Jokes about Volvos and their drivers don't seem so funny after young New Zealander Scott McLaughlin went close to claiming a pole position in the Swedish car-maker's V8 Supercars debut at the Adelaide 500.

Until the dying moments of the second qualifying session on Friday, McLaughlin was quickest in his brand new Volvo S60 and poised for a huge upset.

No laughing matter: Scott McLaughlin puts in an impressive performance in his Volvo at the Adelaide 500. Credit:Mark Horsburgh

He was denied an historic feat by evergreen V8 veteran Craig Lowndes, who at the very last minute snatched pole for the second of Saturday's twin 125 kilometre opening legs of the season-opener at the Adelaide Parklands street circuit.

Volvo has entered V8 racing this year with a two-car factory squad run by long-time Holden team Garry Rogers Motorsport.