2018 Volvo XC60 Polestar

2018 Volvo XC60 Polestar

Polestar, the performance brand of Volvo Cars, has introduced the latest generation powertrain optimisation for the new Volvo XC60. With the Polestar enhancement, the new Volvo XC60 T8 delivers 421 horsepower, matching the optimised XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built.

The Polestar optimisation improves five key areas of the powertrain while retaining the Volvo warranty, class-leading emission levels, consumption of 2.1 l/100 km and a pure electric range of 45 kilometres for the T8.

Experience from more than two decades on the track with Cyan Racing, the motorsport partner of Polestar, has transformed the engine performance, throttle response, off-throttle response, gearshift speed and hold, taking the XC60 to a new level of driving pleasure.

The 2018 Volvo XC60 will be available in Canadian showrooms as early as next August at an entry price of $45,900. Top flight Inscription T8 models will sell for $69,550.

While the T8 plug-in hybrid version is no slouch, 407 combined horsepower from a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and rear electric motor clearly wasn’t enough for Volvo execs. With Polestar tuning, the model gains 21 hp and a boost in mid-range torque.

The go-fast Swedes have also worked their magic on the eight-speed automatic’s shift times which, coupled with the power bump, could bring the top-end XC60’s 0-60 mph time under five seconds. As it stands, the XC60 T8 makes the dash to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds.