High-performance Volvos won’t dilute Polestar image

High-performance Volvos won’t dilute Polestar image

The newly-launched Volvo S60 saw the arrival of an additional variant, that is the T8 Polestar Engineered model. It sits at the top of the S60 range thanks to ECU tweaks, resulting in a heightened output of 405 hp and 670 Nm. The regular T8 Twin Engine makes 390 hp and 640 Nm from a 2.0 litre plug-in hybrid setup.

According to Autocar, Polestar boss Thomas Ingenlath says Polestar’s future range of performance-tuned Volvo cars – like the S60 – won’t dilute the stand-alone brand‘s identity. He admitted however, that “the danger is there.”

“From what we do content wise, it’s not something that contradicts. Moving from the previous S60 Polestar to the new S60 Polestar Engineered matches what we do with the Polestar brand: it’s a commitment to electrification and a premium performance attribute,” Ingenlath told the British publication.

“In the future, the core business and our main business is the Polestar brand, and what we produce to give to the customers with Polestar cars is a base on what we’ll give to Volvo as a spice with Polestar Engineered,” he added.


S60 T8 Polestar Engineered

The Swedish outfit was formerly established as a racing team before being bought over by Volvo, which was later spun off as a separate brand to focus on manufacturing high-performance plug-in hybrid and electric cars. Its portfolio now comprise of the Polestar 1, after which comes the Polestar 2 and so on. It will continue to produce Polestar Engineered Volvo cars, but only on select models with electrified powertrains.

As for the new S60 T8 Polestar Engineered variant, it will look nearly identical to the S60 R-Design, except it gets a mildly revised lower front bumper and the customary Polestar badging at the front and rear. The interior also gets a unique armrest, contrast stitching on the steering wheel, aluminium foot pedals, crystal gear knob and gold seat belts to match the brake calipers.

This begs the question: will we ever get to see the return of Volvo R? There’s a small possibility, based on a recent set of spy photos. But for now, our guess is as good as yours. What do you think of the Polestar Engineered upgrade kit, dear readers?

GALLERY: 2019 Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered

GALLERY: 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design

GALLERY: 2019 Volvo S60 Inscription

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Awang Selamat on Jun 28, 2018 at 4:05 pm

    That is not so bad. Some say the Geely Boyue might dilute the image of the XC60. Well, it is only Proton fanboys saying this. Pity. Syiok sendiri.

    They say why buy Volvo XC60 when Boyue also use “Volvo” and “Mercedes” technology

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 7
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jun 28, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    405hp is a lot…cant imagine how much the S60R will pump out

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Mikey on Jun 28, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    Stop talking & teasing. Just bring whatever U have. Let some experience journalist or testers test it out otherwise it’s all talk but no action. U don’t want to be called “NATO” do U!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Phaser on Jun 29, 2018 at 10:47 am

    The market positioning makes sense. A bit like M cars and M Sport for BMW.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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