Skip to main content

Volvo’s S60 and V60 Polestar hot rods are back with 367 hp

Volvo’s Polestar hot rods have been around for awhile, but they’re still rare, and the idea of a high-performance Volvo painted acid-trip blue is still very amusing.

Both the 2017 Volvo S60 Polestar sedan and V60 Polestar wagon get a thorough refresh for the new model year. They look basically the same on the outside, but underneath there’s a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from Volvo’s “Drive-E” line, replacing the old 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.

The new engine is both turbocharged and supercharged, and produces a stout 367 horsepower. That’s 27 hp more than the old engine, although torque decreases from 369 pound-feet to 346 lb-ft. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are mandatory.

Both cars will now do 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, cutting 0.3 second from the old versions. Top speed is still limited to 155 mph. The quicker acceleration is due not only to the extra power, but also some weight loss. Volvo says both models are 44 pounds lighter than before. Polestar also retuned the cars’ electric power steering, and added larger front brake rotors.

Since it purchased Polestar last year, Volvo has schemed to turn it into a full-on performance sub-brand like BMW M or Mercedes-AMG. That process will start with larger production runs. Volvo plans to grow Polestar sales from 750 units last year (just 265 cars were imported to the U.S.) to 1,500 in the medium term. Polestar started out as an independent company building performance parts for Volvo, and was eventually contracted to manage its racing and performance road-car operations before being bought outright.

Eventually, the Swedish manufacturer also plans to introduce more models, including some with plug-in hybrid powertrains. Right now, Volvo offers the same T8 “Twin Engine” powertrain in the XC90 crossover and S90 sedan, so it seems logical that those models could be the first Polestar plug-in hybrids. They probably look good in blue.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more