The 400-hp Volvo XC60 Polestar is Designed for Practical Performance
Michael Hines — July 12, 2017 — Autos
Cars like the all-new XC60 Polestar are exactly what Volvo needs to help banish its boring and bland image forever. The Swedish automaker has been known primarily for safety, but now it wants to be sexy. Helping in that endeavor is in-house tuning company Polestar which has upped power in the SUV to 400 horses. This is still Volvo, though, which means that the improvements under the hood of the XC60 Polestar are more on the practical side of the spectrum.
Performance improvements include a more responsive throttle and a faster-shifting gearbox. The Volvo XC60 Polestar is a hybrid and even with the tune job it can still travel 28 miles on electricity only. The Swedish company has not said whether or not the XC60 Polestar will be sold in the U.S., but given the high demand for SUVs it seems likely.
Performance improvements include a more responsive throttle and a faster-shifting gearbox. The Volvo XC60 Polestar is a hybrid and even with the tune job it can still travel 28 miles on electricity only. The Swedish company has not said whether or not the XC60 Polestar will be sold in the U.S., but given the high demand for SUVs it seems likely.
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Suvs - The rising popularity of hybrid SUVs presents an opportunity for automotive companies to develop more powerful and practical models like the Volvo XC60 Polestar.
2. Performance Enhancements - Automakers can capitalize on the market demand for enhanced performance by offering vehicles with improvements such as a more responsive throttle and faster-shifting gearbox, as seen in the Volvo XC60 Polestar.
3. Electrification - The growing interest in electric vehicles creates space for the development of hybrid SUVs that offer a substantial electric-only range, like the 28-mile range in the Volvo XC60 Polestar.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Automotive manufacturers, particularly those in the SUV segment, can explore the potential of hybrid SUVs to redefine the market and attract customers seeking both performance and sustainability.
2. Tuning - Tuning companies such as Polestar can tap into the demand for performance enhancements in hybrid SUVs and collaborate with automakers to create more powerful and responsive vehicles.
3. Energy - The electrification trend presents opportunities for energy companies to invest in and support the development of hybrid SUVs with extended electric-only range, helping to reduce carbon emissions in the automotive sector.
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