Volvo XC90 T8 gets performance boost from Polestar

A new, boosted up version of Volvo’s flagship XC90 T8 SUV is now the most powerful production car the Swedish brand has ever made.

An upgrade package for the XC90 T8 from performance partner Polestar lifts the combined outputs of its hybrid powertrain to 314kW and 680Nm.

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Polestar is essentially a tuning house that tweaks the engine and gearbox management software in Volvo cars to extract more power and response. The company says its new generation of optimisation packages improve overall engine outputs as well as gearbox calibration and throttle precision.

Incredibly, the XC90 T8 makes all its power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. To achieve such high power figures the internal combustion engine is assisted by a supercharger, a turbocharger, and an electric motor.

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Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 5.5-seconds, and Polestar says fuel economy of the hybrid SUV remains the same at a claimed 2.1L/100km.

Part of the enhancement package is a function that stops unwanted upshifts from the eight-speed automatic gearbox when cornering. Polestar says this system keeps the balance of the XC90 settled and provides the driver with improved control during ‘active’ driving.

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Volvo Australia is already offering the Polestar optimisation package for XC90 T8 at a cost of approximately $1850. That’s on top of the initial vehicle purchase price of $122,950.

Polestar upgrades are certified by Volvo and do not affect service intervals or vehicle warranty.

The XC90 is just one of the projects on the go by the mad scientists at Polestar. Last week the outfit also announced its performance upgrades for the Volvo S90 and V90.