Does it change anything at all?

[VOLVOL0VER]

Does a front strut tower brace change anything at all in the XC60 cornering behaviour and its dynamics? Even if slightly... does it? I have pneumatic suspension.

[sk546]

That really depends on the driver of the car and how the car is driven.
Both of my XC60's have come with the strut brace (both being Polestar Engineered Models) and the handling capability is far superior to the R-Design Pro & Inscription Pro's I test drove before I bought my first XC60 but I would say the improvement the strut brace by itself would only bring a small % improvement, it needs to be added to all the other Polestar Engineered goodies to show the full handling picture.

If all you do is potter around with the very occasional spirited drive, it's likely not worth it. If you drive it like you stole it on a regular basis then it's probably a better option.

Also, with all the added weight of the T8 cars over standard petrol or diesel ones, having the added strut tower stiffness the brace gives you is a bonus when trying to get a 2.4 ton SUV around a corner fast.
It does look good in the engine bay though, alongside the gold Ohlins Damper adjusters.......

[VOLVOL0VER]

Originally Posted by sk546

That really depends on the driver of the car and how the car is driven.
Both of my XC60's have come with the strut brace (both being Polestar Engineered Models) and the handling capability is far superior to the R-Design Pro & Inscription Pro's I test drove before I bought my first XC60 but I would say the improvement the strut brace by itself would only bring a small % improvement, it needs to be added to all the other Polestar Engineered goodies to show the full handling picture.

If all you do is potter around with the very occasional spirited drive, it's likely not worth it. If you drive it like you stole it on a regular basis then it's probably a better option.

Also, with all the added weight of the T8 cars over standard petrol or diesel ones, having the added strut tower stiffness the brace gives you is a bonus when trying to get a 2.4 ton SUV around a corner fast.
It does look good in the engine bay though, alongside the gold Ohlins Damper adjusters.......

Ok. I will order one. Thanks for your comment.

[sandys]

Top strut bar won't do a great deal, if you wanted to tighten up the handling front and rear anti roll bars (sway bar if you are American ) is probably the easiest route beyond junking the air system for a sports targeted spring damper setup like Ohlins

[Clan]

Originally Posted by VOLVOL0VER

Does a front strut tower brace change anything at all in the XC60 cornering behaviour and its dynamics? Even if slightly... does it? I have pneumatic suspension.

Makes no difference whatsoever, can you really imagine volvo suspension towers flexing half an inch or enough to affect wheel alignment when you are cornering hard? NO they are already braced by the very strong scuttle panel . A Mk 3 ford escort yes ! you can flex those towers by grabbing them and push/pulling and you can see them flex !

[Ulrikas PA]

Originally Posted by Clan

Makes no difference whatsoever, can you really imagine volvo suspension towers flexing half an inch or enough to affect wheel alignment when you are cornering hard? NO they are already braced by the very strong scuttle panel . A Mk 3 ford escort yes ! you can flex those towers by grabbing them and push/pulling and you can see them flex !

I think they may help on rough roads though? My Audi 3.0TDi Allroad had one (surprisingly) and the only car I have fitted one to is my Classic Impreza, which are known to have been pretty good on dirt tracks !

[VOLVOL0VER]

Originally Posted by Clan

Makes no difference whatsoever, can you really imagine volvo suspension towers flexing half an inch or enough to affect wheel alignment when you are cornering hard? NO they are already braced by the very strong scuttle panel . A Mk 3 ford escort yes ! you can flex those towers by grabbing them and push/pulling and you can see them flex !

So why did they decide to install one on the Polestar Engineered model? Makes no sense then.

[VOLVOL0VER]

Updated photos of my car.

[sk546]

Originally Posted by Clan

Makes no difference whatsoever, can you really imagine volvo suspension towers flexing half an inch or enough to affect wheel alignment when you are cornering hard? NO they are already braced by the very strong scuttle panel . A Mk 3 ford escort yes ! you can flex those towers by grabbing them and push/pulling and you can see them flex !

As Volvolover has already said, if it makes no difference whatsoever, why did Polestar decide to include it on the chassis upgrades on the Polestar Engineered models?
I'm not saying that it will make massive differences having one fitted as like you say, Volvo have the struts pretty well braced but it will bring marginal improvements in reducing suspension strut flex during hard cornering.

[sk546]

Originally Posted by sandys

Top strut bar won't do a great deal, if you wanted to tighten up the handling front and rear anti roll bars (sway bar if you are American ) is probably the easiest route beyond junking the air system for a sports targeted spring damper setup like Ohlins

I agree with the anti roll bar comments here, going from my first XC60 PE car (MY20) to my new XC60 PE, Volvo seem to have fitted softer anti roll bars on the newer car likely in reaction to customers complaining about a very stiff/harsh ride on the early Polestar Engineered cars as the dampers and springs are the same components between the 2 models.
The difference in body control and ride quality is quite stunning but I do miss the added body control the stiffer anti rolls bars gave the XC60, I can accept a harsh ride to get a better handling package.