Polestar 1 Gets High-Output Hybrid Power

Volvo Car Corp.’s Polestar unit unveiled its first vehicle as a stand-alone brand—a stylish hybrid performance coupe—in Shanghai today.

Due in mid-2019, the Polestar 1 will be the brand’s only hybrid-electric model. All future Polestars will be full electric vehicles, starting with a midsize sedan and a larger crossover/SUV in late 2019 and early 2020, respectively.

The Polestar 1 will be powered by two electric motors (one at each rear wheel) and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that together generate 592 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel-drive car will have an all-electric range of 93 miles.

The coupe is based on Volvo's scalable platform architecture, which also carries the XC60 midsize crossover and 90 Series models. The body is made primarily of carbon fiber, which Polestar says saves more than 500 lbs. The car’s Ohlins shock absorbers and electronic valves monitor road conditions and can adjust the suspension within two milliseconds of detecting a change.

The Polestar 1’s styling draws heavily on Volvo’s 2012 Concept Coupe, which was penned by Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath during his previous role as Volvo’s design chief. In place of a traditional grille, the car’s front end features a “grid” that will house a variety of sensors for autonomous driving operations. The new model will retain Volvo’s distinctive "Thor's Hammer" headlights.

Volvo and parent Geely Automobile Holding Co. are investing about $750 million in Polestar, much of which will go toward a new assembly plant in Chengdu, China. Construction is expected to be completed next summer.

Production of the Polestar 1 will be limited to about 500 vehicles per year. The carmaker will begin accepting pre-orders for the vehicle this month.

The coupe and other Polestar vehicles will be sold online exclusively as two- or three-year subscriptions, which will bundle car payments, financing, insurance and maintenance costs into a single monthly fee. The subscription includes on-demand concierge services via a mobile app and a digital key that will give other drivers and service technicians access to the vehicle as allowed by the primary user..