Polestar has revealed it's first model since becoming a standalone electric performance brand - the Polestar 1.
Due to roll off the production line in mid-2019, the two-door Polestar 1 coupe is the first of three models planed for global release within the next three years from Polestar.
Polestar also confirmed plans a new purpose-built production facility in China, and a 'subscription' model that the company says will set a new industry benchmark vehicle ownership.
“Polestar 1 is the first car to carry the Polestar on the bonnet, a beautiful GT with amazing technology packed into it - a great start for our new Polestar brand," said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
"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 will form a halo for the future Polestar brand. The two-door, 2+2 seat grand tourer coupe will be powered by an ‘Electric Performance Hybrid’ drivetrain - an electric car supported by an internal combustion engine - delivering a combined output of 447kW of power and 1000Nm of torque.
Polestar also say it has a range of 150kms on pure electric power.
The Polestar 1 is based upon Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) but approximately 50 per cent of the structure is completely new and will benefit form a host of new technologies.
Polestar 1 is the world’s first car to be fitted with the all-new Öhlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi) advanced chassis technology.
A carbon fibre body reduces bodyweight and improves torsional stiffness by 45 per cent, as well as lowering the cars’ centre of gravity. The Polestar 1 will also utilises a double electric rear axle which enables torque vectoring to keep maximum grip at each wheel while cornering.
Polestar announced that the Polestar 1 will be built in a new state-of-the-art Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, which is currently under construction and due for completion in mid-2018.
Polestar will also move away from traditional vehicle ownership models. Every Polestar customer will have to order their car online on a two or three year subscription basis.
Polestar say the flat rate subscription will ensure a hassle free experience for the customer. It allows the owner to share a virtual key with a third party, and also enables access to a host of other on-demand features.
The 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, all incorporated into one monthly payment.
Polestar have not yet revealed any subscription pricing details.
The second Polestar model - the Polestar 2 - will start production later in 2019 and will be the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from the Volvo Car Group.
It will be a mid-sized BEV, joining the competition around the Tesla Model 3, and with consequently higher volumes than Polestar 1.
The initial phase of the Polestar product roll out will then be completed by a larger SUV-style BEV, the Polestar 3.
The ordering and configuration of Polestar cars will be conducted online, but Polestar will open a network of 'Polestar Spaces' around the world, where customers can interact with products and the brand. Polestar Spaces will be standalone facilities and not within existing Volvo retailer showrooms.
Driven can confirm that Polestar electric sports cars will be coming to New Zealand, and with order books opening today for the Polestar 1 customers are now able to configure and order their car, online of course.
