The Polestar 1 is a plug-in hybrid coupe that produces 619 horsepower.
Formerly the performance division of Volvo, Polestar has been spun off into its own brand, with a focus on electrified performance. All its cars will be fully electric with the exception of its very first: the aptly named Polestar 1, a plug-in hybrid.
Power is delivered from three electric motors and one gas-powered engine. The gas engine is up front. It’s the twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s available in T6, T8, and Polestar Engineered versions of most of the cars in Volvo’s current lineup.
A pair of electric motors each produce 111 hp which is sent to the rear wheels, while a third electric source – an integrated starter generator – produces 68 hp and works alongside an internal combustion engine to power the front wheels. This 2.0-liter four-cylinder is both turbocharged and supercharged, and together with the electric motor, produces 375 horses. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddles for manual shifting handles the power, while torque vectoring helps enhance the ability of the all-wheel-drive system. It’s a complex setup, but the results are worthwhile. 0-60 mph is achieved in just 4.2 seconds, while top speed comes at 155 mph.
A unique grille dominates the front end, along with the LED headlights. A long hood sweeps back to a sleek glasshouse that features a fixed panoramic roof, while a short trunk and muscular rear haunches square off with a faux diffuser and quad-exit exhaust tips. An adaptive rear spoiler keeps the clean lines from being compromised while 21-inch wheels are humungous, but match the large doors.o.
The Polestar 1 is available in a choice of five colors, each of which is metallic in finish. Choices include Magnesium, Osmium, Midnight (a dark blue hue) and Space.
