Polestar 1 begins testing
Volvo’s new performance brand gets serious.
Volvo’s performance brand Polestar has announced that their hybrid GT coupe, the Polestar 1, has completed its first dynamic test drive.
The initial running consisted of an extensive, two-week test north of the Arctic Circle, where engineers had a chance to fine tune the 1’s suspension, anti-roll bars and hybrid system in extremely cold and harsh temperatures as low as -28oC.
Test drivers focused on testing the 1’s torque vectoring system, which is made possible through two rear electric motors with individual gearing. They also gave ‘enthusiastic’ feedback about the car’s handling and particularly enjoyed its chassis balance and driving dynamics.
In response to the Polestar 1’s successful winter test, CEO Thomas Ingenlath said: “Besides being very happy with the balance of the chassis, they are particularly excited about the torque vectoring. We are now very confident about how this enhances the Polestar 1’s cornering responsiveness and accuracy. This is a driver’s car. We have now passed a major milestone in the development of the Polestar 1, and prototype testing continues throughout 2018.”
The Polestar 1 was revealed at a media event in Shanghai in October 2017. It pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels with two electric motors driving the rear wheels to produce a mammoth 447kW of power and 1000Nm of torque. Polestar claims it will be able to hit 60mph (97km/h) in less than four seconds. The 1 features a primarily carbon fibre body, electronically controlled Ohlins suspension and high-performance Akebono brakes.
Sadly, the Polestar 1 won’t be coming to Australia, as it is strictly a left-hand-drive proposition.
The Polestar 1 will be on display in front of the Chinese public for the first time at the 2018 Beijing motor show this week.