This is new the Polestar 2 Performance Pack. Polestar is a brand under Volvo, which in turn is owned by Geely, which explains why all Polestars are made in China. The Polestar 2 is based on the CMA platform which also underpins various Volvo’s, Lynk & Co’s, and Geely’s. The platform can handle petrol, PHEV, and full-electric drive trains. The Performance Pack is an optional package that turns the standard ‘2’, which is already a fast car, into a brutal electric street racer.
The package includes manually adjustable Öhlins DFV dampers, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and extra strong Brembo brakes. Power comes from two electric motors: one over the front axle and one over the rear axle, making the Polestar 2 a four-wheel drive car. Combined output is 408 hp and 660 Nm.
The electric motors are mated to a 78 kWh battery pack. All this power makes for a lot of speed: The Polestar 2 tops out at 210 km/h and 0-100 is gone in just 4.7 seconds, very impressive for a car with a rather heavy 2198 kilo curb weight. Range is 470 kilometers WLTP with an energy consumption of 154 Wh per kilometer.
The brake system was especially developed by Brembo for the Polestar 2. They performance brakes are stiffer, provide uniform braking pressure and braking power, and are more responsive than normal brakes, even at extreme temperatures. The dual-cast floating ventilated brake discs have a diameter of 375 millimeter and a width of 35 millimeter. They are made of cast iron and aluminum. Weight is reduced by 20% compared to standard brake discs. The brake calipers and tire valves are painted in in a Polestar 2 exclusive color called ‘Swedish Gold’.
The four-piston mono-block aluminum calipers are of a new low-drag design. This lessens the drag of the brake pads on the brake discs. That in turn leads to quieter braking, reduced rolling resistance, and, most importantly, improved electricity output of the regenerative braking system. Yes, better brakes make for a longer electric range!
The Polestar 2 is on sale in China right now and sales in Europe and in the United States will start soon. Next up for Polestar is the ‘Polestar 3’, a full-electric SUV set to debut in 2022. It will be followed in 2024 by a high-end electric sports sedan.