Volvo’s Polestar developing new performance engines, considering hot XC90 – report

Niels Moller, Polestar’s chief operating officer, told Autocar that the tuning arm is currently working on a new performance package to replace its current turbocharged straight-six, which develops 257kW at 5250rpm and 500Nm at 3000rpm.

Currently employed in the S60 Polestar and V60 Polestar, the straight-six is capable propelling the sedan from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and the wagon to the same milestone in 5.0 seconds.

Based on Volvo's 2.0-litre Drive-E four-cylinder engine, Polestar's new motor will employ both supercharging and turbocharging to develop at least 260kW of power. The new high performance mill will be mated to an eight-speed automatic.

According to Moller, the new engine will be "as strong or even stronger" than the six-cylinder motor. Just as importantly, the new engine will be lighter and generate "nearly half the CO2 emissions".

When asked if there's a XC90 Polestar on the horizon, Moller stopped short of a full confirmation, stating: "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?"

Volvo acquired the tuning division of Polestar in the middle of June 2015 for an undisclosed sum. The merger has given Polestar full access to its new parent's technology suite.

Moller confirmed that there "will be performance hybrids, which use electrification to enhance performance, rather than worrying about range".