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Test Driving the Fastest Polestar: An In-Depth Review of the Polestar 2 Performance

You want an electric car with some personality. One that ignites your passion for driving while also using the instant torque of electric power to deliver face-melting acceleration. Well my friend, the Swedish mad scientists at Polestar have whipped up just the concoction for you – the Polestar 2 Performance.

This special version of Polestar‘s excellent EV sedan adds some extra spice to make it even more fun. I‘m talking bigger brakes bringing this EV to a halt, grippier wheels and tires to whip it through corners, and performance software unleashing every ounce of power. Not to mention cutting edge tech like torque vectoring handling wizardry running the show.

Intriguing isn‘t it? This article will explore everything that makes the Polestar 2 Performance special. From hardware upgrades that improve acceleration, handling and braking to the interior creature comforts you still enjoy. By the end, you‘ll understand why driving enthusiasts are falling hard for this rapid electric sedan. Let‘s dive in!

Polestar 2 Performance Upgrades: Hardware and Software That Rev Performance to New Heights

The Polestar 2 Performance model builds upon the already potent Polestar 2 dual motor platform. It starts by adding a $5,500 performance pack encompassing bespoke tuning to create a true driver‘s car:

Brembo Brakes

Massive 4-piston calipers and ventilated 14.6 inch discs team up to deliver fierce, fade-free stops from speed. These brakes don‘t flinch when punishing the 2 Performance.

Öhlins Adjustable Dampers

The 2 Performance sports advanced adjustable dampers designed for precision control. Tinker with rebound and compression settings to tailor handling.

Forged 20-inch Alloy Wheels

Sticky low-profile tires cling to these lightweight wheels for sharpened steering and urgent turn-in. Form follows function for phenomenal grip.

Maximized Cooling

Enlarged air intakes, revised coolant flow paths, and a high capacity radiator keep temperatures in check, allowing repeated maximum attack.

Performance Software Tuning

Bespoke calibration lengthens gears for heightened torque, sharpens throttle response, and amplifies regenerative braking.

Collectively these enhancements synergize with the standard dual motor AWD drivetrain unlocking the full potential of its 476 horses. Hitting 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds proves this Polestar means business!

Let‘s compare some key specs between the standard model and souped up Performance version:

Specification Polestar 2 Polestar 2
Performance
Motor Power 408 hp 476 hp
0-60 mph Time 4.5 sec 4.2 sec
~mph Braking Distance 113 ft 104 ft
Top Speed 127 mph 140 mph

As demonstrated by the table, the Performance pack cuts acceleration by nearly half a second and tacks on an extra 13 mph of top end speed by fully exploiting the standard dual motor setup. Upgraded Brembo brakes shave precious feet off stopping distances as well.

The Polestar 2 Performance handles even sharper thanks to its grippy 20-inch wheels and advanced shocks. Let‘s peek under the sheet metal to see why this sedan slices through corners with such poise.

Polestar‘s Secret Sauce: Torque Vectoring Wizardry Serves Up Supercar Reflexes

The Polestar 2 Performance boasts sophisticated torque vectoring technology vous won‘t find elsewhere in its price bracket. This secret weapon is what gives it the athletic moves of a sports car.

See, torque vectoring can individually brake the inside wheels to send more twist to the loaded outer wheels. Physics might not be your forte, but in simple terms, this magic makes cornering stupid quick!

Built upon the standard model‘s single speed AWD system, the Performance edition amplifies vectoring torque by 50% for our disposal. So as we sail through a sweeper, the 2 Performance vectors added torque rearward for sharper rotation. Mid-turn corrections happen lightning fast too keeping this electric beast planted.

Beyond sheer performance, what does torque vectoring deliver to enhance the experience behind the wheel you ask? Exactly what a driving enthusiast yearns for – greater feel, precision, and control through the corners!

And you can fully customize that dynamic experience thanks to the 2 Performance‘s adjustable Öhlins dampers. Tailor compression and rebound settings to your liking for a ride quality and handling balance perfectly in tune with your preferences.

Luxury Perks: Carbon Fiber and Vegan Upholstery Pamper Driver and Passengers

Thus far we‘ve covered the Polestar 2 Performance model‘s mechanical upgrades that dramatically up performance. But besides the improved acceleration, braking and road holding, what about the interior atmosphere?

Fret not! You still get the Scandinavian minimalist luxury trimmings making the Polestar 2 cabin so rich. Highlights include:

  • Nappa Leather Upholstery: Supple leather with accent stitching cossets occupants in optimal comfort over long stints. And it‘s animal friendly using recycled plastics and cork vinyl.
  • Wraparound Carbon Fiber Decor: Gorgeous backlit carbon fiber trim flows from doors to dash for a motorsport vibe. Its intricate woven appearance resembles fine cashmere.
  • Heated Front/Rear Seats: Toast your tush and extremities on frosty mornings via toasty warmers.
  • Panoramic Sunroof: A massive single pane of tinted glass fills the cabin with light for an airier atmosphere.
  • Premium Audio: State-of-the-art Bowers & Wilkins sound system pumps crystal clear tunes through 13 artfully arranged speakers.

Of course you still get Polestar‘s signature 11-inch touchscreen display as your gateway to maps, music and more. Google‘s native services keep you connected on the move with voice assistants, app integration and natural language understanding.

From a technology perspective, Polestar packs some of the best driver assistance systems available like Pilot Assist. This capable suite of active safety wizardry combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering for easier highway hauls.

Visionary Design Both Inside and Out

Aimed squarely at the enthusiast set, the Polestar 2 Performance visually communicates its athletic intentions through sharper aerodynamic detailing and larger rolling stock.

Its exterior styling builds upon Polestar‘s hallmark Scandinavian aesthetic defined by minimal lines communicating clarity and purpose. A lowered ride height drops the center of gravity while its enlarged lower intakes feed added airflow for improved cooling.

Subtle yet effective rear spoiler segmentation generates meaningful downforce without aesthetic excess. And the Performance rocks exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels designed to induce envy at the country club valet stand. Their intricate multi-spoke pattern showcases high-tech construction.

Inside the cockpit, Polestar‘s interior design ethos "less but better" gives the 2 an upscale yet straightforward ambiance. The absence of clutter paired with sustainable materials creates a soothing oasis from hectic modern life.

Another Scandinavian hallmark incorporated is powerful simplicity. A few twist knobs and sensible touchscreens provide control without complexity. And expert craftsmanship abounds from stitching to air vent metalwork.

So if you value cutting edge technology, sustainability and minimalist aesthetics as much as raw performance, the Polestar 2 Performance checks all boxes in exemplary fashion.

Ordering Your Very Own Polestar 2 Performance Sedan

After reading this, I bet you‘re itching to get behind the wheel of a Polestar 2 Performance! Luckily, Polestar‘s ordering process aims for maximum convenience:

Step 1: Hop online to the Polestar build site and customize your dream spec – colors, wheels, interior.

Step 2: Place your $500 refundable deposit to save your configuration.

Step 3: Complete your purchase and await delivery in as little as two weeks!

Local test drive events are periodically available too if you wish to experience this amazing EV prior to purchase. Polestar staff can also coordinate test drives by appointment when possible.

So in closing, if you seek visceral performance paired with bleeding edge tech and sustainable luxury, the Polestar 2 Performance warrants your consideration. Claiming the title as Polestar‘s premiere driver‘s car for the time being, it sets an exciting precedent for electrified performance. Now who‘s ready to conquer some curvy backroads!