New software package has not added additional power to the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge. Image: Volvo
Although introduced as a brand of its own five years ago, Volvo’s Polestar division very much remains a sub-division in South Africa as none of its current electric-only models are destined for the local market anytime soon.
Founded in 1996 as a Volvo approved tuner for the brand’s Swedish Touring Car Championship programme at the time, the brand’s presence in South Africa has been limited to the now discontinued S60 Polestar and upgrade packs relating to more power for all current models identified by a blue Polestar decal on the tailgate.
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Now called Polestar Engineered, the latest upgrade, which Volvo Car South Africa describes as a software package, can be installed as a plug-and-play option on the plug-in hybrid T8 versions of the XC60 Recharge and XC90 Recharge.
Priced at R12 650, the Polestar Engineered Optimisation performance package not only includes the Polestar logo, but according to Volvo, brings improved throttle response and faster gear changes, better take-off traction and a more balanced feel as a result of a recalibrated all-wheel-drive system.
An option that takes 60 minutes to install at any Volvo dealer, and able to be integrated during scheduled servicing, the Polestar pack doesn’t come with more power or range, meaning unchanged outputs of 340kW/709Nm from the 2.0-litre Drive-E plug-in hybrid drivetrain, plus respective all-electric ranges of 81 km and 77 km.
“South Africa is the only market on the African continent currently offering this latest Polestar Engineered Optimisation package for the renowned plug-in hybrid T8 powertrains,” Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski, said.
He went further by saying, “the customer has the option of a full refund should they change their mind within 14 days of the software package being installed”.
Besides the mentioned T8 models, older Volvos can also be specified with an assortment of Polestar parts despite no longer being in production. The derivatives in question can be viewed by clicking on the Polestar Engineered link.
As a reminder, pricing for the XC60 T8 Recharge starts at R1 314 000 with the asking sticker of the XC90 T8 Recharge commencing at R1 713 000.
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