strut tower brace from Polestar... worth it?

[VOLVOL0VER]

I'm thinking about installing a strut bar in my car.

What are the real benefits? Does anyone install one already? If yes, what changed while cornering?

[nu11eaf]

All my standard non polestar MK 1 XC90 D5's had them fitted as standard, I can't compare my MK 2 D5 to those as this one has air suspension and that the type of steel used in the newer car is stronger/stiffer according to the bumph. I could drive my older XC90's more enthusiastically on country winding roads than I can my newer version but that may be due to the air suspension. Or me being older and past it.
Screenshot_20210923-094705_Chrome.jpg

[Mad Malc]

Save your money.

The Macpherson Strut type of suspension can benefit from a strut brace as it forms the top suspension mounting and takes all the loads in all directions.

On the Volvo it is top shock absorber mount only so takes vertical loads only.

On the other hand it looks the part and you will get some top trump points when bragging down the pub.

[VOLVOL0VER]

Originally Posted by Mad Malc

Save your money.

The Macpherson Strut type of suspension can benefit from a strut brace as it forms the top suspension mounting and takes all the loads in all directions.

On the Volvo it is top shock absorber mount only so takes vertical loads only.

On the other hand it looks the part and you will get some top trump points when bragging down the pub.

I read somewhere that it was useless on a Volvo. Latest generation Volvo I mean. But if that is correct, why did they (Volvo) mount one on the Polestar Engineered models?

[Familyman 90]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

All my standard non polestar MK 1 XC90 D5's had them fitted as standard
Attachment 137655

On the Mk1 its an engine stabiliser bar, not a strut brace. The ends are flexible, mounted on rubber bushes with about 5mm of movement on each end so it would be useless as a brace.

As for the Mk2, the monocoque is so massively strong I suspect that it would make little or no diffeence.

[sk546]

Before I ordered my XC60 Polestar Engineered, I test drove a T8 Inscription Pro and a T8 R-Design Pro, both on air suspension, and the handling differences between those and the PE model are quite significant, how much of that is strut brace related as opposed to the Ohlins dampers and other PE specific chassis differences I couldn't tell you.
However, its always worth trying as until you do, you will never know.
All I can say is the Polestar guys defo know what they are doing, the way I can hustle my XC60 PE down a back road (with the dampers in their stiffer settings) is quite unbelievable for a 2.3 ton hydrid SUV but they managed to make it happen with some tweeks, one of which is the strut brace.

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by sk546

Before I ordered my XC60 Polestar Engineered, I test drove a T8 Inscription Pro and a T8 R-Design Pro, both on air suspension, and the handling differences between those and the PE model are quite significant, how much of that is strut brace related as opposed to the Ohlins dampers and other PE specific chassis differences I couldn't tell you.
However, its always worth trying as until you do, you will never know.
All I can say is the Polestar guys defo know what they are doing, the way I can hustle my XC60 PE down a back road (with the dampers in their stiffer settings) is quite unbelievable for a 2.3 ton hydrid SUV but they managed to make it happen with some tweeks, one of which is the strut brace.

I guess I am a bit out of touch here. I thought that the Polestar modification you could do on a SPA model was just a software flash for about £600. Your description above seems to describe more modifications than that.

So what extra do you get in a "PE" model, how much does it cost, and is this something you order through the dealer, or did you have to take it to Polestar afterwards for an aftermarket mod? Thanks.

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

I guess I am a bit out of touch here. I thought that the Polestar modification you could do on a SPA model was just a software flash for about £600. Your description above seems to describe more modifications than that.

So what extra do you get in a "PE" model, how much does it cost, and is this something you order through the dealer, or did you have to take it to Polestar afterwards for an aftermarket mod? Thanks.

Polestar engineered cars are different cars not volvo's with software enhanced add ons, a side shoot of Volvo, they used to be the racing car side of Volvo.

https://www.polestar.com/uk/

[sk546]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

I guess I am a bit out of touch here. I thought that the Polestar modification you could do on a SPA model was just a software flash for about £600. Your description above seems to describe more modifications than that.

So what extra do you get in a "PE" model, how much does it cost, and is this something you order through the dealer, or did you have to take it to Polestar afterwards for an aftermarket mod? Thanks.

Hi Philip, the Polestar Optimisation software flash completed by the Volvo dealerships is exactly as you say and only affects engine and gearbox. This can be added to most SPA and older models should the owner wish to part with their hard earned cash (which I highly recommend they do).

The Polestar Engineered model is a separate model above the R-Design Pro and Inscription Pro in the S60, V60 & XC60 ranges that is ordered from the dealership. The Polestar Engineered model is a highly adapted R-Design Pro that is sent to the Polestar site during the cars build (or at least it was when my car was built) where they add very trick Ohlins coilover suspension (in place of the air suspension), a front strut brace, some very big and powerful front brakes, lightweight forged alloys, a polestar specific exhaust, slightly more sporty front seats and some gold seat belts to name but a few of the different changes over the other models. I believe, but cant confirm, that a slightly different software package is also in use that gives different brake pedal modulation, ABS, ESP, Stability and even front diff settings to utilise the extra grip, traction and braking power the car has.
Overall, its a very different beast due to these changes but definitely not for everyone. If you are used to the carpet of air feeling normally associated with Volvo driving comfort, the Polestar Engineered rides stiff even with the dampers in their soft setting but the handling is on another level completely.
I was very disappointed with the level of body roll with the cars I test drove on air suspension but that has almost completely gone now due to the Polestar Engineered Chassis changes.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by VOLVOL0VER

I'm thinking about installing a strut bar in my car.

What are the real benefits? Does anyone install one already? If yes, what changed while cornering?

Its only a fashion statement in my opinion , Do you really think the volvos boron steel chassis is going to bend and wobble enough when driving to make any differences to wheel alignment or geometry ? They have a metal bulkhead bracing the two top mounts anyway even on the S40/V50 ranges ...
These struts are used on old rally cars to stop the suspension towers flexing and cracking on long tough rallies driven extremely . if you find a MK3 Ford escort and grab a suspension tower and push and pull you can actually see it flex !