Polestar 2 performance upgrade. Would you pay for a performance software upgrade

[Nygman]

It looks like you can pay to have your pollstar upgraded by software. Question is would you pay for such an upgrade on a MME? ICE Mustang owners have been paying to flash their ECUs for more performance, for years. I even used a Ford Motorsport Performance pack which flash the ECU on my Mustang. I also have to install parts with that kit and this upgrade is a lot less and provides more power at least for a Polestar.

Well I totally disagree with subscription based performance upgrades like Mercedes is doing, I don't think this is a bad idea. I would be happy to pay a fee to unlock more power, or remove the 5-second limit on the GT. I hope Ford notices this and offers some things through Ford Motorsport like It does for their iCE cars. That would really be next level.

https://www.engadget.com/polestar-2-68hp-performance-boost-202735126.html

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[generaltso]

No.

 

[randomvoice]

It is better than paying a subscription each year however something about artificially locking the performance of your car until you pay a ransom still rubs me the wrong way. I honestly don't think I need more performance from my GT. It scares my wife as is and pins me to the seat. I know the 5 second thing gets brought up but honestly, for everyday driving, I've never encountered a time when I have said "damn I need more power". I think most EVs can smoke 95% of the cars on the road as is.

 

[Ghost Ryder]

Tesla also had this feature in their LR models. for 2k. I thought it was worth it when I had a MY LR.

The way I see the manufacturer justifying it is that increasing the power increase the wear and tear of the components leading to increase chance of Warranty claims. The cost of the upgrade would offset this.

 

[SprManKalEl]

The more we pay these fees, the more they will charge and soon, you will have to pay for EVERYTHING. You want your windows to roll down? Pay. You want brakes to stop the car? Pay. Where does it end?

 

[MellowJohnny]

I'm fine with a one-time fee - Polestar has been doing this for years w/ Volvo. If you ever see a little blue badge on the back of a recent Volvo it's been Polestar tuned. I wouldn't pay for it, but I like the model better than a subscription.

 

[sockmeister]

I'd prefer if it was limited to other models. Given time, someone will eventually figure out how to unlock it illegally anyway.

And when tuning an ICE car with a programmer, you're not really "unlocking" locked out power. You're just telling the computer to be more aggressive using air or fuel or spark timing, to take advantage of physical modifications to the car. That's a lot different.

 

[MisterSofa]

My Premium is fast enough.

 

[HuntingPudel]

I would love removal of the 5 second limit. I would hate paying for a pack and the necessary support electronics, electricals, and other necessary parts. ??

 

[Ghost Ryder]

The more we pay these fees, the more they will charge and soon, you will have to pay for EVERYTHING. You want your windows to roll down? Pay. You want brakes to stop the car? Pay. Where does it end?

Depends on what the starting price of the car is.

If I can buy a striped for cheap and add only options I want, I'm all for it.

 

[Mach1E]

I'd prefer if it was limited to other models. Given time, someone will eventually figure out how to unlock it illegally anyway.

And when tuning an ICE car with a programmer, you're not really "unlocking" locked out power. You're just telling the computer to be more aggressive using air or fuel or spark timing, to take advantage of physical modifications to the car. That's a lot different.

Not necessarily.

There are TONS of example where the manufacturers purposefully reduce power then charge more for the extra power.

Tons of turbo cars work this way. They are physically identical models then the sport or top model gets extra power (for a price) when the only real difference in in the tune.

It’s also on some NA cars as well.

My Chevy SS had 415 hp. The identical LS3 in the Corvette had 436 hp.

With a tune, they both got to 450 hp.

Chevy has been doing this with the Corvette for a long time.

Either way, philosophically, it’s the same. Charge more for more power that can be unlocked with a tune.

Why do it? Because they can. You could also argue the extra power may lead to extra warranty claims, but that never seems to be the case.

 

[Awmustang]

I don't see why this is any different than any other option on a car. You want it you pay for it, you don't then skip it.

Ford currently does this with the ICE Mustang, at least at the factory. You can get the EcoBoost with 310 hp or you can pay for the high output package and get what is the exact same engine just with more power because it's tuned differently. (This isn't exactly apples to apples as that package includes other physically different components, but I think my point is valid).

Volvo and Land Rover have done similar things where same engine tuned differently will cost more. Though again this is usually part of a trim level difference so other components are "upgraded".

Would those opposed to this, have the same objections if it was a "performance pack" option on the order sheet? If it were packaged with bigger brakes and stiffer suspension would that make it ok?

Is it just because you can make the choice to spend the money later, rather than being locked in when you purchase the car? I say choice benefits everyone. I don't want the power I pay less. I do want the power I pay for it. I don't want the power now, but in a couple years I'm feeling the itch for something newer/better/faster. Boom I pay a fee and I got faster with my same car.

 

[Polar]

As a C40 owner, Polestar P2 platform twin, I’d buy it if they offered it on my C40.

 

[dtbaker61]

It is better than paying a subscription each year however something about artificially locking the performance of your car until you pay a ransom still rubs me the wrong way. I honestly don't think I need more performance from my GT. It scares my wife as is and pins me to the seat. I know the 5 second thing gets brought up but honestly, for everyday driving, I've never encountered a time when I have said "damn I need more power". I think most EVs can smoke 95% of the cars on the road as is.

I would be pissed off if performance was available, but being ransomed.

The 5-second limitation is what it is because of HARDWARE and thermal issues. I would not want the the software cap lifted unless the hardware was improved to support higher output without damaging warranty and battery life

 

[buzznwood]

Most manufactures including Ford have offered various paid performance updates after the fact over the years so while these wouldn't be for everyone there would be still be a market for this and plenty of owners happy to pay a one time fee for power bump.

The problem as stated by many is that to offer such an upgrade would have required Ford to have built an EV platform that was capable of having a performance upgrade to begin with unfortunately in the case of the mach-e it would appear only the marketing department got a memo of any asperations of performance as the engineering depart was content with just dressing a former compliance vehicle in a sporty frock.

The motors may well be capable of a lot more but what currently supplies them appears to be woefully under engineered for the task so there isn't really anything that Ford could offer.

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