builds off the success of the previous-generation 1LE, offering increased handling and track performance. In response to customer demand, Chevrolet will offer two distinct 1LE packages, for both V6 and V8 models, each visually distinguished with a satin black hood, specific wheels and more.

For the first time, the 1LE package will be available on Camaro 1LT or 2LT coupes equipped with the 3.6L V6. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo brakes and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE delivers an estimated 0.97G in cornering grip. Available Recaro seats will keep you planted through the corners, and an available Performance Data Recorder will allow you to view and share your track experience.

The new 1LE package for Camaro 1SS models includes magnetic ride control, with a new FE4 suspension tuning and a new, segment-exclusive electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). Paired with massive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, lateral acceleration will exceed 1G. Additional features available on the 1LE package include standard Recaro seats and a Performance Data Recorder (PDR), new to the Camaro lineup.

As a result, the 1LE package elevates the award-winning performance that earned Camaro the 2016 Motor Trend Car of the Year and Car and Driver 10Best awards.

“The Camaro 1LE packages follow a recipe any track-day enthusiast will appreciate,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Start with a lightweight, stiff structure and then add higher levels of suspension stiffness and damping, more aggressive tires, higher downforce, more powerful brakes and more cooling.

“The result delivers better performance in all measures,” said Oppenheiser. “In our development tests, the V-6 Camaro 1LE delivers lap times comparable with the previous-gen V-8 model. The 2016 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS.”

The new 1LE packages are available in late 2016, on 2017 Camaro SS and LT V-6 coupes equipped with manual transmissions. Pricing and performance data will be announced at a later date.

Camaro LT 1LE

The Camaro LT 1LE was developed to be the most track-capable sports coupe in its price class. Highlights include:

• 3.6L V-6 rated at 335 horsepower and matched with the six-speed manual transmission
• FE3 suspension components (from the Camaro SS), including dampers, rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links and stabilizer bars
• Lightweight 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40R20 front tires and 275/35R20 rear tires
• Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers
• Mechanical Limited-slip differential with 3.27 ratio
• Standard track-cooling package, with engine oil, differential and transmission coolers
• Suede steering wheel and shorter-throw shifter
• Standard dual mode exhaust system
• Camaro SS fuel system for higher-load cornering capability
• Satin black hood, front splitter and unique three-piece rear spoiler
• Unique high flow upper and lower grille with satin black accents
• Available Recaro seats and PDR video/data recording system.

“With a curb weight under 3,500 pounds, excellent front-to-rear weight balance and the precision of the FE3 suspension, the Camaro LT 1LE offers unmatched capability in its class,” said Oppenheiser. “As a result, it offers incredible performance for Camaro V-6 customers.”  

Camaro SS 1LE

The 2017 Camaro SS 1LE introduces the new FE4 suspension to the Gen Six Camaro – a performance-oriented chassis system with specific tuning for the Magnetic Ride dampers, springs and stabilizer bars. Additional highlights include:

• 6.2L LT1 V-8 rated at 455 horsepower, and six-speed manual transmission (automatic transmission not available)
• Magnetic Ride Control
• Segment-exclusive electronic limited-slip differential with 3.73 ratio
• Unique forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front tires and 305/30ZR20 rear tires
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a compound and construction developed exclusively for the Camaro – offering exceptional grip on the track 
• Brembo brakes with new six-piston monobloc front red calipers – featuring the 1LE logo – and two-piece rotors. Measuring 14.6 inches (370mm) in diameter, the front rotors are 7 percent larger than Camaro SS
• Track-cooling package, with engine oil, differential and transmission coolers
• Suede steering wheel with shorter-throw shifter
• Dual mode exhaust system
• Recaro front seats with aggressive bolsters optimized for shifting and steering comfort
• Satin black hood, front mirrors and unique three-piece rear spoiler
• Satin Graphite front splitter and rear diffuser
• Available PDR video/data recording system.

FAST FACT: The 1LE package was developed in 1988 to make the Camaro more competitive in Showroom Stock road racing series and officially debuted in 1989. Four examples were reportedly built in 1988; with 111 built in 1989. The 1LE package was also featured on fourth-gen vehicles through the 1999 model year, returning to the fifth-gen Camaro in 2013.

USA - Volkswagens 7th Generation Golf GTI wins Autoweeks Best of the Best/Car award.

The seventh-generation “hot-hatch” is recognized for its perfect combination of performance, economy, fit and finish, design and value

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce today that the 2015 Golf GTI has wonAutoweek’s annual “Best of the Best”/Car award. The all-new Golf GTI was evaluated against every new or significantly updated model throughout the year, prior to competing against three other finalists for the overall honor. In winning, judges praised the “hot-hatch” for its thoughtful design, superb handling, quality and value.

“Featuring Volkswagen’s improved 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and a choice of two great gearboxes, the Golf GTI is an approachable, practical performance car,” said Dutch Mandel, Publisher, Autoweek. “The car satisfies on every level and the new chassis makes it a blast to drive on the track or the street. It's a car any driver can have fun with."

“Our team is very excited to be named the Autoweek “Best of the Best”/Car for 2015,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s an honor to receive this award from a publication whose readership has the same kind of passion about driving and performance as we have at Volkswagen.”

Autoweek selects its annual “Best of the Best” based on performance, economy, fit and finish, design, value, and personal taste as well as statistical data and consumer conversation. Alongside the Golf GTI, finalists for the 2015 Car award included the Alfa Romeo 4C, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Ford Mustang.

Equipped with a sophisticated EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, the 2015 Golf GTI delivers 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 10 hp and 51 lb-ft from the previous generation. The optional Performance Package ups the ante with 220 horsepower, a torque-sensing electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and larger brakes.

Despite increased horsepower and torque, the new Golf GTI is also more fuel efficient than its predecessor. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Golf GTI records an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway—a 4 mpg city and 3 mpg highway improvement from the previous-generation GTI.

Thanks to Volkswagen’s versatile modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform, the 2015 Golf GTI retains the classic design cues of the Mk1 and Mk4 models, while gaining a more upscale appearance and added utility, including increased cabin and trunk space. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts at $24,395 for the entry-level S trim in two-door form with the six-speed manual transmission.