The updated Polestar 2, like its XC40 and C40 siblings from major shareholder Volvo, gets a new-generation permanent magnet electric motor and new silicon carbide inverters to help boost efficiency and performance. It also gets larger, improved lithium ion batteries.
The power in the car’s single-motor variants, which switch for the first time to rear-wheel drive from front-wheel drive, rises to a high of 220 kilowatts (295 hp) from 170 kw (228 hp). Newton meters increase to 490 (360 pound-feet of torque) from 330 (243 pound-feet).
The revisions reduce the car’s 0-100 kph (62 mph) time by 1.2 seconds to 6.2 seconds, the company said Tuesday.
The Polestar 2’s dual-motor version remains all-wheel drive, but now with a rear-drive bias. The new rear motor is the variant’s primary drive source, while a new asynchronous motor on the front axle provides added support.
The two motors combine to provide total system output of 310 kw (416 hp) and 740 Newton meters, up from the previous car’s 300 kw (402 hp) and 660 Newton meters.
A key change in the dual-motor variants is that the front motor can now be disengaged when not needed, which boosts efficiency. For example, using this function in the car’s long-range, dual-motor variant increases range 105 kilometers to 592 kilometers, the automaker said in a press release.
The front motor reengages instantly when the driver wants more power.
The car’s top-of-the-line Performance Pack variant offers up to 350 kw (469 hp) and a 0-100 kph time of 4.2 seconds.
That matches models such as the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 and 2021 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder, according to performance car-focused website AutoSnout.com.