Volvo V60 Polestar revealed

Volvo has revealed the new performance version of the updated estate, the V60 Polestar, which will be powered by a new downsized four-cylinder twin-charged engine tweaked by the Polestar racing division.

Replacing the turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six in its predecessor, this new Drive-E engine is a better fit with Volvo's current engine line-up, which comprises only four-cylinder units. Despite losing a litre of capacity and two cylinders, the Polestar-tweaked engine boasts 367hp 17.2hp more than the outgoing V60 Polestar.

Aiming to take the fight to Audi's new S4 Avant, the Polestar hits 100kph in 4.8 seconds a tenth quicker than the Audi and boasts a top speed of 250kph. The engine comes paired to a Polestar-enhanced four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Volvo has cut 20kg from the overall weight and has improved the weight distribution by reducing the load over the front axle by 24kg. Bigger brakes and a tweaked power steering system round off the performance and handling upgrades.

As with the previous V60 Polestar, this updated model will be sold in limited numbers though not as limited. Only 750 of the previous model were produced worldwide, but this time 1,250 to 1,500 will be built.