Those aching for a performance-oriented XC90 had to choose only from a few tuner mods, but it seems that Volvo’s high-performance sub-brand, Polestar, is still considering a highly-tuned offering for the SUV.
According to Autocar, the Swedish tuner – now owned by Volvo – is working on performance variant of the car maker’s 2.0-litre, supercharged and turbocharged powerplant, which will develop at least 350 hp, and will replace the current straight-six used in the S60 and V60 Polestar.
To top it off, the brand may also launch a new high-performance hybrid model – since now Polestar has full access to Volvo’s technology – as Niels Möller, Polestar’s chief operating officer, stated:
“With the new engine, weight will be reduced and power will increase, but there will be nearly half the CO2 emissions. We believe in the future performance cars must cope with environmental developments. The company has full access to Volvo technology and, naturally, that means access to a lot of hybrid technology. There will be performance hybrids, which use electrification to enhance performance, rather than worrying about range”.
So, naturally, there’s a chance for Volvo’s mid-size luxury SUV to benefit from a little Polestar performance, as Möller, Polestar’s chief operating officer assured that anything can happen:
“Everything is possible. SUVs are hip. People really like them as urban cruisers, so why not have an XC car that can go on the track as well?”
The stock Volvo XC90 already uses the 2.0-litre Drive-E twincharged four-pot engine in its T6 trim, where it produces 320 hp, whereas the T8 hybrid-electric variant outputs 406 hp. So, just imagine the kind of power a Polestar-enhanced hybrid variant could boast.
Volvo XC90 R-Design pictured
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