USA - Volvo launches ultimate S60/V60 Polestar supercars, only 120 coming to the US

The 2015 Volvo V60 and S60 Polestar have debuted in Chicago and will be available for the public to see starting this weekend. Get a good look as these models are ultra-limited. We've had a look around, sat inside, and are fast fans of Volvo's lookers. But there's more than meets the eye, as the 2015 V60 and S60 Polestar models are also the quickest production Volvos.

Powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, both are capable of 345 horsepower, with exceptional low-end power. 0-60 mph time? The 2015 Volvo V60 and S60 Polestar require just 4.7 seconds, and to balance that power and speed, large 14.6-inch disc brakes and Brembo calipers are up front, and 11.8-inch disc brakes on the rear tires. To up performance and handling dynamics, Polestar stiffened the suspension, making the S60 and V60 more rigid. The cars ride on exclusive 20-inch wheels, utilize high-performance shock-absorbers, and feature a Haldex all-wheel drive system.

The Volvo V60 and S60 Polestar models come exclusively in Black Sapphire or Rebel Blue, which was the color of the models on the show floor and our personal favorite. The 2015 V60 Polestar sportswagon and S60 Polestar sedan will be available at Volvo dealerships starting in June, but will be ultra-limited with only 120 models making it to the U.S.

ŠKODA to première new Octavia Scout at Geneva

• World Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2014
• Powerful off-road look, innovative all-wheel drive technology (Haldex-5 coupling)
• Smart offroader with the best on and off road handling
• Traction, climbing and start-up performance significantly improved

ŠKODA is pressing ahead with its model campaign. The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout will be celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. The robust all-rounder sports a distinctive off-road look, innovative all-wheel drive, the best driving performance - even on rough roads - and high versatility on and off the road.

“The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout really is a smart offroader in every way - a name that has to be earned at ŠKODA,” says Dr. Frank Welsch, ŠKODA Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development. “Our new model is a scout in the best sense and offers customers a unique package, comprising a striking off-road look, impressive all-wheel characteristics, plenty of space and modern safety, comfort and engine technologies. The new Octavia Scout sets new standards in the crossover-vehicle segment.”

The new ŠKODA Octavia Scout is based on the Octavia Combi and is characterised by a powerful, Scout-specific appearance. Both the front and rear feature powerful, black bumpers with silver-coloured off-road attachments. The front features a wide air intake and sharply-embossed fog lights. The door sills and wheel arches are also in black panelling, in addition to the black protective side mouldings. The ground clearance has increased by 33 millimetres compared to the standard Octavia. 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted as series standard. In the interior there is a 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel and attractive features, designed especially for the Scout.

State-of-the-art all-wheel drive technology, based on the Haldex-5 coupling, and new technological features make the new model the best Octavia Scout ever. The traction has increased by 25% to up to two tonnes. In addition, the start-up performance and climbing power of the all-rounder has significantly improved. Thanks to the larger approach/departure angles, the Czech car masters even steeper, more challenging terrain. It comes with a choice of two diesel engines and one petrol. The powertrains are 20% more economical, compared to the vehicle’s predecessor.

To summarise, the new ŠKODA Octavia Scout has all of the excellent values featured in the new ŠKODA Octavia - just that ‘bit more of a car’: Outstanding space, maximum functionality, practical ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, cutting-edge safety and comfort technology and the best value for money.

Potent new Volkswagen Golf R now available to order in the UK

From today UK customers can place their orders for the most powerful production Golf yet, the 300 PS Golf R, ahead of the first deliveries in March 2014.

Prices for the range-topping R start at £29,900 for the three-door model with six-speed manual gearbox, and £31,315 for the three-door with six-speed DSG gearbox.  The five-door versions cost £30,555 and £31,970 respectively.

At the heart of the R is a newly developed version of the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 TSI petrol engine used in the latest Golf GTI, but in this application producing 300 PS from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and 380 Nm (280 lbs ft) from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm.  Compared with the GTI’s powerplant, the Golf R’s engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and turbocharger.

Zero to 62 mph takes 5.3 seconds (versus 5.7 seconds for previous Golf R), or 4.9 seconds with optional DSG gearbox.  The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.  Despite this increased performance, a combined fuel consumption of 39.8 mpg (40.9 mpg DSG), and CO2 emissions of 165 g/km (159 g/km DSG) make the Golf R up to 18 per cent more efficient than its predecessor.

The R uses a fifth-generation Haldex 4MOTION four-wheel drive system.  Under low loads or when coasting, the rear axle is decoupled, helping to reduce fuel consumption.  Drive to the rear axle can be engaged in fractions of a second via the Haldex coupling, which is actuated by an electro-hydraulic pump.  Almost 100 per cent of power can be transferred to the rear axle.

The ride height is 20 mm lower than the standard Golf’s (5 mm lower than the GTI’s), while Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) is an option.  For the first time, this offers a ‘Race’ mode, which increases damping, thereby reducing body movements.  In conjunction with the driver profile selector (standard on all Golfs from SE), Race mode also attenuates throttle response, and alters the shift pattern of the DSG gearbox (where fitted).

On top of ESC Sport mode, as found on the GTI and GTD, which delays intervention of the electronic stability control system, the R offers the option fully to disengage the ESC, for track driving.

Like the Golf GTI and GTD, the Golf R is equipped with progressive steering, which reduces the number of turns lock to lock to just 2.1, from 2.75.

Visually, the R is distinguished by its new front bumper design, with large air inlets, modified radiator grille with ‘R’ logo and daytime running lights that are integrated into the standard bi-xenon headlights.  At the side, there are bespoke body-colour sills, and matt chrome-capped door mirrors.

The standard wheels are 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloys with 225/40 tyres, while 19-inch ‘Pretoria’ alloys are optional.  The brakes are ventilated discs all round, and measure 30 mm by 340 mm at the front and 22 mm by 310 mm at the rear.

Like all Golf Mk VIIs, the Golf R is lighter than its predecessor, with a kerbweight of 1,476 kg / 1,495 kg for DSG, which is 45 kg / 46 kg less than the Mk VI, and just 94 kg / 93 kg more than the GTI with Performance Pack.

The interior features cloth sports seats with Alcantara bolsters, with leather upholstery available as an option, while the instrument dials are bespoke for the R, and include typical touches such as blue needles.