Polestar One Saved 507lbs Off Its Weight Thanks To Carbon Fiber

Polestar shed more light on its first product, the carbon-clad high-performance hybrid Polestar One.

The now-standalone Polestar brand leads the way for the Volvo Car Group in carbon fiber construction, after opting to use the lightweight material for the main body parts of the Polestar One.

The upcoming plug-in hybrid two-door coupe is using the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the bonnet, boot lid, side panels, doors and the entire roof structure. Thanks to the extensive use of the CFRP, the Polestar One managed to save 230kg (507lbs) off its weight, at least according to Polestar.

Polestar has also added a CFRP component “shaped like a dragonfly” between the middle of the floor and the rear construction. The company says that this component “radically improves” torsional stiffness at of the body structure’s most critical points.

“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,” said Christian Samson Head of Product Creation at Polestar.

The carbon fiber roof is not only stronger and thinner than a steel equivalent but it also allows a much lower roof line. In addition the glass panel is integrated with minimal intrusion from body elements, allowing a truly panoramic view.

“Carbon fiber is crucial in meeting our design, engineering and performance goals with the Polestar 1”, added Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer at Polestar. “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!”

The Polestar One will be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a pair of electric motors for a combined 600hp and 738lb-ft (1,000Nm) of torque. Polestar claims it’ll be able to run on electric power alone for 93 miles (150km).

The new high-performance Swedish coupe will make its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.