Volvo’s Polestar brand has applied numerous upgrades to the Volvo XC60 T8, boosting output of the plug-in hybrid crossover to 421 horsepower.
Volvo describes Polestar’s XC60 upgrades as “powertrain optimization,” however the Swedish brand didn’t provide exact details on what its performance division has done, only saying the upgrades are designed to “provide greater power and torque” in the middle of the rev range. New software for the transmission has also resulted in quicker gear changes, while a new gear-hold function automatically holds onto a gear while cornering with high lateral g-forces.
”Our goal is to create usable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience,” said Polestar research and development boss Henrik Fries. “The new XC60 has provided us with an excellent base to work on with a dynamic chassis and a state of the art powertrain. With the Polestar optimization, it makes the new Volvo XC60 a true drivers’ car.”
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The standard XC60 T8 produces just over 400 horsepower from a 316 horsepower 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder engine and an 87 horsepower electric motor. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it will hustle from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
In addition to the XC60 T8, Polestar says it also provides upgrade packages fro the XC60 T6 and T5 and the D5 and D4 diesel models. It’s not clear if these upgrade packages are available in North America, or if they are for European shoppers only.
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