Last year, Polestar announced that their stunning O2 roadster concept would spawn a production version, and ahead of its expected launch in 2026, we got the unique opportunity to check out a pre-production prototype of the car in person.
This particular prototype was one of only two in the world – the other being the Sky Blue one from the launch event – and the dealership playing temporary home to it was Polestar Princeton.
Aside from the concept, their impressive inventory included 3 of the 1,500 Polestar 1s ever made, as well as one of only 270 Polestar 2 BST Edition 270s. At one point, they even laid claim to one of the golden Special Edition Polestar 1s, of which there are only 25 in the world.
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Photos Andrew Gutman/Carscoops
Originally called the O2 Concept, the electric roadster will be known as the Polestar 6 when it reaches production. Pricing starts at $200,000, though reservations for the first 500 LA Concept Editions are all filled. However, should you still want one, you can put your name on a waitlist on the chance that one of the build slots opens up.
The 2+2 convertible features styling similar to the Precept concept (which will eventually become the Polestar 5 sedan), and it’s even more striking in person. With its flowing body panels, muscular proportions, and athletic stance, the car is sure to stand out, and with details such as the split “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, U-shaped patterned rear light bar, and signature gold accents, the design is unmistakably Polestar.
One of the 6’s more unique features is its convertible top. While the concept of a convertible is obviously nothing new, hardtop convertibles are a rarity these days, and the fact that this one is a full drop-top rather than just a targa makes it even better. On top of that, the roof features a panoramic glass window to let in light even with the top up.
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Photos Andrew Gutman/Carscoops
The car also features side view cameras for better aerodynamics, whose video feed is displayed on small screens on the front corner of the doors. This is probably one of the best implementations of this technology we’ve seen, but unless safety regulations change by the time the car comes to market, U.S.-bound examples will almost certainly feature traditional side mirrors instead.
In keeping with Polestar’s environmentally friendly mission statement, all of the soft components in the car’s interior are made of what the company calls “mono-materials,” which allow them to be recycled using easier and less energy-intensive processes. The cabin also features a 15-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, which is joined by a small digital gauge cluster and a rotary dial on the center console. The overall look manages to be minimalist and modern without feeling too barren.
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Polestar is reportedly benchmarking this car against the Porsche 911, so it will have some big shoes to fill. With that in mind, the targeted specs for the 6 look very impressive. Power will come from two electric motors making a combined 884 hp (896 PS / 659 kW), allowing for a theoretical 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).
That being said, Polestar also aims to match Stuttgart’s finest dynamically, not just in terms of speed. On the flip side of things, the 6 will feature 800-Volt architecture and a projected range of over 300 miles (483 km) to make day-to-day life with the car easier.
Special thanks to Polestar Princeton for allowing us to check out the car!