Volvo's XC90 T8 hybrid gains Polestar power

Cape Town - Volvo has applied its "go-faster'' Polestar software to its flagship XC90 T8 hybrid.

The optimisation update, according to Volvo, increases output from the SUV's Drive-E petrol engine and Electric Rear Axle Drive system to 311kW and 680Nm.

Optimised software

The Drive-Engine is tuned to deliver 246kW/440Nm (up from 235kW/400Nm) while the electric engine's output remains unchanged at 65kW/240Nm.

New XC90 T8 hybrid: A Volvo technological showcase in SA

The optimisation software is available at local Volvo Cars dealers for R10 500, and don't worry, your warranties will remain intact.

The 0-100km/h dash is dispatched in 5.5 seconds - while its claimed fuel consumption of 2.1l/100km and a maximum 43km of pure electric range remains unchanged. 

A photo posted by Wheels24 (@wheels24_sa) on Jun 14, 2016 at 7:18am PDT

Volvo says the Polestar optimisation tweaks the entire drivetrain in five key areas: improved throttle response, gearshift hold, speed and precision and overall engine performance.

Gear-hold function

The automaker says one the highlights of the software upgrade is the gear-hold function: it automatically holds the selected gear during cornering with high lateral g-forces.

This, Volvo says, prevents unwanted gearshifts mid-corner that can unsettle the balance of the car, providing the driver with improved response and control during spirited driving.

MOST POWERFUL XC90 YET: A R10 500 software upgrade to Volvo's flagship XC90 T8 increases power to 311kW and 680Nm. Image: Quickpic