Polestar Back to Roots as Volvo Tune Shop

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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21st October 2019

Its good to see Polestar is maintaining its role as the tuning shop for the Volvo brand despite being billed as the standalone BEV automaker.

That’s because under the Polestar Engineered label, the tuners still get to have a hand in tuning Volvo gasoline engines for more speed. The latest is involves upgrades to Volvo’s S60, V60 and XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid variants of Volvo’s mid-size models.

Topping the range, the PHEV T8 Twin Engine now claims and output from its 2.0-literfour-cylinder gasoline engine is increased from 300bhp to 315bhp. With 85hp provided by the electric motor, the total system output is 400bhp. In terms of performance, acceleration from standstill to 62mph is now achieved in 4.4 seconds making it the fastest-accelerating production Volvo car ever made. Despite the performance, the vehicle claims to be able to drive electric-only for up to 27.3 miles and return a fuel economy of 104.5mpg (87mpg US) on the WLTP Combined cycle.

Polestar tuning also extends to software changes to the automatic transmission bring quicker gearshifts and a more precise shift program that reduce gearchanges when cornering quickly. At the same time, Brembo brakes are used, except on the 4×4 XC60 which employs Akebono anchors, while suspension is handled by top-draw Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_