Experimental Polestar 2 Model Debuts and Races at Goodwood Festival of Speed

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Polestar, an electric car brand owned by Volvo, has yet to receive nearly as much attention as its rivals. Although the Polestar 2 beat Tesla for a prestigious award once, the Model 3 has undoubtedly sold more units. It doesn’t help that the Polestar 1 will be discontinued this year, leaving only the Polestar 2 in the automaker’s lineup.

Still, it seems that Polestar has big plans for its future vehicles. A new press release reveals that an “experimental” Polestar 2 showcased its racing chops at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Is it that much different from the previous Polestar models?

Polestar’s current lineup

Experimental Polestar 2 | Polestar

The Polestar 1 was the automaker’s debut model, released for the 2017 model year. It has a turbo-four paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 375 hp for just the front wheels. The rear wheels feature two additional electric motors, unleashing its total potential of 619 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

The Polestar 1 also comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, torque-vectoring rear differential, an electronic suspension, and enhanced dampers. However, Car and Driver warns that you have to pop the hood each time you adjust these dampers. Despite this minor annoyance, C/D was impressed with the Polestar 1’s speed and electric range, which is 52 miles with a fully charged battery. 

Car and Driver was also fond of the Polestar 1’s overall styling but found its ride fairly uncomfortable. The cabin itself is far more luxurious and accommodating, but it has a tiny back seat row. It also comes equipped with cutting-edge technology, though its value for drivers is questionable with a price tag of $155,000.

Elsewhere, the current Polestar 2 is fully electric with a range of either 273 or 233 miles, depending on drivetrain choice. The base 2022 Polestar 2 Single Motor makes 231 hp, while the dual-motor AWD makes 408 hp. Polestar says the latter model can reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The Polestar 2 Dual Motor is also available with a few packages containing Brembo brakes, adjustable dampers, and a racing suspension. The base suspension is softer, so you might want to stick with that if the Polestar 2 is your everyday driving choice. 

The Single Motor variant might be less powerful, but it will give you more range than the Dual Motor. Additionally, both versions are more affordable than the Polestar 1, with neither exceeding $60,000.

The experimental Polestar 2

According to AutoWeek, the new Polestar 2’s total horsepower increased to 476 hp with a dual-motor setup. It has stiffer springs and dampers, plus wider wheel arches. It also features the same brakes and Pirelli tires as the coveted Polestar 1.

This enhanced Polestar 2’s ride height has also been lowered by one inch, which will improve its handling. It’s also more aesthetically pleasing than the previous Polestar 2 with its racing stripe and glossy new exterior components. The festival has passed, but you can watch the full live stream to see the car in action on YouTube.

Will the new Polestar be a big success?

The Polestar 2 raced at Goodwood was merely fine-tuned to showcase its true capabilities. As such, it’s unlikely that this specific model will be available for consumers to purchase. The automaker instead encourages drivers to look forward to the Polestar 3, its first all-electric SUV.

Additionally, the Polestar Precept, an electric luxury sedan, is on track for a release as a 2023 model. Polestar also hopes to create its first carbon-neutral car by 2030. With that in mind, Polestar may have had an uneventful start, but it’s clear that the automaker is taking great strides to stay relevant.

RELATED: The 2021 Polestar 2 Might Be the Most Convenient Road Trip EV

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What’s the Best Way to Launch a Car With a Manual Transmission?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Driving a car with a manual transmission is slowly becoming a lost art. Considering only around 18% of Americans can currently drive a stick shift, it’s no wonder that automakers are phasing them out. But for the few remaining “save the manual” enthusiasts, driving a stick shift car, and even racing one, is still an important part of their lives.

However, driving a stick shift can be tricky, especially when racing. Here is the best way to launch a car with a manual transmission and get ahead of the competition from the get-go.

Tires are important when launching a car

Corvettes racing on the track during the event. | (Photo by Mihail Siergiejevicz/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Before you practice launching your car, it’s important to do your research on the type of tires that your car has. For example, if you’re driving a streetcar that you want to bring to the drag strip on the weekends, then you might want to look into some stickier summer tires to get a better grip. And if your car is a track-ready race car, then you might want to research drag racing slicks or softer compound tires to get the best launch for your car.

According to Wheels, the critical part of the whole process is the tire that you’re using. It’s important to understand the type of contact patch, tire compound, proper inflation rates, and air temperature that you’re working with.

Setting up for the launch

Before launching your car down the drag strip, it’s important to get it set up first. We don’t mean adding wheelie bars for traction, we mean cleaning out your car to ensure that nothing will fly around when you accelerate rapidly. Also, make sure that the car’s air conditioner is turned off and that your head is pressed against the headrest. Lastly, whether you’re practicing a launch or about to tear it up on the drag strip, make sure that your car is on a flat surface and it doesn’t roll back when you push the clutch in.

Should I do a burnout?

A brown and red muscle car racing during the event.
A brown and red muscle car racing during the event. | (Photo by Mihail Siergiejevicz/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Doing a quick burnout on the drag strip can heat up the tires to ensure that your car gets all of the traction it needs. But if you’re on the street and practicing launching your car, then you might not want to do one for legal reasons. Either way, whether or not you should do a burnout before launching the car is completely up to you.

Find the sweet spot on the clutch

After cleaning up your car and lining it up on the start line, you’ll want to find the sweet spot on the clutch engagement. To do this, rev the engine up and let out the clutch to where the engagement point starts to drop the engine RPMs and take a mental note. Just like when you normally start in first gear, this engagement point is where you’ll have to finesse the launch.

Find the sweet spot in the rev range

First-generation Dacia Sandero interior.
First-generation Dacia Sandero interior. | (Photo by Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Next, you’ll want to find the right RPM range to rev the engine to. This will depend on what type of car you have: front-drive, rear-drive, or all-wheel drive. Wheels reports that all-wheel drive cars will need the clutch disengaged crisply and the RPMs to build rapidly as the “grip is often considerable.”

Launching a front- or rear-drive car, on the other hand, can be tricky. You made need to feed the power progressively on these types of cars to get the best traction. If you launch too fast or too slow, then you run the risk of burning out the clutch or damaging the driveline. If anything, play around with the optimal RPM range for your application and ensure that the car launches smoothly with no bogging or stuttering.

How do you know when you have it right?

According to Wheels, the “holy grail sound effect” is when there’s a momentary squeal of the tires followed by clean traction throughout the gears. It’s a tough goal to reach, depending on the type of car that you have, but with the right amount of patience, you’ll get it down soon enough and will launching your car like a pro!

RELATED: This Is How Much Fuel Each Cylinder of a Drag Car Engine Uses

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Why the Tesla Model Y is the Best-selling EV of 2021 Thus Far

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Tesla Model Y is currently the best-selling electric vehicle of 2021. It appeals to consumers by catering to the compact SUV trend. The Tesla Model Y is more affordable than most other Teslas. It is also leading the charge toward an electric future.

The best-selling electric vehicle of 2021

The Tesla Model Y | Attila Kisbenedek/ AFP via Getty Images

Tesla has been in the electric vehicle production business for a long time, so it’s no surprise that several Tesla models are best-sellers this year. The Palo Alto, California-based company, may not have perfected its lineup, but major improvements have been made. The Tesla Model Y only debuted in the early spring of 2019. Deliveries began in the Spring of 2020, and it has already earned the respect of consumers.

The Tesla Model Y is essentially the crossover SUV version of the Tesla Model 3. It starts at $39,990. The base model can travel 244 miles on a full charge. The Long Range trim can go as far as 326 miles on a full charge. Tesla has sold over 33,000 Model Y units thus far.

According to Car and Driver, the Tesla Model Y is the best EV of the year thus far because it combines great range with the perks of Tesla ownership. These perks include access to the network of superchargers that enable fast charging. Teslas also incorporate unique tech features such as original modes and an infotainment system far different from anything on the market.

A perfect example of the Tesla Model Y’s unique features is the Bioweapon Defense Mode. Bioweapon Defense Mode filters harmful particles through a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter in case of a bioweapon attack. China’s Model Ys already include this feature, and it is coming to American Model Ys. The Model Y is an electric crossover SUV like no other, and consumers are excited about it.

A red Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 | Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Tesla’s dominance is clear in the electric vehicle market this year. Other automakers like Ford have rolled out amazing EVs. Unfortunately, it’s hard to compete with an automaker that only produces electric vehicles. As a result, multiple Tesla models are amongst the most sold EVs this year.

The Tesla Model 3 beats out the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet Bolt by over 10,000 units sold as the 2nd most popular EV this year. The Model 3 starts at $39,990, just like the Model Y. It also offers similar fun Tesla features. Tesla has sold over 23,000 Model 3 units thus far.

Is this the beginning of market dominance for Tesla?

As the EV era begins, Tesla is off to a better start than any other automaker. Since Tesla is a newer company compared to automakers that are over a half-century old, it lacks production experience. It makes up for its short production history by creating vehicles with innovative features to attract consumers.

The novelty of these vehicles usually means more issues to troubleshoot and tech bugs to fix early on. Data shows that consumers are willing to take a risk and bet on the most exciting new automaker in the industry. Tesla has staked its claim for the future’s most popular automaker.

RELATED: The 2021 Tesla Model Y Just Got A Major Price Cut

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Instant Karma: This Rare Sports Sedan Tops TrueCar’s List of the Best Full-Size Luxury Cars of 2021

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Luxury sedans are a stylish way to travel for folks who don’t need big SUVs. As far as full-size luxury sedans go, Karma is a relative newcomer to the automotive world. But it has already made a name for itself. In fact, one of Karma’s luxury sports sedans was named the best full-size car of the year. 

TrueCar’s picks for best full-size luxury cars

A Karma Revero GTS in 2019 | FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

The full-size luxury car segment doesn’t usually get many newcomers, so the best ones are typically well-known. For example, according to TrueCar, the 10th-best full-size luxury car of the year is the Tesla Model S. But that’s the EV maker’s only entry on TrueCar’s list. The rest of the list is primarily composed of the famous German luxury manufacturers, plus Lexus, Genesis, and Volvo. 

For instance, the Mercedes-Benz CLS placed fifth, and the Audi A8 came in fourth. Third place went to the Volvo S90, and second place went to the Genesis G80. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Karma Revero GT took first place. It earned the top spot by being a rare, powerful, and sustainable car with many unique qualities.

The 2020 Karma Revero GT at a glance

Starting at just over $146,000, the Karma Revero GT is a luxury car that only true luxury car shoppers can afford. Other models on TrueCar’s list are more expensive than regular cars, but a few are actually attainable. For example, the Genesis G80 and Volvo S90 start at about $50,000, a fraction of the Revero GT’s price.

But Karma does something unique with the Revero GT, as it’s a green car in more ways than one. It’s a plug-in hybrid, so not only does it have a good fuel economy, but it can also go fully electric on short commutes. TrueCar says the Revero GT gets 70 mpg combined and has a battery-only range of 61 miles. Not only that, but the Revero GT also has a solar roof, so it can get some extra range when the sun is out.

Furthermore, the Revero GT’s opulent interior blends luxury with sustainability. According to TrueCar, Karma used plenty of “sustainably sourced materials” to deck out the cabin. Luxury and sustainability aside, it’s also a powerful car. The hybrid powertrain harnesses 536 hp and 550 lb-ft combined, allowing it to accelerate quickly.

The Karma Revero GT came back from the brink

Of course, for that nearly $150,000 price, the Karma Revero GT offers plenty of other features too. For instance, it comes with myriad smart safety features, including blind-spot warning, lane keep assist, and more. Additionally, high-end features such as a navigation system and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. What’s most impressive, however, is the fact that Karma makes and sells this car in the first place.

Karma’s history has been a rough one, to say the least. The company sprouted from a California-based startup, Fisker Automotive. It created a luxury green car similar to the Revero GT, the Fisker Karma. But eventually, Fisker Automotive declared bankruptcy and collapsed. Karma Automotive emerged from the rubble. 

However, the new company came close to meeting the same fate. Last year, Karma Automotive was rumored to be declaring bankruptcy. But it averted that crisis. Maybe the Revero GT signals good karma for the automaker.

RELATED: Jay Leno Says Buy These Cars If You Want Future Collector’s Items

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