ublished: Yesterday 16:44
► 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
- [“source -pcworld”]