DS-APR22-PG46_Layout 1 12/04/2022 11:08 Page 1
INDUSTRY FOCUS AUTOMOTIVE
Designing a new vehicle experience
When developing its new concept sports roadster, Polestar aimed for innovation and sustainability. Here the company explains
how such features as an aluminium platform, aerodynamic developments, thermoplastic mono-material features in the interior, and recycled materials, have resulted in a concept car that is said to redefine sports roadsters for the electric age
P
olestar has developed a new concept car which is said to offer a thrilling driving experience combined with the benefits of
all-electric mobility. The driving experience of the Polestar O2 is designed to be lively, light and full of confidence. According to the company, tight body control, high rigidity and intuitive dynamics are inherent benefits of the bespoke bonded aluminium platform, which is adapted from the Polestar 5, developed in-house by Polestar’s R&D team in the UK. The high quality and rigidity of the bonded
aluminium platform are geared towards heightened dynamic response. Handling dynamics are taut thanks to small roll angles and high roll damping, and the agile, direct steering feel is linear, with great steering torque build-up, the company explains.
Design & sustainability
Polestar O2 has been designed to have a low and wide body, compact 2+2 cabin design, minimal overhangs and a long wheelbase. In fact it is described as having classic sports car proportions but with a modern, electric feel. Furthermore, aerodynamics have been
manipulated to maximise range thanks to disguised design features including integrated ducts that improve laminar air flow over the wheels and body sides, and the rear lights that function as air blades to reduce turbulence
4 DESIGN SOLUTIONS APRIL 2022 6
behind the car, the company explains. The concept car also showcases advances
in sustainability and technology. A new thermoplastic mono-material (the use of a single base material to manufacture different components) features extensively in the interior. Furthermore, recycled polyester has been
used for all the soft components of the interior: foam, adhesive, 3D knit fibres and non-woven lamination. This simplifies recycling and is a significant step towards greater circularity, while also reducing weight and waste. In Polestar O2, the company’s sustainability
teams have integrated a new method of controlling recycled content and improving circularity of metal components. Different grades of aluminium are used throughout the chassis to help deliver the driving experience. These different grades are labelled, allowing
them to be recycled more effectively and for their properties to be retained. High grade aluminium remains high grade, while other grades maintain their varied characteristics, allowing for greater material efficiency and a lower requirement for virgin aluminium.
innovation
As an unusual addition, the vehicle also features an autonomous cinematic drone integrated behind the rear seats. Developed in collaboration with Aerofugia’s consumer
electronics brand, Hoco Flow, the concept drone can be deployed while the car is moving to ‘record the perfect driving sequence’. Polestar engineers have developed a
specialised aerofoil that raises behind the rear seats to create 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 90km/h, and the driver can choose between an atmospheric sequence 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 15in centre display when the car is parked. Polestar plans to launch three new cars over
the coming three years, starting this year, each of which has the potential to gradually realise some of the ideas presented by these concept cars. Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s head of design,
concluded: “Polestar O2 is our vision of a new era for sports cars. 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.”
Polestar
www.polestar.com/uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58
