2017 Volvo S60, V60 Polestar models add twin-charging
The Polestar performance variants of Volvo's S60 sedan and V60 wagon are getting the twin-charging treatment for the 2017 model year, according to the automaker.
The S60 and V60 Polestar models will see their turbocharged six-cylinders traded in for 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines that are both supercharged and turbocharged, resulting in more horsepower and faster sprints to 100 km/h.
The twin-charged Drive-E engine makes 367 horsepower and 347 lb.-ft. of torque, according to Volvo, the former up from 345 horsepower in the outgoing inline six-cylinder, and the latter down only two lb.-ft. of torque.
While featuring fewer cylinders and less displacement, the Drive-E engine gets a bigger turbocharger, new connecting rods, new camshafts, a larger air intake and a higher-capacity fuel pump than the six-cylinder.
Mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine's power is put down to all four wheels through a BorgWarner all-wheel drive system, helping the car run from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The outgoing version completed the run in five seconds flat.
Top speed is limited to the same 250 km/h.
Fuel economy, too, is improved, according to Volvo, returning highway efficiency of 8.1 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle.
"All changes made to the car are about improving drivability and efficiency," Polestar vice-president of R&D Henrik Fries said in a statement.
"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 S60 and V60 Polestar."
Both the 2017 S60 and V60 Polestar models are set to go on sale in Canada this fall.
