The Polestar 1 verification prototype (VP) testing and evaluation programme continues in the lead-up to production readiness in mid-2019. In addition to crash tests, aerodynamic evaluations and on-road testing, vital areas of assessment are chassis dynamics and the driver experience.
For Polestar, performance is about much more than just acceleration. The way Polestar 1 feels to drive and live with is also critical, according to Polestar’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Ingenlath.
Steering responsiveness and torque vectoring calibration have taken priority in the latest tests, validating the chassis and suspension tuning carried out on earlier prototype cars in 2018.
Polestar’s chief test driver, Joakim Rydholm, comments: “Whenever you drive Polestar 1, you should immediately feel like you are in control and that the car is ready to respond to your input, no matter what you want to do. This is a GT that needs to be easy to drive and comfortable in everyday use with its smooth and quiet hybrid drivetrain – but also ready to deliver its thrilling 447kw and 1000nm performance whenever the driver wants it.”
The next prototype phase, which starts early in 2019, includes the very first cars built in the soon-to-be-completed Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China. This will be the final prototype series before pre-production cars are built to final specification and quality standards.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Polestar 1 cost in South Africa?
The Polestar 1 was priced at around R2,800,000 when it was available in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive hybrid GT cars on the local market before production ended in 2021.
Q: How much power does the Polestar 1 have?
The Polestar 1 produces a massive 447kW and 1000Nm of torque from its hybrid drivetrain, combining a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric motors.
Q: Is the Polestar 1 still available to buy?
No, the Polestar 1 is no longer in production as it ended its limited run in December 2021, with only 1,560 units built worldwide during its three-year production cycle.
Q: What is the electric range of the Polestar 1?
The Polestar 1 can travel up to 124km on electric power alone thanks to its 34kWh battery pack, making it suitable for daily commuting without using the petrol engine.
Q: How fast can the Polestar 1 accelerate?
The Polestar 1 can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 250kph, delivering proper GT car performance despite its 2.4-tonne weight.
Should You Buy It?
The Polestar 1 is no longer available new, but if you find a pre-owned example expect to pay around R2,500,000 to R3,000,000 depending on mileage and condition. This carbon fibre-bodied hybrid GT was always more of a statement piece than a practical choice, combining stunning Scandinavian design with serious performance credentials. With only 1,560 ever made, it's destined to become a collector's item. If you have the budget and garage space for a special occasion car that turns heads wherever it goes, the Polestar 1 delivers exclusivity that money can't buy anymore. Just remember you'll be dealing with limited parts availability and specialist servicing costs that come with owning a rare, limited-production vehicle.
FAQ
Q: What does the Polestar 1 cost in South Africa?
The Polestar 1 was priced at around R2,800,000 when it was available in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive hybrid GT cars on the local market before production ended in 2021.
Q: How much power does the Polestar 1 have?
The Polestar 1 produces a massive 447kW and 1000Nm of torque from its hybrid drivetrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine with electric motors.
Q: Is the Polestar 1 still available to buy?
No, the Polestar 1 is no longer in production as it ended its limited production run in December 2021, with only 1,560 units ever built worldwide.
Q: What makes the Polestar 1 special compared to other hybrid cars?
The Polestar 1 stands out with its carbon fibre body construction, distinctive coupe design, and being one of the most powerful hybrid grand tourers ever made, plus it was hand-built in limited numbers at Polestar's dedicated facility in China.
Q: How fast is the Polestar 1?
The Polestar 1 can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed electronically limited to 250kph, making it properly quick for a luxury hybrid GT.
Should You Buy It?
You can't buy a new Polestar 1 anymore since production ended in 2021, but if you find a used one, expect to pay close to its original R2,800,000 price tag given how rare these cars are. The Polestar 1 was brilliant as a statement piece and collector's item, but at nearly R3 million, it was more about exclusivity than value for money. If you're after a luxury hybrid GT today, you're better off looking at the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid at around R2,500,000 or waiting for more affordable electric performance cars to hit our market.
