Polestar optimisation takes new Volvo XC60 to 421 hp

The all-new Volvo XC60, unveiled in March, is available as a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid that combines a supercharged and turbocharged engine with a 87 hp/240 Nm electric motor and a 34 kW crankshaft-mounted starter generator (CISG) to produce a total system output of 407 hp and 640 Nm. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Surely that’s fast enough for a family SUV, but if it’s insufficient, Polestar is offering powertrain optimisation that takes the horsepower count to 421 hp. That’s 14 hp more than stock, bringing the XC60 T8 on par with the Polestar-tuned XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built. Max torque isn’t mentioned, but the optimised XC90 T8 has 680 Nm.

Volvo’s performance brand says that the optimisation improves five key areas of the powertrain while retaining the factory warranty, class-leading emission levels, rated fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 km and a pure electric range of 45 km for the range-topping XC60.

The enhancements for the engine are made to provide greater power and torque in the mid-range, the area most often used in everyday-driving, for example when joining a highway, overtaking or exiting a corner. The gearbox shifts faster, shift points have been calibrated to utilise the optimised mid-range, and the car holds the same gear in high lateral g-force cornering to avoid unsettling the balance.

“Our goal is to create usable performance in everyday driving situations for Volvo owners who want an enhanced driving experience. 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 optimisation, it makes the new Volvo XC60 a true drivers’ car,” claims Henrik Fries, VP of R&D at Polestar.

T8 aside, Polestar optimisation is available for the XC60’s T6, T5, D5 and D4 powertrains.

GALLERY: 2018 Volvo XC60

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