One of the key components in creating a responsive and agile driving experience in the new Polestar 1 is the extensive use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). Producing an overall weight saving of 230 kg, most of the main body parts are constructed from the high-tech and light-weight material, making it a core contributor to the dynamic handling of the Polestar 1.
The Polestar 1’s carbon fibre body represents the first time that the Volvo Car Group has explored carbon fibre construction – an example of how Polestar acts as a technology spearhead for the Group. The Polestar Production Centre, which is currently under construction and due to begin full-scale production in mid-2019, is being specifically tooled to deal with the intricate nature of carbon fibre construction.
Carbon fibre components have been used extensively in the car’s structure, including the bonnet, boot lid, side panels, doors and the entire roof structure. “The ‘dragonfly’ is also made from CFRP,” says Christian Samson, Head of Product Creation at Polestar.
The dragonfly-shaped component plays an instrumental role in creating the Polestar 1’s reactive dynamics – it radically improves torsional stiffness at one of the critical points in the body structure, between the middle of the floor and rear construction.
“When you combine this strengthened framework with the super-strong body and roof structure, you get a stiff and communicative chassis which translates driver input into superb driving characteristics,” continues Christian Samson.
There are significant design benefits as well. The carbon fibre roof structure is not only thinner and stronger than a steel equivalent but also allows for a much lower roof line, resulting in a sleek and slender profile. A glass panel stretches the length and width of the roof, integrated with minimal intrusion from body elements on the inside for a truly panoramic view.
Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer at Polestar, concludes: “Carbon fibre is crucial in meeting our design, engineering and performance goals with the Polestar 1. The result is a beautiful, technological package that remains faithful to the original design with its elegant and low silhouette. It looks as good as it is to drive!”
Ends.
For images and other media information, visit media.polestar.com.
Contact Details
Duncan Forrester, Public Relations and Communications
[email protected]
Brent Ellis, Public Relations and Communications, EMEA
[email protected]
Sunnie Zhang, Public Relations and Communications, APAC
[email protected]
John Paolo Canton, Public Relations and Communications, Americas
[email protected]
About Polestar
Polestar is the new electric performance brand from the Volvo Car Group. Polestar will enjoy specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefit from significant economies of scale as a result of its connection to Volvo Cars. These synergies enable the design, development and production of separately-branded, high performance electrified cars.
Polestar begins this new era with the Polestar 1 – a low-volume Electric Performance Hybrid GT with 600 hp, 1,000 Nm and an electric-only range of 150 km, the longest of any hybrid car in the world. In the future, the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 will join the portfolio as full battery-electric, higher volume, driver-focused vehicles.
Polestar also applies its technology and expertise to electrified Volvo cars. The new Volvo S60 T8 Polestar Engineered features key Polestar components to create a sharper and more engaging driving experience. Polestar optimisation software upgrades are also available for Volvo models, which enhance six performance areas including engine output. Polestar Engineered media information can be found at media.volvocars.com.