Polestar 1 winter test drive 001

Polestar 1 Heading To China After Intense Testing

Test drivers and engineers recently spent two weeks in the freezing temperatures north of the Artctic Circle. The job? Put a Polestar 1 prototype through strict endurance testing in temperatures as low as -18 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the frigid temperatures and harsh conditions, the Prototype exceeded expectations.

“Our test drivers have given us some enthusiastic feedback on the handling and dynamics especially,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer, Polestar.

Testing & Analysis

The team analyzed how the car’s various components responded while in cold weather, from the chassis and suspension, to the drivetrain and batteries. Test drivers focused specifically on the Polestar 1’s torque vectoring system, enabled by two rear electric motors with individual planetary gear sets.

“Besides being very happy with the balance of the chassis, they are particularly excited about the torque vectoring,” Ingenlath continued. “We are now very confident about how this enhances the Polestar 1’s cornering responsiveness and accuracy.”

The location was also selected for the ability to test on ice, which gave the team a perspective on the handling dynamics.

“This is a driver’s car,” Ingenlath added.

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A Polestar 1 prototype is subjected to rigorous testing in northern Sweden. Photo: Polestar.

In Person

The Polestar 1 is now heading to Beijing for Auto China 2018 although prototype testing will continue throughout this year. After making its global media debut in Shanghai last October, this is the first opportunity for the Chinese public to see the new performance hybrid. Auto China 2018 begins on April 25th and runs through May 4th. According to Ingenlath, Polestar’s presence at the show is crucial.

“We look forward to introducing the car to the Chinese public for the first time, a key market for Polestar,” he said.

The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: Polestar.