V70 T6 Polestar query

[volvocat]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

Just for clarity, are you saying that a polestar remap will not upgrade the auto transmission software on my 2012 XC70 D5 AWD? I wouldn't turn down extra bhp/torque but it is the possibility of an improvement to the rather pedestrian transmission software that was interesting me in polestar.

Having had 3x P* upgrades, all XC70 D5 Autos, I can confirm that (whether it’s intended to or not!), it does make a difference to the Geartronic - both changing up and down (engine braking). It’s not huge but certainly useful, being especially noticeable in my current 2015 (was 215bhp, now 230).
Mid-range puch is actually quite impressive, even in std. mode - Sport is even better!
It’s not just the improved bhp - throttle response feels sharper and it drops a gear (or two) more enthusiastically for rapid over-taking.
Less effective improvement in earlier 185bhp cars (c.2007-09), but still worth doing as that gearbox is very lazy low down, esp. from rest. Doesn’t remove the awful delay but makes it more tolerable when pulling out at junctions etc.
And yes, Tatsfield, I felt it was also a beneficial improvement to my 2012, so go for it!

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by mhon72

Polestar Optimisation only upgrades the 8spd auto transmission with the 2.0L 4 cylinder VEA engines.
However, with other models the gearbox adaptation may change with the engine tuning as you drive it.

It's really complex - but on some models with the TF-80 6 speed the TCM mapping is changed by a Polestar map. There are lots of variables in it - i.e. platform (XC90 models the TCM is not changed) and if you have 4C suspension which also alters the map.

If anyone is considering a Polestar they should contact them directly - they are easy to speak to and will tell you if the TCM is updated on your vehicle.

[spyboy]

Volvo Cat said...my current 2015 (was 215bhp, now 230).
Mid-range puch is actually quite impressive, even in std. mode - Sport is even better!
I have had 2no XC70 D5 Polestarred and can agree that it is well worth it. Many insurance companies, should you choose to tell them (You should btw) don't add to the premium for P* as it is done by Volvo.
I would ask VovoCat what is meant by standard and Sport mode? How is that engaged?

[volvocat]

Originally Posted by spyboy

Volvo Cat said...my current 2015 (was 215bhp, now 230).
Mid-range punch is actually quite impressive, even in std. mode - Sport is even better!
I have had 2no XC70 D5 Polestarred and can agree that it is well worth it. Many insurance companies, should you choose to tell them (You should btw) don't add to the premium for P* as it is done by Volvo.
I would ask VovoCat what is meant by standard and Sport mode? How is that engaged?

Glad you agree!
Sport is engaged by sliding the gearstick over to the left (when in 'D') - and an 'S' appears in the driver's display.
(2012MY onwards IIRC)

[DAN AT ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,
If you did have any issues with insurance at all then please feel to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

[spyboy]

VolvoCat, thank you I didn't know that!

[Tatsfield]

Sports mode is all about "go" but not sufficiently involved with "stop". It holds the gears down and permits more rapid acceleration but unlike some other more complex boxes, is slow to drop down to engine brake the car. It needs to be brake pedal led to initiate changing down.

I'm hoping that the Polestar upgrade will enable me to flick the lever into "S" and immediately drop at least one gear, if not two, to slow down the car without having to dab the brakes. I was used to that style of driving on my previous cars and after 15 years of such, I miss it terribly on the XC70 which has a transmission system more akin to a truck than a sports car, which is what I was used to. In fact I wired the "Sports" mode selection onto a foot pedal on the left had foot rest and could force the box to change up or down with a dab of my left toe. Can't do that on the AW box as it doesn't change down and you can't wire the selection from the mechanical selector lever.

[volvocat]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

Sports mode is all about "go" but not sufficiently involved with "stop". It holds the gears down and permits more rapid acceleration but unlike some other more complex boxes, is slow to drop down to engine brake the car. It needs to be brake pedal led to initiate changing down.

I'm hoping that the Polestar upgrade will enable me to flick the lever into "S" and immediately drop at least one gear, if not two, to slow down the car without having to dab the brakes. I was used to that style of driving on my previous cars and after 15 years of such, I miss it terribly on the XC70 which has a transmission system more akin to a truck than a sports car, which is what I was used to. In fact I wired the "Sports" mode selection onto a foot pedal on the left had foot rest and could force the box to change up or down with a dab of my left toe. Can't do that on the AW box as it doesn't change down and you can't wire the selection from the mechanical selector lever.

In my experience, if it doesn't change down immediately (which it can do), it's because it's protecting the engine from over-speeding or damaging the gearbox, but only usually takes a small dab on the brake pedal to encourage a change down.
Obviously very much depends on gear/car speed/engine speed/conditions etc.
Why not get P* installed for the free 14 day trial and see for yourself?
If you like it, keep it; if not, it's an easy un-install (is that a thing?!) - the dealer can even do it remotely!

[steeeeeve]

Hi all,
So i took my D4 to the dealership yesterday as i had the "oil service required"
message. They told me that the oil level was too high due to the car dumping fuel into the oil because of an interrupted regeneration. They dropped some oil out and the message has gone.
While i am there, they tell me about the Polestar performance optimisation upgrade. They are doing it at a special offer of £650 reduced from £850. He does me a print out of my car showing the upgrade on BHP, Torque which to be fair is not a lot. The only part that interested me was the fix on the delay when pulling away from a standstill. I test drove a car that had the upgrade and it was amazing, you could really tell the difference.
My question is, is there an upgrade just for the acceleration delay without have everything else?
Something i should have asked them while i was there really but i didn't.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

Just for clarity, are you saying that a polestar remap will not upgrade the auto transmission software on my 2012 XC70 D5 AWD? I wouldn't turn down extra bhp/torque but it is the possibility of an improvement to the rather pedestrian transmission software that was interesting me in polestar.

make sure you have the latest software in your auto gearbox ..