Polestar 2 “Arctic Circle” One-Off Is A Winter Rally-Prepped EV

Polestar unveiled the Polestar 2 “Arctic Circle” concept, a unique version of the EV with slightly increased power output and a number of rally-focused chassis upgrades making it a lot faster on ice and snow.

The one-off concept is based on the flagship Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with the optional Performance Pack. The electric powertrain has been tweaked to produce 470 hp (350 kW / 476 PS), up from the stock 467 hp (473 PS / 350 kW), while retaining the 680 Nm (501.5 lb-ft) of torque and the 78 kWh battery capacity. This however is the least important of the modifications that transform the electric sedan into a snowpiercer.

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The 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels are shod in custom studded winter tires (245/35 R19) featuring 490 x 4 mm metal studs per tire for optimum traction. The retuned suspension features 30 percent softer springs and three-way performance Öhlins dampers with auxiliary adjustment chambers, offering an increased ride height by 30 mm (1.2 inches). Front and rear strut braces have been added for increased torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness while the EV retains the standard 4-piston Brembo brakes. There is also a new launch control system with wheel-mounted paddles described as a “prototype” by Polestar.

Besides the beautiful white-painted wheels, Polestar added four Stedi Quad Pro LEDs at the front, a carbon-fiber skid plate for underbody protection, and tow hooks finished in gold, matching with the brake calipers. The exterior is painted in matte grey with white graphics and stickers. Inside we find a pair of Recaro bucket seats upholstered in charcoal fabric with gold lettering and gold seatbelts, while a very cool snow shovel made of carbon fiber can be found at the boot alongside a recovery strap.

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The Polestar 2 Arctic Circle was created by Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer and rally driver who spends a lot of time driving and tuning EVs on snow and ice. The winter testing sessions of the Swedish automaker within the Arctic Circle run for 15 weeks each year from December to March, with temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius.

Describing his job, Joakim Rydholm said: “Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy. With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyze the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. This is my absolute favorite place to develop cars”.

This is not the first time we see a performance-focused concept based on the Polestar 2, since last year Polestar showed an experimental prototype with increased power output, stronger brakes, larger wheels, and a track-focused suspension tune. Polestar made it clear that the Arctic Circle concept will strictly a one-off that is not destined for production.