Polestar Planning Alternative Fuel Performance Models
Volvo is shifting towards powering its entire fleet with four-cylinder engines, which leaves sports cars out of the picture. Or does it?
Polestar, the company that pumps high-performance into Volvo models, is looking for ways to get around the engine downsize and it looks like diesel and hybrid powertrains are getting the nod. On top of cutting cylinders, Volvo wants to keep displacement down, with nothing bigger than 2.0-liters.
“Power output is not a problem – there’s so much ‘green’ technology that is from racing, such as low friction roller cams – and electrification is logical because low-end torque is the weak spot in downsized engines,” said Polestar boss Hans Baath.
SEE ALSO: Volvo Embraces the Four Cylinder Engine
You can also expect that these Polestar models will be fit with all-wheel drive, as the electric motor will send power to rear wheels while the engine will power the fronts. “It’s also interesting that we can use electrification to produce four-wheel drive Volvo models,” said Baath.
Another way to get around the low-end torque problem is by using diesel powertrains, an idea that Baath sees as logical. “We absolutely see a performance diesel Polestar model in the future,” he said. “We are also looking into more car models.”
Currently, Volvo sells the S60 and V60 Polestar models, but expect the lineup to grow in the coming years.
GALLERY: Volvo V60 and S60 Polestar Models Live Photos
[Source: Autocar]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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