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New Polestar 6 confirmed as 872bhp production version of O2 Concept


Convertible electric cars are still a bit rare, but Polestar has revealed that it will become one of the few brands to offer such a vehicle. It has been confirmed that a production version of the O2 concept will arrive in 2026 with the Polestar 6 badge.

It will be Polestar’s leaf for the awaited second generation Tesla Roadster. That car was revealed as a prototype in 2017, but has yet to materialize in production form. However, there are still 4 years to wait until Polestar’s drop-top EV arrive, so the race is on to see which car gets to the customer first.

Confirming that the O2 concept will become a road car shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath spoke openly about the possibility at the car’s launch. So far, Polestar has only talked about three models other than the 2 hatchback: car 3 and 4 (both SUV) and 5 saloon, will launch in 2024.

The 4.7-metre 6 will use a tweaked version of the 5’s platform when it arrives, with a shortened wheelbase but still four seats in a 2+2 configuration, plus a hardtop. . There is a UK engineering angle to the platform, with significant R&D work for the architecture taking place at a UK Polestar base located at the MIRA proving ground in Warwickshire.

The brand has confirmed several target performance metrics that match the maximum possible performance of the 800V platform. Up to 872bhp and 900Nm from a dual-motor setup have been revealed, along with a 0-62mph target in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

No range is quoted, but with just over 300 miles suggested by Ingenlath for a 5, expect a similar figure for a 6. Pricing has not been disclosed, but Auto Express understands that 6 of supercar performance will lead to supercar money – expect to pay around £165,000.

Build slots for the debut version of the car can now be booked for $25,000 (about £20,000). This will include a production run of 500 models, called the LA Concept Edition. Each will be finished in the same blue paint job as the O2 concept, with a light leather interior and 21-inch alloy wheels.

For the concept, Polestar engineers modified the 5’s platform by removing the ‘footpegs’ – essentially holes in the battery deck used on that vehicle to provide side legroom. after. This means the O2’s wheelbase is 400mm shorter than the 5.

Ingenlath tells us that the O2’s dramatic styling – including a deep clamshell bonnet and pronounced, square overhangs on the rear wheel – is “realistic”. “Our concept cars have a tangible spirit,” he said. “From a packaging and construction perspective, it is possible to put a car like the O2 into production.

Polestar’s chief designer, Max Missoni, says that a fixed convertible version of the O2 is possible. But Ingenlath says there is “real appeal” to the idea of ​​zero emissions convertible. “I feel that this type of vehicle is, by far, a huge missed opportunity,” he said. “It’s strange to think that a sports car has to have an internal combustion engine; The amazing propulsion that comes with an electric powertrain is astounding for a sports car.

“Then to do it with the convertible concept, where everyone dreams of fresh air, breeze, closer to nature – it’s fitting to have an electric powertrain in a vehicle. such car. Not only will you get some fresh air when you get there, but you’ll also leave fresh air for the people behind – without poisoning them with your car’s exhaust. “

The O2 concept has a typical clean Polestar interior, with clean lines, few buttons and a sizable vertical infotainment system ‘floating’ in front of the dashboard. The most concept-like feature is a drone that can be stowed into the backseat and taken off while the vehicle is in motion. It can be controlled using the central display and track the vehicle at speeds up to 56mph, maintaining focus on the driver’s face or moving further away for a more panoramic view.

According to Ingenlath, the car also features next-generation sustainable materials that are “not quite ready for industrialization.” These include the use of recycled polyester as the sole material in all software components, which reduces the complexity of the manufacturing process but also makes recycling vehicles easier.

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