VOLVO

POLESTAR 2 2024...The Polestar 2 is more powerful, with better performance and with an extended autonomy. Like the Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, the Swedish brand's coupe receives new engines and rear-wheel drive for Single Motor versions.

The changes are not only in the mechanical part, but also in the aesthetics, starting with the front. The front of the Polestar 2, now more technological, reflects the aesthetic language inaugurated in the Polestar 3.

With the checkered panel gone, the more compact front accommodates the SmartZone composed of the front camera and the mid-range radar. The Performance Pack's 20-inch alloy wheels have been updated to integrate more closely with the Polestar 3's look.

Standard equipment on all versions of the Polestar 2 has also been improved, starting with the smartphone's wireless charging function. As for active safety and driving support, it includes blind-spot alert, cross-traffic alert and collision mitigation with automatic braking as standard. It also has a 360-degree camera and anti-glare side mirrors.

But the main innovations of the 100% electrified coupe are in the powertrain. Single Motor versions now have rear-wheel drive, powered by a new permanent magnet motor and silicon carbide inverter.

With an output of up to 220 kW (299 hp) compared to the previous 170 kW (231 hp), it is optimized for maximum efficiency. Mechanical performance has also been increased with a torque of 490 Nm compared to the previous 330 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is now done in 6.2 seconds, 1.2 seconds less compared to the previous version.

As for the Dual Motor version, it now has a rear concentration for greater driving pleasure and better performance with transmission calibration. The new rear engine is the primary source of the transmission, supported at the front wheels by a new asynchronous motor.

Power and torque now reach 310 kW (421 hp) and 740 Nm, a substantial increase over the original 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm. In addition to improved traction and greater efficiency, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is now done in 4.5 seconds compared to the previous 4.7 seconds.

These efficiency gains are further supported by the front engine shutdown function, which can be engaged when not needed. When accelerating when more power is needed, such as overtaking, the front engine activates instantly.

The version equipped with the optional Performance Pack offers 350 kW (476 hp), reducing the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h by two tenths, completing the sprint now in 4.2 seconds. It is possible to acquire a power and performance increase by updating the software to the Long Range Dual Motor versions remotely.

“The shift from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive on the Single Motor versions and the redefinition of the torque ratio on the Dual Motor version for a greater rear-wheel drive driving feel takes the Polestar 2 driving experience to a new level.” says Joakim Rydholm, head of Polestar's chassis development division.

All versions of the Polestar 2 are equipped with renewed lithium-ion batteries to improve efficiency and charging times. The Long Range versions are based on 82 kWh batteries with 27 CATL modules. The 24-module batteries for the Standard Range versions maintain a capacity of 69 kWh, and are now supplied by LG Chem.

These revamped batteries benefit from a redesigned disconnect unit, a bar upgrade and improved cell chemistry. This means higher loads in direct current of up to 205 kW for Long Range batteries and up to 135 kW for Standard Range batteries.

The lengthening of autonomy in any of the versions is very noticeable, especially with the front engine deactivation function in the Long Range Dual Engine. The distance covered with a charge reaches 592 km, 105 km more than the previous version, and always according to the WLTP cycle.

The Standard Range Single Motor version now has the possibility of reaching 518 kilometers, an improvement of 40 kilometers. As for the Long Range Single Motor, it can reach 635 kilometers, corresponding to 84 kilometers more than the previous version.

Autonews