Wild new concept to be based on Precept's structure and could be used to spearhead future range
Polestar has unwrapped a wild new battery-electric concept for a fast 2+2 sportscar that could see the Polestar O2 challenge the next-generation Porsche Cayman.
Named after the oxygen molecule, the retractable hard-top roadster is claimed to be the brand’s vision of a zero-emission roadster.
Based on the same all-new bespoke all-aluminium architecture that is being developed for the Porsche Taycan-rivalling Polestar 5 four-door coupe.
Claimed to offer ‘supercar levels of stiffness’, the battery-electric roadster measures in at around 4600mm long with a wheelbase shrunken by around 307mm compared to the Polestar 5.
Sitting on huge 22-inch rims, the sculptured body of the O2 is suggestive of a car that carefully manages airflow to maximise range.
Featuring recycled polyester for the cabin and recycled aluminium within the body, there has been a strong focus on sustainability in the O2’s creation as the Sino-Swedish brand moves to its goal of a truly zero-emission car by 2030.
Novel tech includes an aerofoil that rises behind the rear seats at speeds to create a calm area of negative pressure that allows a drone to launch that’s sole purpose is to chase and film the O2 in motion at speeds of up to 90km/h.
Video clips can then be edited, once parked up, on the Polestar’s large portrait-mounted 15-inch central infotainment system.
No claims have been released concerning the levels of performance the Polestar O2 will offer but if it is to match the much-delayed Tesla Roadster (if it eventually rocks up in 2023) it will have to deliver serious amounts of power to match the US drop-top’s claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 1.9 seconds.
There’s no official word on whether the Polestar O2 will reach production but it’s tipped to have already been green lit to arrive some time in 2025.
Commenting following its reveal Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, said: “Polestar O2 is the hero car for our brand.”It opens the door to our secret chamber of future potential. This is a taste of what we can design and engineer with the talent and technology we have in-house. It looks incredible, and being able to lower the roof and not hear an engine promises a superb sensation.”
Keyword: Fast Polestar O2 roadster unleashed