the polestar o2 is a sustainable electric concept car with an integrated drone

THE POLESTAR o2 IS THE HERO OF THE CAR BRAND

electric performance car brand polestar has unveiled the polestar o2, a hard-top convertible concept car that redefines sports roadsters for the electric age. this new iteration (read more about the previous one on designboom here) continues with polestar’s vision of open-top performance and driving experience combined with the benefits of electric mobility.

‘polestar O2 is the hero car for our brand,’ said thomas ingenlath, polestar CEO. ’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.’

A COMPACT 2+2 CABIN DESIGN

the polestar o2 features tight body control, high rigidity and intuitive dynamics, inherent benefits of the bespoke bonded aluminum platform which is adapted from the polestar 5. the high quality and rigidity of the bonded aluminum platform are geared towards heightened dynamic response. handling dynamics are taut thanks also to small roll angles and high roll damping, and the agile, direct steering feel is linear, with great steering torque build-up.

the design is an evolution from the polestar precept concept car, adapted to a different body style but with a strong family resemblance. the low and wide body with an assertive stance, compact 2+2 cabin design, minimal overhangs and a long wheelbase, embody classic sports car proportions but with a clearly modern, electric feel.

‘polestar o2 is our vision of a new era for sports cars,’ commented maximilian missoni, polestar’s head of design. ‘by mixing the joy of open top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it unlocks a new mix of emotions in a car. but as with all our cars, we are about more than just straight line sprints. it’s when you turn the steering wheel that the true fun begins.’

sustainability is present throughout the concept car, where a new thermoplastic mono-material features extensively in the interior. the term “mono-material” describes the use of a single base material to manufacture different components.

in polestar o2, recycled polyester is the sole material used for all the soft components of the interior: foam, adhesive, 3D knit fibers and non-woven lamination. this simplifies recycling and is a significant step towards greater circularity, while also reducing weight and waste.

an autonomous cinematic drone has been integrated behind the rear seats, for users to deploy it while the car is moving and record great driving sequences. a specialized aerofoil that raises behind the rear seats creates a calm area of negative pressure that allows the drone to take off when the car is on the move. the drone operates autonomously, automatically following the car at speeds up to 90 km/h, and the driver can choose between an atmospheric sequence – great for a coastline cruise – or a more action-filled sequence with a sportier expression. after filming, the drone can autonomously return to the car. video clips can be edited and shared directly from the 15-inch center display when the car is parked.

‘we wanted to emphasize the experience you can have with a car like the polestar o2 in new and unusual ways,’ concluded maximilian missoni. ‘integrating an autonomous cinematic drone was something that allowed us to push the boundaries on the innovation front. not needing to stop and off-load the drone before filming, but rather deploying it at speed, is a key benefit to this innovative design.’