► Revised 2016 Volvo V60 Polestar revealed
► Turbo six replaced by compound-charged four
► Lighter, more efficient – and faster
Shock! It’s time to wave goodbye to Volvo’s turbocharged straight-six engine, as another fine powerplant falls prey to the ongoing trend of downsizing.
Yes, the revised 2016 Volvo V60 Polestar loses its six-in-a-row-makes-it-go motor; in it’s place you’ll now find a compound-charged four-cylinder boostathon. It’s just like the engine from a Lancia Delta S4 Stradale. Honest.
So the Volvo’s less powerful now, then?
No, despite losing a few cylinders. The new turbocharged, supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder Drive-E engine pumps out 362bhp at 6000rpm. The previous 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six produced a lower 346bhp at a less heady 5250rpm.
Displacement still seemingly rules on the torque front, though; the new four-cylinder punches out a still-mighty 347lb ft between 3100-5100rpm, whereas the six-cylinder could muster a higher 369lb ft between 3000-4750rpm.
However, the previous Polestar clocked the scales at 1834kg, whereas the new version weighs in at 1796kg. That 38kg cut further aids improvements on the performance front; the facelifted V60 Polestar’s 0-62mph time is 4.8sec compared to the 5.0sec of its predecessor.
Predictably, the swap to a four-pot has improved efficiency. Volvo claims 34.9mpg and 186g/km of CO2, compared to the previous car’s 27.7mpg and 237g/km of CO2. We’re guessing you won’t see that if you use the launch control all the time, though…
What else has changed?
Gone is the old six-speed automatic, replaced by a Polestar-tweaked eight-speed unit. That alone should help the V60 make better use of its turbocharged four-cylinder motor. The BorgWarner all-wheel-drive system has also been fettled and now sends more power to the rear, which can only be a good thing.
‘All changes made to the car are about improving drivability and efficiency,’ said Henrik Fries, Polestar’s vice president R&D. ‘The base of the new engine carries motorsport technology, with solutions such as the combination of turbo and supercharger, lightweight materials and more. This works hand-in-hand with our core philosophy and has enabled us to evolve the Volvo V60 Polestar.’
Other upgrades include new 20in lightweight wheels, Polestar-calibrated electro-assisted power steering, a 3.0in stainless active exhaust system and new 317mm ventilated floating front discs, clamped by six-piston calipers. As always, the V60 Polestar also gets Öhlins shock absorbers, sports suspension, a front strut brace and a host of cosmetic and aerodynamic upgrades.
You’re not restricted to having a blue one, mind. Volvo offers black, silver or white as alternative colours for the V60 Polestar. Otherwise, the only other option is a sunroof.
How fast is it?
Considering it’s a 1796kg estate, very. Volvo quote the following facts and figures:
- 0-60mph: 4.5sec
- 0-62mph: 4.8sec
- 0-120mph: 15.8sec
- 0-124mph: 17.4sec
- Top speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
- Fuel consumption: 34.9mpg
- Fuel tank size: 67.5 litres (14.85 gallons)
- CO2 emissions: 186g/km
When will it be available?
If you’re tempted, then you can put down a deposit on a new Volvo V60 Polestar now. Final prices haven’t quite been confirmed but expect the V60 Polestar to cost around £50,000. Deliveries are pegged to start in the last quarter of 2016.
An S60 version will also be produced, but not offered in the UK market. However, Volvo will be building more of both this time around – production is increasing from 750 to a maximum of 1500 cars.
Read CAR magazine’s Volvo V60 Polestar review
Read more Volvo reviews