Volvo's Polestar just announced that they are being spun off and going electric. But for now, they are still making high-performance versions of much of Volvo's lineup. They've just put their blue touches on the newest XC60, boosting the crossover to 421 hp.
Polestar said that they have optimised five areas of the powertrain, making the XC60 T8 Polestar tied for most power Volvo ever (along with the XC90 T8 Polestar). Despite the extra power they claim that emissions are unchanged and that the tuned XC60 still delivers 2.1 Le/100 km and an all-electric range of 45 km on the European test cycle.
The T8 is the plug-in hybrid version of the XC60. In standard form, it uses a 2.0L four that is both turbo and supercharged. It comes with an eight-speed automatic that sends drive to the front wheels. Drive to the rear comes from an electric motor that puts out 87 hp and 177 lb-ft. The Polestar-optimised model will put out 21 hp more than the standard model.
"Our goal is to create usable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience," said Henrik Fries, Vice President, Research and Development at Polestar.
To achieve that, Polestar has modified performance, throttle response, and gearshift speeds. Polestar said that the changes are designed to make it perform in everyday driving. Things like merging and passing.
The gearbox is calibrated for faster shifts, to help it better use the T8's mid-range power, and it'll even hold gears while cornering. They say it "maintains the same gear when cornering with high lateral g-force in order to avoid unsettling the balance of the car." High lateral g-force? In a Volvo? Sounds good.
Expect the XC60 T8 Polestar later this year.
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