Volvo XC90 Polestar in the pipeline

Volvo’s high-performance division, Polestar, plans on launching a highly tuned version of the company’s petrol-powered 2.0-litre Drive-E engine.

Expected to replace the current line-up of 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines, found in the Polestar variants of the S60 and V60, the new four-cylinder powerplant is expected to produce upwards of 350bhp and will come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The supercharged and turbocharged engine, besides producing more power than the previous engines, will also be lighter and lower on emissions.

What is more interesting is that the new engine is likely to find its way under the XC90’s hood. As earlier reported, Volvo’s plans for India include the introduction of the Polestar brand here. The hot Volvo XC90 might very well be part of that plan, especially after India being recently bombarded with high-performance SUVs such as the AMG range from Mercedes-Benz and the more recent BMW X5 M and X6 M. And more so, with the SQ7 already being tested here in India, the XC90 Polestar will have its hands full when it hits our shores.

Hybrid variants of the high-performance engine are also in the pipeline, which will use electrification to enhance performance, instead of traditionally improving the vehicle’s range. However, the hybrids are unlikely to be part of India’s Volvo range any time soon.