Swedish automotive powerhouse has released another beautiful addition to their portfolio. This is the second BST car to be manufactured and it will be limited to only 230 units.
Swedish automotive powerhouse has released another beautiful addition to their portfolio. This is the second BST car to be manufactured and it will be limited to only 230 units.
Polestar is updating its 5-door electric performance fastback, the Polestar 2, with major changes for the 2024 model year. Orders for the car, priced from 50,190 euros (about RM234,000) in Germany, are now being accepted online in certain with first deliveries to start during the fourth quarter.
The major update for the compact EV is not only confined to cosmetic changes but there are also substantial performance increases with all-new electric motors, even more powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.
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At last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, Polestar showed off an experimental specially modified Polestar 2 with impressive performance. However, the company said that it was just a one-off which they would not be turning into a production model. Nevertheless, enthusiasts loved it and there was a lot of interest expressed in buying one if it was made available.
“We had a great reaction and the response made it clear – we should create a version like that for production,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. He had proposed the project last year to push the boundaries of the performance fastback’s design and performance potential.
Only 270 units
And here it is – a special edition called the Polestar 2 BST edition 270. The ‘270’ indicates the number of units that will be offered, exclusively for Europe, North America and China (so they will all be in lefthand drive).
The tuning-based Polestar Engineered product leverages on decades of tuning experience to create the brand’s most dynamic electric driver’s car yet. The production car includes mechanical modifications along with key design enhancements that place it above standard Polestar 2 models.
Increased output
The two electric motors and 78 kWh battery pack have been enhanced for a maximum power output of 350 kW (476 ps) and 680 Nm of torque, along with heightened responsiveness to go with the sportier dynamics.
Chassis modifications include lowered ride height (by 25 mm), specially developed and unique Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers with auxiliary adjustment chambers mounted under the bonnet, a front strut bar, 20% stiffer springs and unique new black 21-inch alloy. The tyres fitted are 245/35R21 Pirelli P Zero, developed specifically for the car which retains the standard 4-piston Brembo brakes.
Styling enhancements
The limited-edition model has a more substantial expression, thanks to fully-painted bumpers and side skirts. A matte black body stripe is available as an option, as well as a full-body Battleship Gray satin wrap. Th side mirrors are finished in glossy black while the signature ‘Swedish gold’ details remain, including on the brake calipers, damper elements, valve caps and seatbelts.
Each unit will be priced around US$77,000 (about RM338,000) and production is planned to begin in mid-2022, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of the year.
The engineers who have to test prototypes go all over the world to places with extreme environments. Their job is to see how the future model will perform in the toughest conditions on the planet and collect data that will help them ensure reliability and durability. Much of the time, the work can be monotonous as it’s not a joy-ride and the vehicles must be driven in specific ways… and not always at high speeds.
For Polestar’s engineers, there are occasions when they must enjoy their work, especially when within the Arctic Circle where the company’s intense winter testing programme runs for 15 weeks from December to March every year. Teams of engineers pushing prototypes to the limits in harsh conditions that can be as low as -35 degrees C.
It’s not just components that are tested but also the prototype’s driving dynamics. “Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer who has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme environment.
“With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyse the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. This is my absolute favourite place to develop cars,” he revealed.
To exhibit this expertise, and being a rally driver in his spare time with numerous trophies to his name, Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version that brings winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time.
The base car, a Polestar 2 Long-range Dual motor with Performance Pack, has several specific modifications. The ride height is higher (+30 mm), with increased power and torque output (350 kW and 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tyres, each having 4 mm metal studs (490 per tyre). These give the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle the mechanical credentials to be quick and agile on snow and ice.
In combination with springs that are 30% softer, the 3-way performance Ohlin’s dampers, specially designed and tuned for this car together with Ohlins, are set to 9 clicks front and rear and feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. The standard 4-piston Brembo front brakes are good enough, so they are retained without changes.
The front bumper has a carbonfibre skid plate for additional under-body protection. The front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. A new prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. And just in case the drivers get stuck in snow far away, a carbonfibre snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car as well.
Visually, rally inspiration has seen the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, there are custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal with Swedish gold branding.
“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialised tyres are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said a happy Rydholm, adding that the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a one-time-only showpiece there are no production plans.
Electronic music has been around for some 50 years and with the arrival of the computer age, digital music began to spread widely. Now Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, has teamed up with a robotics engineer and musician, Moritz Simon Geist, to create a whole new type of music for the digital age.
Challenging conventions
“The car industry is traditionally a closed one. We believe in looking outside of the sector and are intrigued by people and companies that go their own way,” said Head of Brand and Marketing at Polestar, Asa Borg. “Polestar aims to challenge the conventions of the automotive industry; Moritz aims to challenge the way we perceive sound and make music – a like mind with a different and interesting perspective.”
Moritz has made a name for himself by building robots that create music from unlikely sources, and now the Polestar 2 is such a source. Robots made from parts of the car, as well as samples of both audible car sounds and the electrical systems inside the car are used.
Robots collect sound samples
Moritz first built robots from parts of the car. Each robot extracted a sound sample using the various elements inside that component, either from a physical noise or from the system’s changing electromagnetic field.
The samples were used to create beats which Moritz wove into an original composition, playing the car like an instrument. The package of sound samples has also been made available on Polestar.com so that anyone can play with the beats online and create their own soundtrack from the sounds of Polestar 2, allowing fans to explore the car in a new, creative way.
Available for listening online
Many of the sounds that created the song are specific to the nature of electric cars. With a premium Harman Kardon audio system and significantly lower levels of noise and vibration compared to traditional cars, the Polestar 2 is a perfect audio listening booth. But you don’t need a Polestar 2 to listen as the composition has been released online. It is available for streaming here at no charge.
“In my work, I am genuinely interested in finding new ways to combine state-of-the-art technological tools with art and music. For me, art is a sand-box experiment for testing out and bringing new perspectives to technological novelties, before they are adapted by a broader audience. This can be AI-algorithms, robotics – or electric vehicles, which are playing an increasing role in our transition to a more sustainable future,” said Moritz.
Polestar enjoys the explorative concept of unexpected collaborations with kindred spirits in different fields. Polestar seeks groundbreakers, culture-changers and challengers – people who are reshaping society and pushing boundaries within art, tech and innovation. Moritz added an emotional element to an otherwise sterile area of the car.
“We’re used to listening to music in cars. Thanks to Moritz and his squad of robots, we can now listen to cars in music,” concluded Borg.
Polestar has revealed an experimental version of the Polestar 2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England this weekend, where it was raced up the hillclimb at the venue. While the standard Polestar 2 – which uses a fully electric powertrain – has an output of 300 kW (408 hp), the experimental model generates up to 350 kW (476 hp).
The project was proposed by the company’s CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, who wanted to push the boundaries of the performance fastback’s design and performance potential. “I challenged the design and engineering teams to play with Polestar 2 and come up with something that makes a strong statement for Goodwood. We want to flex our muscles and explore opportunities,” he said.
“For a few months, I have enjoyed driving another experimental Polestar 2, nicknamed ‘Beast’, around our Gothenburg campus, which inspired the team to come up with this version for Goodwood,” he revealed.
Besides the higher output from its two electric motors, the car has been given a stronger stance, with a wider track (+10 mm on each side) and 30 mm lower ride height. Widened wheel arches have been fitted, necessary to house the 9×21-inch wheels and 6-piston Akebono front brakes from the Polestar 1. The 275/30R21 Pirelli PZero Rosso performance tyres are also carried over from the Polestar 1.
The springs have been stiffened by 80% at the front and 40% at the rear compared to the original performance units, and the adjustable Ohlins DFV dampers have been upgraded to Ohlins 3-way performance dampers which are approximately 30% stiffer than the road and track originals. To further increase rigidity, the carbonfibre front suspension strut bar from a Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered has been fitted, complemented by a custom-fabricated rear strut bar.
“This car is what happens when we are given freedom to go beyond our limits,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer. “We already have such great handling and performance characteristics in Polestar 2 but when Thomas asked me to make something special for Goodwood, I was really excited to up the stakes.”
In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the car features updated front and rear bumpers. The car is finished in Snow Matte with a Magnesium Matte racing stripe, colour-coded front grid and glossy black mirrors. Bumpers and side skirts feature an additional colour-coded design accent. The wheels feature dual tonality of glossy and matte black surfaces.
“It’s always exciting to push a little bit further. This is one of the benefits of being a start-up like Polestar – we don’t have a mould to fit into so we can experiment with fun projects like this,” added Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design.
Polestar, the independent Swedish electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holdings, has produced two models to date – the Polestar 1, a low-volume hybrid GT; and the Polestar 2 fastback which is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car.
The Polestar 1 made its debut in 2017 and since 2019, has been built a new factory in China. After 4 years, the model’s production will end later this year as the Polestar 3 SUV makes its entry. To commemorate the end of its production life, the company has revealed a special version which will be made in 25 copies only.
The special edition will feature a bespoke matte gold exterior paint job with matching calipers and black wheels. Inside, colour-matched gold stitching gives the interior an even more unique feel.
The halo car
“It’s hard to believe that our beautiful halo car comes to the end of its production life later this year,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. “We pushed boundaries with this car, not only in terms of engineering but also in its design and execution. Polestar 1 set the tone for our brand and its genes are evident in Polestar 2 – as they will be in our future cars to come.”
Technical tour de force
A technical tour de force, the electric performance hybrid has a lightweight body made from carbonfibre reinforced polymer (CFRP), and is powered by twin rear electric motors with genuine torque vectoring. As a performance model, it is fitted with high-performance components like Akebono brakes and adjustable Ohlins dampers.
With a combined power output of 609 bhp and 1,000 Nm of torque, and a purely electric driving range claimed to be up to 124 kms – still the longest of any hybrid car in the world – the Polestar 1 is a performance car that can be driven as a full EV in daily use, doubling as a great long-distance GT at any moment.
“This car was not designed to fit into a ‘box’,” noted Ingenlath. “We didn’t design it to compete with other cars, and neither did we design it to suit a specific target customer. Polestar 1 was about pushing our own boundaries, exploring a new era for Polestar and launching the brand with a strong statement – and it’s done a great job of capturing the hearts and minds of fans, press and the lucky customers who own one.”
The journey continues with the Polestar 2
Until the Polestar 3 is launched, the Polestar 2 model (pictured below) will offer 3 variants with a combination of long- and standard range battery packs as large as 78 kWh, and dual-motor and single-motor powertrains with as much as 300 kW/408 hp and 660 Nm. It is produced at a Geely factory in China.
Besides the Polestar 3, the Precept (concept model shown above) will also go into production later on. The Precept highlights Polestar’s path for digital technology and the use of innovative sustainable materials, inside and out.
“‘Stunning. Spectacular. Cutting-edge. We’d like to see it on the road!’ – this is what the press wrote about Precept and the public said, ‘We want it’, so we decided to build it,” explained Ingenlath.
Expanding market footprint
Polestar, which is recognised as a car manufacturer, will expand its market footprint further this year with the addition of 5 new markets in the Asia-Pacific region. These markets will join 3 new and previously announced European markets, bringing Polestar’s global footprint to 18 markets by the end of the year. The new markets include South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
Like Volvo (and Saab), Polestar is a Swedish brand and ‘lives’ in a region with a lot of snow and ice as well as long periods of darkness in the winter months. As such, the cars that it has developed would have received a lot of extra attention relating to grip, stability and of course cabin insulation, among other things. After all, the engineers who go to work daily experience extremely cold and slippery conditions which they would want to ensure the cars they develop are safe in such conditions.
Lighting is also very important, not only to illuminate the road ahead but also make the car visible to others. Even in the daytime, the lighting levels may be low, reducing when it snows. So the designers also pay extra attention to the lighting systems and the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback gets highly advanced lighting technology.
Pixel LED Headlights
For example, the Polestar 2 ‘Launch Edition’ comes with standard Pixel LED headlights, an active high beam technology as well as a ‘welcome sequence’ that activates when the vehicle is unlocked. A total of 84 individual LED pixels form a matrix in each lamp; within this matrix, each LED is controlled individually.
In turn, this allows the headlights to shade out their light in the path of up to 5 leading or oncoming vehicles when in motion. The functionality allows the driver to leave their lights on high beam, enabling maximum forward visibility at all times without blinding other road users, and without having to think about switching between modes.
“When you drive Polestar 2, especially in the dark, you really understand how much this technology increases safety,” explained Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. “LED lighting also allows for creativity, and the light signatures we have designed are unmistakable. They are distinctive and people will know you are driving a Polestar.”
Front foglights with cornering support utilize energy efficient LED technology and activate automatically at low speeds according to steering or turn signal input, further enhancing visibility when maneuvering the vehicle.
Intelligent rear lighting technology
At the rear of the Polestar 2, the signature rear lighting has no less than 288 LEDs in a distinctive full-width wrap-around light bar, featuring unique welcome and farewell lighting sequences. The rear light bar includes adaptive lighting technology. In daylight, the brightness is increased to ensure optimal visibility of the light signature. At night, the LEDs automatically dim to prevent drivers behind from being dazzled.
Only if regulations permit
Pixel LED technology is available for all markets but only if regulations allow. At present, regulations in the USA do not allow such functionality so the cars sold there will not have it. However, should the regulations change in future, the feature can be activated with a software update. Owners won’t even have to bring their cars to a service centre for this as it can be transmitted over-the-air (OTA) free of charge. OTA updates for other systems can also be provided, ensuring that the car operates optimally all the time.
Having received its World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) that makes it a recognised vehicle manufacturer, Polestar is set to accelerate ahead at its first production facility located in Chengdu, China. This new Polestar Production Centre sets a new industry benchmark in electric vehicle manufacture and will produce the Polestar 1 – an exclusive, carbonfibre-bodied Electric Performance Hybrid.
500 Polestar 1 cars are to be built per year, with a total of 1,500 planned over a 3-year production cycle. Construction of Polestar 1 in Chengdu will be followed by production of the fully electric Polestar 2 in Luqiao, China, in early 2020.
Most premium new energy vehicle
The new facility, which was completed on schedule, will produce cars for both China and global export markets with first customer deliveries expected before the end of 2019. The company presents the Polestar 1 as ‘the most premium new energy vehicle to be manufactured in China’. Included in the manufacturing process is a team of highly trained quality control auditors whom, with a minimum of 10 years of experience, apply some of the strictest monitoring and assessment procedures in the industry.
The Polestar Production Centre aims to be one of the most environmentally responsible car factories in China. Designed by internationally renowned architecture and design company, Snøhetta, the new production facility incorporates a customer experience centre including a test track and a glazed atrium offering a panoramic view over the factory floor.
New standards in manufacturing
“Designing Polestar’s first production facility has been a challenging and extremely rewarding project for us,” said Snøhetta’s co-founder, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen. “The innovative design of the interaction scheme aligns creative visionary processes with technical production requirements, setting a new standard for inclusive fabrication facilities.”
“We promised we would have our first production facility built in 2019; we promised cars would be delivered to customers this year, and we promised we would do things differently – once again, we are delivering on our promises. This is a hugely proud moment for the whole team at Polestar,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
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Polestar has taken the next step in its development as the electric performance brand with the reveal of the new Polestar 2. Polestar 2 is the new all-electric fastback that brings electric performance cars to a broader and increasingly progressive audience. It offers avant-garde design and a unique customer experience in the premium compact electric segment. Polestar 2 is the first electric car to compete in the marketplace around the Tesla Model 3, with the range starting at a guide price of 39,900 euros. For the first 12 months of production, guide price of the launch edition is 59,900 euros1.
“Polestar 2 is our first fully electric car and first volume model. Everything about it has been designed and engineered with passion and dedication. As an electric performance brand, and through the forthcoming launch of a portfolio of fully electric cars, Polestar is determined to address the world’s air quality challenges. Polestar delivers electric performance cars that are great to own and drive,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar.
Polestar 2 is a premium five-door fastback with two electric motors and a 78 kWh battery capacity2 that will enable a targeted range of 500 km3, based on Volvo Car Group’s adaptable Compact Modular Architecture platform (CMA). The 27-module battery pack is integrated into the floor and contributes to the rigidity of the chassis as well as improves the car’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels – road noise has been reduced by 3.7 dB compared to a traditional chassis.
Polestar will answer the important question of charging Polestar 2 with a smart, convenient and extensive approach. With a connected digital solution available both in-car and on mobile devices, Polestar is setting up strategic collaborations to give Polestar 2 owners easy and hassle-free access to the world’s largest public charging networks.
For Polestar, performance underlies the entire driving experience. The all-wheel drive electric powertrain in Polestar 2 produces 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft). This translates to a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 5 seconds.
The standard dynamic chassis can be enhanced by the Performance Pack that improves driving dynamics with Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and unique 20-inch forged wheels. Polestar’s signature gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps complete the performance visuals.
Highlighting the technology spearhead role that Polestar plays within the Volvo Car Group, Polestar 2 is one of the first cars in the world to embed an infotainment system powered by Android. The Android backbone provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist, and brings embedded Google services to a car for the first time – including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and the Google Play Store5. Natural voice control and a new 11-inch touch screen display bring the new interface to life.
Phone-as-Key technology enables car sharing and a more integrated ownership experience, as well as Polestar’s connected services such as pick-up and delivery. It also allows Polestar 2 to sense the driver upon approach. Smart features like enlarged graphics in the instrument cluster allow the driver to easily see the charging status and range before entering the car. Polestar 2 can also predetermine the driver’s next move to create a seamless experience with a prepared cabin and quick start sequence.
Maximilian Missoni, head of Design at Polestar, comments: “We decided to bring something different to the segment. Our avant-garde design has evolved from Polestar 1 into an edgier, bolder statement. We have also designed a standard vegan interior with progressive textiles that will appeal to the forward-thinking audience who will subscribe to Polestar 2.”
Design-led features include Pixel LED headlights4 and proximity lighting which enable a unique welcome sequence, Polestar’s now-signature frameless side mirrors and the unique illuminated Polestar logo, which is reflected onto the car’s panoramic glass roof.
In common with all Polestar cars, Polestar 2 will only be available for ordering online. The guide purchase price for the launch version of Polestar 2 is 59,900 euros1 with subscription pricing to follow at a later date. Pre-orders are open at polestar.com. Production of Polestar 2 begins in early 2020 in China for global markets in both left- and right-hand drive.
Polestar 2 made its first public appearance at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show in March, and then embark on a global roadshow in Europe, North America and China throughout 2019. Polestar 2 will also be available in a network of soon-to-be-opened Polestar Spaces that will provide physical viewing and test drive opportunities.
Initial launch markets include China, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. Other markets are under consideration for future expansion.
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