(Gothenburg, February 8, 2022) – Polestar is focused on creating high-performance electric vehicles that can adapt to different road conditions and meet the needs of diverse driving. Over the years, Polarstar's R&D team has traveled to extreme environments around the world, from the sweltering heat of Arizona in the United States to the cold polar regions of northern Sweden. As a high-performance electric brand from Sweden, Polestar leverages its deep understanding of extremely cold environments to bring out Polestar's engineering expertise.
Polar Star Polar Cold Environment Test
From December to March of each year, polaris R&D team conducts a 15-week ice and snow test in the Arctic Circle above 66 degrees north latitude, seeking design and engineering breakthroughs in the prototype. The temperature of minus 35 degrees Celsius is not only a huge test for automotive mechanical components, but also an extreme challenge for the R&D team and the commissioning process.
Recently, Polar star created a Polar Star 2 "Arctic Circle Special Edition" model. Inspired by the Winter Rally, the model is based on an upgraded long-endurance version of the Polestar 2 dual-motor long-endurance with an optional high-performance kit. With a 30 mm increase in bodywork, a maximum power output of 350 kW and a peak torque of 680 Nm, and a custom 19-inch tire with 4 mm snow spikes (490 snow spikes per tire), the driver can experience a more agile handling experience on snow and ice.
Polar Star 2 "Arctic Circle Special Edition"
Joakim Rydholm, chief chassis engineer and chief test driver of Polestar, has been responsible for the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for more than ten years, and has always insisted on dynamic tuning in extremely cold environments.
Joakim Rydholm said: "Adjusting the chassis in ice and snow tests, like developing in 'slow motion', helps to improve the accuracy of the adjustment. In conditions with lower grip, we can feel and analyze vehicle dynamics at a much slower speed than on tarmac, adjusting vehicle performance from subtleties. That's why I like to develop cars in this extremely cold condition. ”
Joakim Rydholm has extensive experience in car development and a career as a rally driver, and is a frequent roller on the podiums of various car rally races. To showcase his expertise in chassis and performance tuning, he drew inspiration from winter rally racing to create this one-of-a-kind Polar star 2 "Arctic Circle Special Edition".
Designed and developed in conjunction with hlins, the World's top damping brand HLINS, polaris 2 "Arctic Circle Special Edition" is equipped with hlins three-flow valve shock absorbers, the spring is 30% softer, the front and rear shocks are adjusted to 9th gear, and equipped with auxiliary adjustment lining. The original 4-piston Brembo front brake calipers were retained. To increase torsional stiffness and steering responsiveness, the vehicle is equipped with front and rear strut brackets. The prototype of the newly designed catapult control system was also integrated into the paddles on the steering wheel. In addition, the rear of the car is equipped with a carbon fiber snow shovel and recycling belt.
hlins three-flow valve shock absorbers
Exterior, the 19-inch OZ Racing wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED headlamps, a unique matte off-white exterior livery, and a custom charcoal-colored Recaro barrel racing seat, with the blessing of Swedish gold's gilding process, bring the immediate visual feel of rally racing to the Polar Star 2 "Arctic Circle Special Edition". At the same time, the front bumper is equipped with carbon fiber skid plates, which provide additional bottom protection for the vehicle.
Joakim Rydholm added: "I wanted to have more fun in this car than usual – a car that can really experience the performance and handling of the vehicle on a frozen lake and in extremely cold environments." When the vehicle is completely sideways into the corners, we improve the predictability of the vehicle's balance and trajectory by increasing the driving height and replacing the special tires, leaving the driver with a smile on his face because the vehicle is in full control. ”
Polar star 2 "Arctic Circle Special Edition" is only a demonstration vehicle and will not be put into mass production.