Polestar 1 600hp sports hybrid first of new breed

Volvo Car Group’s Polestar has unveiled its first car as a new standalone electric performance brand.

The 600hp Polestar 1 is scheduled to go into production mid-2019, but customers will rent rather than own I on a two or three-year subscription basis.

It’s the first of three models which will soon have a fully electric powertrain.

Polestar 2 starts production later in 2019 and will be the group’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), a mid-sized four-door sedan targeting the Tesla Model 3.
A larger SUV-style BEV, the Polestar 3, will later complete the initial phase.

As well as confirming plans for its first three models, Polestar has announced a new purpose-built production facility at Chengdu, China, under construction and due for completion mid-2018, where all the Polestars will be built.
The factory is a joint venture with two investment companies within Zhejiang Geely Holding.

It’s also moving away from the traditional ownership model.
Cars will be ordered 100% online and offered on a two or three-year subscription The zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription will also add features such as pick-up and delivery servicing and the ability to rent alternative vehicles within the Volvo and Polestar range, incorporated into one monthly payment.

The flat rate subscription means that having a Polestar car becomes a hassle-free experience for the customer, the company says. This is facilitated by ‘phone-as-key’ technology, allowing the owner to share a virtual key with a third party, and provides access to a host of other on-demand features.
“This concierge service ensures that the customer only needs to focus on the enjoyment of driving.”
The Polestar 1 is “a beautiful GT with amazing technology packed into it”, Polestar chief executive officer Thomas Ingenlath says.
“All future cars from Polestar will feature a fully electric drivetrain, delivering on our brand vision of being the new standalone electric performance brand.”

The Polestar 1 is a two-door, two plus two seat grand tourer coupe with an ‘electric performance hybrid’ drivetrain supported by an internal combustion engine.
It has a 150km range on pure electric power alone, and an output of 600hp and 1000Nm of torque.

It’s described as “the world’s first car” to be fitted with new Öhlins continuously controlled electronic suspension (CESi) advanced chassis technology.
A carbon fibre body reduces bodyweight and improves torsional stiffness by 45%, as well as lowering the cars’ centre of gravity. A double electric rear axle enables torque vectoring. This supports the driver with precise acceleration on each wheel to keep the maximum road grip and maintain speed while cornering.

Ordering and configuration of Polestar cars will be done online via a Polestar app or online portal.
A network of Polestar Spaces (standalone facilities and not within existing Volvo retailer showrooms) will also be opened around the world for those who want more engagement with the brand.

Orders for the Polestar 1 opened on October 17, with expressions of interest able to be taken immediately.