Polestar roadster EV revealed

The Polestar O₂ concept envisions a new age for electric roadsters and is the second to reflect the Polestar Precept design.

The Swedish headquartered firm founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding plans to launch three new cars during the coming three years, starting in 2022, each with potential for ideas presented by the concept cars.

The hard-top convertible will have a bespoke bonded aluminium platform, recycled polyester thermoplastic mono-material and aluminium labelling, and an autonomous cinematic drone to mix innovation with fun.

“Polestar O2 is the hero car for our brand,” says Polestar chief executive Thomas Ingenlath.

“It opens the door to our secret chamber of future potential. It looks incredible and being able to lower the roof and not hear an engine promises a superb sensation.”

Polestar design head Maximilian Missoni says the roadster is the vision of a new era for sports cars. “By mixing the joy of open top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it unlocks a new mix of emotions in a car,” he explains.

“But as with all our cars, we are about more than just straight-line sprints. It’s when you turn the steering wheel that the true fun begins.”

 The driving experience in the Polestar O2 is designed to be lively, light and full of confidence.

 “This car is a meeting point between technology and art, between precision and sculpture, with a determined but not aggressive stance,” says Missoni.

Aerodynamics are manipulated to maximise range thanks to disguised design features like integrated ducts that improve laminar air flow over the wheels and body sides, and the rear lights that function as air blades to reduce turbulence behind the car.

An autonomous cinematic drone is integrated behind the rear seats. Developed in collaboration with Aerofugia’s consumer electronics brand Hoco Flow, the concept drone can be deployed while the car is moving, to record the driving sequence.

Polestar engineers have developed a specialised aerofoil that raises behind the rear seats to create a calm area of negative pressure that allows the drone to take off when the car is on the move.

The drone operates autonomously, automatically following the car at speeds up to 90km/h, and the driver can choose between an atmospheric sequence – great for a coastline cruise – or a more action-filled sequence with a sportier expression.

After filming, the drone can autonomously return to the car. Video clips can be edited and shared directly from the 15-inch centre display when the car is parked.

 Polestar intends to list on the Nasdaq in a proposed business combination with Gores Guggenheim, which is expected to close in the first half of 2022.

A climate-neutral car is planned by 2030.