Volvo turns to hybrid tech for sports performance

Hot Polestar S90 and V90 will compete with Audi RS, BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.

The Polestar performance package is available on the Volvo V90 and Volvo S90 models.

Volvo is turning to high-performance hybrid power in a move to bolster its sporting credentials while at the same time distancing itself from the performance models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

The move will be driven by Volvo’s Polestar arm. Volvo has had a collaborative link with the tuning and motorsport company since 1996, buying the concern outright in July 2015.

No official confirmation of possible powertrains has been made as yet, but judging by previous comments made by Polestar spokespeople the most likely development will be to optimise the T8 hybrid system currently featuring in every new-generation Volvo.

In the XC90, this system uses an electric motor producing 81bhp and 177lb ft in combination with a supercharged and turbocharged 314bhp/295lb ft 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol.

To compete with the likes of Audi’s RS, BMW’s M and Mercedes-AMG’s models, both power and torque outputs will probably have to increase for the planned Polestar models (BMW’s M5 has 552bhp and 501lb ft). But it’s believed that Volvo is happy to sacrifice some all-electric range at the altar of improved response and driveability.

Although the Polestar S90 and V90 models won’t come out until next year at the earliest, insiders are already talking up the prospects.

“Polestar is going to come out with something very exciting and a little bit different,” said Jon Wakefield, Volvo UK’s managing director.

“We think it is going to shake up the market.”

Tony Middlehurst is a writer for AutoCar.