Raised height, studded tyres and more power sum up EV built for sub-zero climates
Polestar has released pictures of a new one-off special based on its Polestar 2 that’s been evolved for life in the freezer.
The Polestar 2 Arctic Circle began life as a standard version of the Long Range Dual-Motor pure-electric SUV-coupe but has received the most recent optional over-the-air power boost that raises the EV’s total output by 50kW and 20Nm providing for a generous 350kW and 680Nm of torque.
Helping it tackle the harshest of winters, the Polestar gets 30 per cent softer long-travel springs and three-way dampers supplied by Ohlins. There’s also new front and rear braces for improved rigidity and sharper steering responses.
New for the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle, that’s been described as a ‘prototype’, is a launch control system that’s operated using the steering paddles.
Coping with the snow the 19-inch rally-ready alloy rims are wrapped with winter tyres that feature 4mm metal studs.
Other valuable additions for life in places where the sun might only shine for a handful of hours is four LED spot lamps and a pair of Recaro bucket seats. Beneath, there’s also a new carbon-fibre bash-plate
Finally, the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is painted in a matte grey and white paint.
Despite ruled out for production, the prototype Polestar 2 has already undergone the Sino-Swedish brand’s extensive winter testing that has seen it driven in temperatures as low as -30C.
Commenting on the new Polestar 2 Arctic Circle the brand’s chassis boss, Joakim Rydholm, said:
“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialised tyres are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control.”
Keyword: One-off snow-loving Polestar 2 Arctic Circle revealed