Volvo to offer rear-biased torque split tune for 2019 AWD cars

A new software upgrade for all-wheel drive Volvo models that diverts more torque to the rear wheels is to be made available for 2019 models underpinned by the company’s Scalable Product Architecture.

Developed by Polestar, the software aims to enhance the driving experience and provide a more engaging feeling, with improved steering turn-in and increased traction when feeding in the power.

The rear-biased torque split will be used when vehicles equipped with the software are in Dynamic mode or when traction control is disengaged.

The Polestar software package – which also sharpens throttle response and gear changes, and boosts the engine’s power output – will be available for the S60, V60, S90, and V90 sedans and wagons, and the XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs.

However, the software will only be available for models powered by petrol or diesel engines without electric assistance – that would be the T5 and T6 petrol engines, and D4 and D5 diesel engines.

As the T6 and T8 Twin Engine drivetrains feature a rear axle that is driven by an electric motor only, Volvo notes that they already have a rear-wheel torque bias and, as such, do not require the optimised software.