VOLVO

POLESTAR 2 ARCTIC CIRCLE: the prototype built on ice and snow

Volvo's electrified vehicles division presented a prototype of the Polestar 2 more powerful and with a series of specifications that make it a faster and more capable vehicle on ice and snow. It is the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle and is based on the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor.

The father of the Arctic Cycler is Joakim Rydholm, Polestar's Chief Chassis Engineer and rally driver, who spends much of his time preparing vehicles for snow and ice: “Preparing chassis for snow and ice allows us to develop our cars more accurately. With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyze the dynamics at a much slower pace than on asphalt, which means we can fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest detail. This is my absolute favorite place to develop cars,” said Rydholm.

The Swedish manufacturer carries out a series of test sessions with its cars each year in the Arctic Circle, for 15 weeks, from December to March, with temperatures reaching minus 35 degrees.

The Arctic Circle prototype is based on the Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with the optional performance package. The electric propulsion system has been adjusted to produce 476 hp, while the torque figure remains at 680 Nm. In addition, the battery is the same, with a capacity of 78 kWh.

However, the concept received a number of modifications to the chassis and other parts to improve its performance on ice. It has a modified suspension, with 30% softer springs and Öhlins shock absorbers with auxiliary adjustments, which increase the vehicle's height by 30 millimeters.

It also gets stabilizer bars on both axles to reinforce torsional rigidity and steering response, while retaining Brembo four-piston brakes. In addition, it includes a new 'launch control' system that the brand is experimenting with.

Aesthetically, the Polestar prototype features 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels in white, shod with custom winter tires with metal studs, Stedi Quad Pro LED headlights, carbon fiber underside protections and a hook for golden trailer, matching brake calipers. The bodywork is painted in gray with some white graphics.

The interior is equipped with Recaro seats upholstered in dark gray fabric, with golden lettering and golden seat belts. In the trunk, it keeps a carbon fiber shovel to remove snow when necessary.

Autonews