Reports are saying that the new Volvo S90 and V90 Polestar models won't be launching until at least 2018, but it will use some high-performance hybrid power as the Swedish firm seeks to further separate itself from its German rivals. The decision to launch with hybrid power is fueled by Volvo's desire to be viewed differently from the likes of BMW's M, Audi's RS, and Mercedes-AMG. However, company heads have already indicated that developing electric performance cars will take time, which is why the company is pointing towards a 2018 launch.
New Volvo Cars To Launch In 2018
According to Autocar UK, during last month's Detroit motor show, Lex Kerssemakers, Head of Volvo America, said that the new-look Polestar won't be launching for around two years, but added that the company has a plan, but as of now, they have nothing to reveal to the public. "We will talk soon, but we are still working on it internally," Kerssemakers said.
Jon Wakefield, Volvo UK's managing director, declined to give any specifics, but rather said that Polestar is going to be released along with something very exciting and a little bit different. "We think it is going to shake up the market," Wakefield said.
New Volvo Cars Will Be Different And Powerful
Although there has been no official confirmation of the powertrain whatsoever, some Polestar officials have previously given some indications that they were looking towards optimizing the T8 hybrid system, which is going to be available on all of the new generation. Volvo is basing it on the firm's Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA).
Tradeoffs In Production
According to Left Lane News, the power and torque outputs are expected to rise for the Polestar models, and Volvo engineers are also focused on improving drivability and response while also possibly trading some of the standard car's all-electric range of 24 miles. Collaborating with Polestar ever since 1996, Volvo acquired the tuning and motorsport company outright in July 2015 and recruited Volvo UK's then managing director, Nick Connor, as its chief executive just last year.
