Updated Volvo V60 Polestar gets 362bhp four-cylinder engine
Brand announces "new evolution" Volvo V60 Polestar fast estate with four-cylinder 'Drive-E' power, better efficiency and less weight
Volvo has updated its hottest model for 2016, with the V60 Polestar estate gaining a raft of tweaks to make it faster and more efficient. It ditches the outgoing 3.0-litre straight-six for a twin-charged four-cylinder engine.
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Available to order now for deliveries at the end of the year, the revised V60 Polestar gets no exterior tweaks. Instead, the Swedish brand's performance division has worked extensively under-the-skin to make it more competitive with rivals such as the new Audi S4 Avant.
The new 2.0-litre four-cylinder 'Drive-E' petrol engine - taken from the XC90 T6 but extensively fettled - uses both turbo and supercharging to produce 362bhp and 470Nm of torque. That means a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds, which is one-tenth quicker than the old six-pot could manage.
More impressively, efficiency has improved dramatically, with a claimed 34.9mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 186g/km. For comparison, the old model managed 27.7mpg and emitted 237g/km.
The V60 Polestar's BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system has been tweaked to send more power to the rear wheels, while Volvo's latest eight-speed automatic gearbox debuts with Polestar-specific mapping.
Weight distribution has improved - mostly thanks to the lighter engine - with 24kg less weight over the front axle compared to the old car. Lighter 20-inch alloy wheels, recalibrated steering and new slotted 371mm brake discs complete the upgrades.
Volvo is also expanding the markets the Polestar-tuned V60 (and not-for-UK S60 Saloon) will be sold in. The new car will now be sold in 47 markets, up from 13, with production volumes to increase from 750 to between 1,250-1,500 units.
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