2022 Polestar 2 & 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone Hybrid

Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us for a Euro EV that blends efficiency with driving delights, the Polestar 2... We'll take "Your Drive" in for a restomod tune-up...

Check out a car show that's an absolute homerun... And wrap up with the rugged luxury that is the Toyota Tundra Capstone...

So, come drive with us, next!

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First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: Volvo launched their new Polestar brand for 2021 with the dynamic Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid performance coupe, and quickly followed it up with the all-electric Polestar 2 5-door fastback.

So logically, there's a Polestar 3 SUV to follow, but before we get there, Polestar isn't done with the Polestar 2 just yet.

So, let's find out what they've been up to with their "green deuce."

* The all-electric Polestar 2 has been on the market for just over a year; and after launching with Dual Motor all-wheel-drive and a range of 233 miles, 2022 brings a best of both worlds situation when it comes to electric vehicles: a lower price with more range.

As you can imagine, this is managed by eliminating one of the motors; ironically enough, it's the rear one that goes away.

So, front-wheel-drive only but boosting range to 270 miles.

But, Polestar also increased the output of that front motor, as well as revised the gearing, so you get well over half of the Dual Motor's 408 horsepower.

So, its rated at 231 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.

And, it's not only the 2-wheel-drive version getting additional range, as the Dual Motor gets another 16 miles added for a total of 249 miles.

A result of an update to the battery management software.

And as we're starting to see, a big advantage of EVs is that buyers can easily get these kinds of updates over the air without a trip to the dealer.

So, all buyers of 2021 Polestar 2s will get the same update for their cars.

Unfortunately, the Performance Pack remains exclusive to the Dual Motor, so no Ohlins dampers here; but even with front-wheel-drive and the standard suspension, the Polestar 2 is an entertaining car to drive.

With the 78 kilowatt hour battery charged up full, and regen braking dialed up to the max for one-pedal driving; we had no problems getting the full 270 miles and then some, as we were actually on pace to get 277 before plugging in.

This Single Motor has a slightly better efficiency rating too, a still good 31 kilowatt hours per 100 miles.

We expected a bit less of a thrilling experience at our Mason Dixon test track, and in straight-line runs that was indeed the case.

While, the Dual Motor springs to 60 in 4.5 seconds, this Single Motor felt very weak off the line.

There was no explosion of power that we've grown to expect from an EV, just a gentle take-off and stroll to 60 in a still acceptable 7.0 seconds.

Power delivery did, however, stay super consistent for the whole quarter-mile, with no drop-offs or hiccups; just smooth, steady, and time-after-time runs of 15.0 seconds at 89 miles per hour.

If our track was a little longer, and we had the patience to get there, we would have also discovered that top speed of the Single Motor is limited to 100 miles per hour, compared to the Dual Motor's 127.

Things took an unexpected turn for the better though, once we started doing some turns through our handling course.

Despite the front-wheel-drive and lack of Performance Pack, this Polestar 2 was absolutely glued to the track.

There was virtually no body roll at all; along with very firm steering feel that prompted tight turn-ins and had us pushing harder and harder.

Still, we could only find a tiny amount of understeer.

Our test drivers were quite impressed; one proclaiming it felt like a 6-figure sports car.

Even, if it doesn't exactly look like one.

The understated design is far more Scandinavian sensible than sports car flashy.

But it is handsome and eminently practical, as the high roof allows for great rear seat passenger space, and blends smoothly into the rear hatch for a unique hatchback/sedan hybrid shape.

In addition to being all-electric, Polestar is committed to reducing as many environmental aspects of vehicle design as possible; thus, interiors are fully vegan, and made from recycled materials wherever possible.

And as we've learned, that doesn't mean they're any less luxurious.

Indeed, the seats are plenty comfortable, the Google and Android-based infotainment works well, and there's a good 14.3 cubic- feet of cargo space in back; expanding to 38.7 with the seatbacks folded.

We're still not exactly sure where Polestar fits into Volvo's overall plan.

Are they a premium brand, entry-level, or just another option?

As they are certainly not priced higher than most of Volvo's all-electric offerings.

The Single Motor Polestar 2 starts at $49,800 before tax incentives; the Dual Motor version goes for $3,500 more, starting at $53,300.

You can order both online now.

Once, all of the hype, excitement, and headlines have subsided, the success of EVs ultimately lies in making them more attainable.

Polestar has done just that with the 2022 Polestar 2 Single Motor; a base level model that is less expensive yes; but overall doesn't feel, look, or behave like, you're getting less than the best.

* Baseball is often called "America's National Pastime."

But, it's also true that baseball has had a big role in shaping our nation's attitudes about social and economic issues, reflecting many aspects of American life.

Well, recently, a Maryland community reminded us of a major but sometimes overlooked slice of baseball history, with a vintage style game and car show combined.

So, let's join FYI reporter Stephanie Hart and head to the Bowie Baysock's Prince George's Stadium and play ball!

* STEPHANIE HART: Great turnout for the Metro Vettes Car Show.

There's a lot of variety here, which I really love.

Everything from a Ford Model A to a Bentley.

Let's go check some of them out.

While, we look around, a very special baseball game is in full swing, celebrating the 1942 Negro Baseball League World Series.

DWAYNE RENAL SIMS: So, many players come dressed in uniform, east and west, and they're all colors of the rainbow because the Negro league was integrated at that time.

STEPHANIE: Dwayne Renal Sims is the Founder of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame Incorporated and the organizer of this baseball game and car show.

He was also a long-time friend of our own Pat Goss.

DWAYNE: Give me some of that-- oh, yeah!

STEPHANIE: In 1942, the World Series was played at Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC.

As you can see from these old photos, vintage automobiles filled the parking lot.

Recreating that big moment in history, while raising money for community education outreach programs, is at the heart of this event.

I found a 1931 Ford Model A here, which is pretty incredible.

I'm here with the owner Marcus; tell me about this car.

MARCUS UNDERWOOD: Well, I have had it-- the car for about two years and it's a wonderful car.

STEPHANIE: You must get some crazy looks from people when they see it coming down the road?

MARCUS: All the time, I get waves and thumbs up and horns blowing all the time.

STEPHANIE: What's your favorite part about this car?

MARCUS: Just the looks itself, period.

The looks.

STEPHANIE: And we heard a very special Lamborghini before we actually saw it.

I'm here with the owner now.

It's a pretty incredible car.

Tell me a little bit about it?

ANDRA: Yeah, it's a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster V1 special build.

Tuned from hell, actually.

Hellacious goodies, you know, but about 1850 horsepower.

STEPHANIE: Andra also owns this 1970 SS Chevelle, a Jerry Bickel race car.

ANDRA: Featured in Hot Rods 6, 7 times.

Um, it's about 6,000 horsepower.

It's a 670 custom billet bullet block made by Mike Moran and with 110 twin turbos-- Garrett turbo system.

STEPHANIE: From modern opulence, back to more humble beginnings.

I personally love this 1962 Austin Healey Sebring.

I'm here with the owner; tell me a little about this vehicle and why you bought it.

LEON WASHINGTON: I always loved the body style.

I happened upon this one about 8-months ago and I jumped on it.

STEPHANIE: What's the best thing about owning this car?

LEON: Just, you know, top down...cruising.

Just enjoying the, you know, the weather.

And I have a 350 Chevy engine in it which gives it some more pop.

STEPHANIE: Yeah, a little more oomph.

LEON WASHINGTON: Yep, absolutely.

STEPHANIE: Yeah, nice ride.

At the end of the day, $7500 was raised to support community education outreach programs.

All in all, a great day filled with nostalgia, bringing everyone together like only baseball and cars can.

DWAYNE: Today, we are going to do the horns in memory of Pat Goss, one of our favorites from Maryland from MotorWeek on MPT- television.

Ready 3, 2, 1, blow!

(car horns blowing) C'mon now let me hear some noise that's what I want to hear (engines rumble) this is all dedicated to Pat Goss and his memory.

JOHN: Today's cars run, ride, and relax so much better, but it's hard to beat classic styling.

And that's where restomodding comes into play.

So, let's join Daniel Maffett as we fuse the past and present together in this week's "Your Drive."

* DANIEL MAFFETT: Believe it or not, the two cars behind me are the same year, make, and model.

The one over here is a concourse original 99-point car.

It has all the original drive components, options, and it drives exactly like a car from 1955.

The one on my left here is a restomod.

A restomod is the best of the looks of an old car with all the modern technology in it.

At my shop, we always get the guy that comes in, who's been success, he's grown up, and he wants that classic car he wanted in high school.

But he gets it and just finds out that it doesn't drive like his brand new BMW or his Audi.

The good thing is that the aftermarket world has us covered.

There are tons of options aftermarket to make your car drive like a modern muscle machine.

The first thing we like to start with is something like this.

This is an EFI system, an electronic fuel injection.

If you've ever driven a carbureted motor, you know, they can be finicky.

They require tweaking and jetting and rebuilds to keep them optimized.

This has jets all around the inside of these openings.

It looks just like an original carburetor; you can get it in any color you want and it is power on the fly.

Power on demand.

As soon as you hit that gas pedal, it drives fuel down inside here, shoves it down the throat of your engine, so you can keep driving.

Now, once you have all that power going to the wheels, you're going to need to be more stable.

So, you're going to have to upgrade the suspension to something like a tubular suspension, maybe even a 4-link in the rear or go all-out and do coilover suspensions.

This is going to allow you to stay planted on the road and stable in turns.

But, if you have bias ply tires like this on a 4-link, it doesn't matter what kind of power you have.

So, you want to upgrade the wheels and tires to a modern compound tire that's going to keep you on the road and out of the ditches.

But once, you're driving well and you look good, you sound good, you want to feel good, too.

So, inside the cab you want to do vintage air system or a complete overhaul of the AC/heat system, so that you can stay comfortable inside while you're cruising.

Pick the products that fit your wants and needs and you'll be riding in style.

Any questions or comments, hit us up right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: Time now to grab a key FOB and hit the road for another QuickSpin!

* GREG CARLOSS: When we tested the revamped Hyundai Tucson earlier this year, we made brief mention of two new hybrid models.

One with a plug and one without.

Well, we finally had a chance to plug into the former: the 2022 Tucson PHEV.

It flaunts the Tucson's 4th-Gen looks and features, underscored by the familiar humming of internal combustion, which comes from a 1.6 liter turbocharged inline-4.

Electrification is by way of a 66.9 kilowatt electric motor and 13.8 kilowatt hour battery.

Combined output is pegged at 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Even with efficiency at the top of the PHEV's checklist, Hyundai dismissed a CVT in favor of a 6-speed automatic transmission.

From there, power is channeled to the standard HTRAC all-wheel drive system.

Expect an all-electric range of about 33 miles; both systems working in tandem should get you close to the EPA estimated 35 combined mpg.

It's a fine driving experience that offers a little bit more grunt than its strictly gas-powered sibling, feeling a tad less sluggish sprinting from a dig.

What the ICE and PHEV share is the quiet, smooth, and comfortable experience constructed by this new generation of Tucson.

And thanks to the 22's 6.0 extra inches of length, there's more room inside for cargo and passengers, though the PHEV benefits less than its counterparts.

With a starting price in the mid 30,000s, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV costs between 5-10 grand more than its traditional hybrid and internal combustion siblings, but we think it's still an appealing offer for those looking for their first foray into the world of plug-in motoring.

And we'll have more QuickSpins soon!

JOHN: Up next, Lauren Morrison with all the latest headlines in this week's MotorNews!

LAUREN MORRISON: Following the recent Mustang reveal, Ford is shifting the spotlight to a new pickup.

The Ford F-Series Super Duty is redesigned for 2023, offering more versatility and customization.

Four engines are available, two gas and two diesel.

New features abound, but include a tailgate-down reverse camera with sensors, automatic tow hitch alignment, and embedded 5G connectivity.

Expect these Super Duties to arrive sometime early 2023.

BMW shared two of their latest models, one new and one refreshed.

The BMW XM is the first plug-in hybrid to wear the M badge.

Exclusive to the M Division, combined output is 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.

Electric-only range is estimated at 30 miles and starting price is just shy of $160,000.

The Z4 roadster receives a refresh-- thanks to the now-standard M Sport Package and a revised twin kidney grille, among other changes.

The starting sDrive30i will begin under $54,000.

It's the end of an era for Lamborghini... As they announced the end of Aventador production.

First unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Aventador sold more than the sum of their previous V12 models, having delivered its 10,000th unit in September 2020.

And Jeep is sending off one of its vehicles as well...

The Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel is ending production.

A limited edition "FarOut" edition will remain available for order through November.

The EcoDiesel is replaced by Jeep's Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid as their most rugged off-road fuel economy leader.

And that does it for this week's MotorNews!

JOHN: While, the Detroit Big-3 still dominate full-size pickup truck sales in North America, the Toyota Tundra has certainly earned itself a seat at the grown-ups table.

And these days that means breaking out the fine china and expensive dinnerware more than brown-bagging it.

So, let's put on our Sunday best and check out this new Toyota Tundra Capstone.

* The average transaction price of pickup trucks has been climbing at a rapid pace for years, as buyers are demanding more and more features.

And, since packing in extras is always great for truck-maker's bottom lines, they are more than happy to oblige, by continuously ramping up their high-end models.

That brings us to this 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone.

We're guessing they're referring to the "crowning achievement" definition of the word, certainly not a research project, as this Capstone is Toyota's new top trim.

Think Denali, Limited, High Country, or any of the many bougie names that are now part of the automotive lexicon.

What that gets you here in the Tundra is just about every optional feature available like power running boards, BedStep, and 10 inch color Head-Up Display; plus, a few special ones like these 22 inch dark chrome wheels, the biggest ever on a Tundra.

There's also a distinct mesh grille, and naturally, lots of added chrome.

Inside there is leather seating with different color combinations, open-pore walnut wood trim, and upgraded acoustic glass to further shelter you from the outside working world.

Other highlights include a 14 inch infotainment touchscreen, 12 Speaker JBL audio, 12 inch digital gauge cluster, heated and ventilated seats, and panoramic roof.

About the only thing you can pay extra for is an adaptive variable suspension with load-leveling, which costs about a grand, so we're not sure why they didn't just throw that in as well.

The Capstone comes in CrewMax cab only with a 5.5 foot bed.

All major mechanicals remain the same as the rest of the 3rd-generation Tundra 4X4s which are fresh off a complete redesign earlier this year.

And naturally, the biggest motor available is also part of the package; and that is the Hybrid form of their i-FORCE V6.

The electric-assisted MAX version of this 3.5 liter twin-turbo outputs 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque.

The 36 kilowatt electric motor/generator is sandwiched between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission.

But ultimately, this hybrid is more about eliminating turbo-lag and delivering additional torque than fuel-sipping.

4-wheel-drive is standard, and the Capstone is rated to tow 10,340 pounds.

We were happy to see that i-FORCE MAX, as we haven't actually had a chance to fully put it to the test yet.

And at our test track, the Capstone didn't pounce off the line with quite as much urgency as expected; but once rolling, it quickly started laying down some serious power, hitting 60 in 6.4 seconds.

It's no V8, but there is a great engine roar coming from under the hood, and you can feel electric assistance helping you to hurl this thing down the track.

Shifts are smooth and quick, with no loss of power when they're triggered.

quarter-mile completed in a very competitive 14.9 seconds at 94 miles per hour.

Big softly-sprung pickup trucks tend to lumber through our handling course more than slice through with finesse, and that's the case here.

Steering was light and vague, and it was very difficult to maintain any semblance of speed.

Sport mode did help tighten up body roll a little bit, but it was still slow and steady as she goes.

In panic braking runs, the brake pedal is a bit mushy and quickly heads towards the floor.

You can really feel the size of this beast as the calipers are doing their best to bring it to a halt; which they do quite effectively, as stops averaged a good 115 feet from 60.

Sales numbers may still fall far shy of Ford's F-150, but the Tundra has definitely proved to have staying power, since it took the place of the T100 back in 2000; and there's more than enough demand to keep Toyota's Texas assembly plant busy for some time to come.

As the crowning achievement of the Tundra lineup, the Capstone's price of $77,040 is certainly high; but not unreasonable in today's truck market where the sky seems to be the limit.

With the 2022 Tundra Capstone, Toyota has found another way to cap off their own lineup with their most feature-packed and luxurious pickup yet.

And also proved they're willing to do whatever it takes to keep chipping away at the American full-size truck leaders.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time.

We're holding on tight for our turn in the Audi RS e-Tron GT, followed by a little hit rodding in the Hyundai Kona N!

Until next time, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek , television's original automotive magazine, visit To order a DVD of this program, call... MotorWeek has been brought to you by... For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive.

TireRack.com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

* This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(car engine revving) * You're watching PBS.