Volvo shows new spark with Polestar purchase

The safety-conscious firm is looking to put its pedal to the metal with the development of hybrid-powered performance cars following the completion of the deal this week.

Polestar has already collaborated with Volvo to produce the S60 and V60 Polestar, both of which feature a 350hp version of its T6 turbocharged petrol engine and can accelerate to 62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Volvo currently develops and manufactures some of the most powerful hybrid engines in the automotive industry, however, and it is expected that that Polestar will be expected to utilise these in future models.

Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, said: “Driving a Volvo Polestar is a special experience. 

“We have decided to bring this experience to more Volvo drivers, placing the full resources of Volvo behind the development of Polestar as the model name for our high performance cars.”

In 2015, Volvo expects to sell 750 Polestar versions of the V60 wagon and S60 sedan globally. Polestar sales are forecast to increase to between 1,000 and 1,500 cars-a-year in the medium term under Volvo’s ownership.

Volvo and Polestar share a long history, having in motor sport since 1996.