Volvo S60, V60 Polestar get more power, less weight

Volvo is updating its high-performance S60 and V60 Polestar models with its latest engine tech.

Volvo is updating its high-performance S60 and V60 Polestar models with its latest engine tech. The new models will go on sale later this year.

The latest version of Volvo's hot-rodded Polestar sedan and wagon will come equipped with the company's 2.0L four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain, replacing the six-cylinder unit in the previous generation. Although down on size, the new Polestar models aren't lacking in power. In fact, with 367 horsepower on tap, the new Polestars boasts 22 horsepower more than the outgoing six-cylinder models.

That bump in power comes courtesy of Volvo's advanced Drive-E powertrain. Compared to the old T6 motor, the Drive-E features a bigger turbo, new connecting rods, new camshafts, a larger air intake, a higher capacity fuel pump and, of course, a supercharger.

That engine is hooked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels via a BorgWarner-sourced four-wheel drive system. The new models are about 44 pounds lighter than before, allowing both the S60 and V60 to accelerate from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.

"These cars are properly quick," said Niels Möller, Chief Operating Officer, Polestar. "But they are more than that. They combine Polestar's 20 years racing pedigree with Volvo's inherent pragmatism and engineering heritage. These are very quick cars that you can use every day of the year."

Pricing hasn't been announced, but availability should be better for this generation of Polestar, with Volvo planning to increase production from 750 unit to 1,500 units.

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