The Volvo S60/V60 has been with us since 2011, and the wonderful Polestar model since 2014, but it appears there's still some life left in the old girl. Volvo announced Friday that it's installing a 367-hp turbo and supercharged inline-four in the S60 and V60 Polestar. It's also doubling production to 1500 cars, which will reach the U.S. this summer as 2017 models.

Previously, the Polestar used a modified version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six found in lesser Volvo models, which made 345 horsepower in the Polestar models. Typically, the death of an inline-six is a disappointing affair, but the twincharged inline-four might be an improvement in this case. It makes a bit more power, and it also helped Volvo shave 44 lbs off the six-cylinder car. Even more crucially, the car 53 lbs pounds lighter over the front axle, which should improve handling balance noticeably.

Volvo

The drivetrain in the old Polestar was sort of odd in that the inline-six was mounted transversely, which isn't great for handling balance. The new four will still be mounted transversely, but it'll keep more of its weight closer to the center. Torque is slightly lower with the four compared with the six: 347 lb-ft to the six's 369 lb-ft.

Volvo didn't just remap the ECU to make more power out of its inline-four either. The updated Polestar gets a bigger turbo, new connecting rods, a new camshaft, a bigger intake, and a beefier fuel pump. Volvo claims the cars will run from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds. An eight-speed auto replaces the old car's six-speed and power will still be sent to all four wheels.

Volvo

It appears Volvo's added a secret Sport+ mode to the Polestar as well, per an Instagram post by Motor Trend. Activating the mode involves moving the shifter over to Sport, and holding it forward while pulling the downshift paddle twice. This changes the throttle response and shift points and keeps the exhaust valves open. It's like a cheat code, in real life.

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We're already big fans of the outgoing S60 and V60 Polestar, so the possibility of an even better-handling version has us pretty excited. In any case, Volvo should be applauded for continuing to offer this fantastic blue.

Also, twincharging is rad: Just ask the Lancia Delta S4.

Volvo

This post was last updated at 1:35 p.m. ET to reflect information of the Sport+ mode.



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