Hot News: Volvo Plans to Establish Peformance Brand

For buyers who like the stock Volvo C30 but are fiending for more performance, Volvo may have the answer: reports suggest the company is debating a sub-brand for performance-tuned models, including its compact hatchback.

According to WhatCar?, the new sub-brand could function much like Mercedes-Benz’s AMG wing, or BMW’s M GmBH subsidiary. Subsequently, the group would be responsible for crafting hopped-up versions of every Volvo model, ranging from the small C30 hatch to the large XC90 SUV.

The publication goes on to suggest the C30 may be the first to receive the performance touch. The car, which launched in the United States back in 2007, is a fun package, but with 227 hp on tap, it has long emphasized style above sport. A new sport-tuned variant — potentially dubbed the Performance Concept Prototype” and potentially affixed with a PCP badge, says WhatCar? — may be just the fix for buyers seeking a little hotter hatchback.

The C30 PCP will likely be inspired by the wild C30 Polestar, a concept co-developed by Volvo and racing partner Polestar. That car packed a whopping 400 hp and all-wheel-drive, and reportedly rocketed from 0-62 mph in less than five seconds. Seeing as Volvo has flatly denied that the Polestar will reach production, there’s a good chance the PCP will incorporate some design cues — notably the aggressive body kit — while packing a little extra power underhood. Production would likely be limited to 500 cars.

At this point, neither the performance brand nor the hot C30 have received a firm green light. Here’s hoping Volvo does sign off on both — and that anything wearing the PCP badge proves just as addictive to enthusiasts as its acronym suggests.

Thanks to: Motor Trend