Volvo launches 390hp S60 T8 Twin Engine
New plug-in hybrid model will hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds - with a Polestar Engineered version to come
Secretly liking fast Volvos is something of a thing in the PH office. Age is apparently no barrier; recalling Rickard Rydell's glory days or the launch of the 850 T-5R is not necessary. Which is odd, because Volvo hasn't built a legitimately good performance car since forever. And that's coming from someone lucky enough to have driven the 508hp S60 Polestar concept that the (then independent) tuner rolled out in 2012...
That fact is unlikely to change with the introduction of a T8 Twin Engine variant of the current S60 - although news that it outputs fully 390hp is at least cause for celebration among those who prefer their Swedish saloons to come with a bit of genuine pep. Needless to say, that overall figure accounts for the 87hp being delivered by an electric motor, but there's still an uprated 303hp petrol motor to get mildly excited about - plus Volvo says there will be a 405hp S60 T8 Polestar Engineered version to follow.
Even without additional fettling, the T8 puts up pleasing numbers: being all-wheel drive it will reportedly get to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, and its maker excitedly quotes a 295lb ft + 177lb ft in the available torque column - which suggests you'll be getting something like quite a lot when both power sources are correctly aligned. Naturally you can disregard the claimed 176.5mpg economy out of hand, but the electric-only range of up to 36 miles enabled by a 11.8kWh battery is likely to suit some Volvo buyers down to the ground.
Of course it's very likely that the weight of said battery is the reason why the manufacturer will not sell you a T8 model with the more rigorous T5 chassis (which in R-Design Plus format gets stiffer springs, faster-responding monotube dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and a 12mm lower ride height) but at £49,805, Volvo has probably pinned its target sales volume on urban-based execs anyway.
That makes the T8 a sort-of rival to the new Audi S4, a model which now combines a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with a 48v mild hybrid system to deliver 347hp to all four wheels. It won't do 36 miles without burning oil - but it doesn't need plugging in either and will deliver 516lb ft of torque without the need for a disclaimer. Obviously low rate of company car tax will be to the T8's advantage in any like-for-like match-up. Alongside public affection for the brand, which is apparently built-in.
The salesman told me it “ was so unnecessary” despite my being adamant it was the engine I wanted in the car.
The car was quickly named “the flying sofa” by my family - which was apt.
It had a hunger for front tyres and tended to go straight on irrespective of steering angle whenever it rained.
But still fondly remembered today and remains the baseline for a wafty milemuncher in our household.
The new S60 especially is miles ahead of the new 3 series and with this engine god knows why you would buy anything else
I’m 23 and it’s no secret that I’m a huge Volvo fan! The Polestar Engineered S60 T8 is probably my dream daily driver at the moment. Shame I cannot afford one and have to live with my oil burning V70
Does me saying 'hippest' and 'cool' just reinforce the fact that I'm a dinosaur, out of touch with 'yoof speak'?
I'll just get back to me Anusol and Werthers then....... Ooohhh........... me grapes!!!!
Ultimately 300+BHP through the front wheels is quite possible in the latest hot hatches but requires compromises on the chassis side to take advantage that are less acceptable in a big saloon/estate. The extra drive from the rear end will mask this at part load but then the extra power is a bit pointless.
I am still not sure I would want this over the more conventional powertrains from the Germans (340i or c43) even if the car itself has a lot going for it.
Ultimately 300+BHP through the front wheels is quite possible in the latest hot hatches but requires compromises on the chassis side to take advantage that are less acceptable in a big saloon/estate. The extra drive from the rear end will mask this at part load but then the extra power is a bit pointless.
I am still not sure I would want this over the more conventional powertrains from the Germans (340i or c43) even if the car itself has a lot going for it.
I test drove the T5 at the launch event (250ish bhp fwd) it was everything I expected but the steering was so disconnected that I fear it would border on dangerous when pushing on. I took a mini roundabout carrying a bit of speed, I knew the premium tyres were more than up to the job but there was absolutely no feedback through the steering wheel.
This is a bold statement coming from an Audi driver given their alleged lack of steering feel.
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