Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar get speed boost

A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder, featuring both an exhaust-gas-driven turbocharger and mechanical-driven supercharger, replaces the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo that has featured in the sedan and wagon duo since they were released in 2013.

Power increases by 13kW to 270kW, and although torque drops slightly from 500Nm to 470Nm the Swedish brand’s fastest models accelerate from standstill two-tenths quicker – in 4.7 and 4.8 seconds, respectively.

Keen drivers can also feel a little less guilty when enjoying their drive, with fuel consumption improving notably from 10.2 litres per 100km to 7.8L/100km.

The switch to a smaller engine helps to reduce weight over the Polestar models’ noses by 24kg, which should have benefits for handling. Overall weight improves by 20kg.

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The S60 Polestar and V60 Polestars, which compete with rivals including the Audi S4 and BMW 340i, continue to distribute engine power to all four wheels, and through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Both sedan and wagon will share new, 20-inch lightwheel wheels, Polestar-tuned steering, and large brakes among their extra features over regular S60 and V60 models.

Volvo’s latest versions of the quick S60/V60 models represents a worldwide expansion of the Polestar badge, which started as a pilot program in Australia in 2013 to test market demand for a full production performance car from the Swedes.

Just 50 examples were introduced, but Volvo says it is now increasing the number of markets in which Polestar models are present from 13 to 47. Annual production numbers will double from today’s 750.

The current Volvo S60 Polestar and V60 Polestar cost $99,990 and $102,990, with their replacements expected towards the end of 2016.