Polestar boosts new XC60’s output to a potent 314kW

Volvo’s performance arm, Polestar has introduced an optimisation programme for the new Volvo XC60. When fitted to the XC60 T8, it boosts power to a potent 314kW, matching the optimised XC90 T8 as the most powerful Volvo models ever built.

The Polestar tune improves five key areas of the powertrain – engine performance, throttle response, off-throttle response, gearshift speed and hold, while retaining factory emission levels and warranty, consuming just 2.1L/100km and a pure electric range of 45km for the T8.

“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 of Research and Development at Polestar.

“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.”

Two key features of the optimisation are the improved engine performance and gearbox functionality.

The enhancements for the engine are made to provide greater power and torque in the mid-range of the engine, the area most often used in everyday-driving.

The gearbox shifts faster, gearshift points have been calibrated to utilise the optimised mid-range engine performance, and the gear-hold function maintains the same gear when cornering with high lateral g-force in order to avoid unsettling the balance of the car.

The Polestar optimisation programme is available for the entire XC60 range.