Volvo to launch plug-in hybrid engine in South Africa next year

Volvo Cars is launching a new electrified performance offering called Polestar Engineered, developed for its new 60 Series T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid cars.

The announcement comes just before the company reveals its new S60 premium sports sedan at the inauguration of its first US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The plant is the sole production site for the S60, which is the first Volvo made in the US.

Developed by Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm Polestar, it is a complete offering, applying Polestar’s performance engineering expertise to the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine-control unit. It reflects Volvo Cars’ and Polestar’s commitment to electrification.

Polestar Engineered debuts on the S60 premium sports sedan. The offer is exclusively available on the top-of-the-line T8 twin engine and is positioned above Volvo’s R Design versions.

Polestar Engineered will also be offered on the new V60 estate and XC60 SUV from next year, available in limited numbers via dealerships and Care by Volvo, the company’s premium car subscription service.

New lightweight wheels have an open design to show off the eye-catching golden-painted brake callipers, the new hallmark colour for Polestar Engineered components.

Emblems, black chrome exhaust pipes and golden seat belts also identify cars equipped with Polestar Engineered.

The Brembo mono-block brake callipers are cast in one piece and optimised for rigidity.

The brake pads have increased heat tolerance while the brake discs’ slotted design further improves heat reduction.

The Polestar Engineered multi-link front and rear suspension incorporates premium Öhlins shock absorbers with a dual-flow valve that allows stiffening in the springs and dampeners while retaining comfort.

The strut bar and adjustable shock absorber design are shared with the Polestar 1 plugin hybrid performance car.

Fine-tuning of the engine’s control unit increases the S60 electrified T8 twin engine output to 305kW combined, with 670Nm of torque – the standard T8 twin engine delivers 294kW and 640Nm combined.

The software upgrades improve fuel consumption and emissions-neutral performance and refines automatic gear selection.

The new S60 is due to launch in South Africa next year. The Polestar Engineered derivative is not yet confirmed for the local market.