Polestar has unwrapped an all-new concept car that hints at the arrival of an all-electric two-seater roadster. The Polestar O₂ is described as a hard-top convertible and provides the strongest indication yet of the Swedish brand’s plan to add more performance car models to its line-up.

Like the previous Polestar 5 concept car, the O₂ features a clever bonded aluminium chassis that is both light and strong. The technology, which was originally pioneered by Lotus for the Elise, is seen by Polestar as key to reducing weight and improving the efficiency of electric cars. The concept’s underpinnings were developed in-house by Polestar’s R&D team in the UK and feature different grades of aluminium. This, according to Polestar’s engineers, has allowed the chassis teams to create a car that is both agile through corners with very little body roll, yet smooth to drive over bumps. 

Designed to be electric from the ground up, the O₂ has an unusually long wheelbase for a two-seater. The 2+2 layout passenger cell has been positioned as close to the centre of the car as possible – a huge advantage of not having to accommodate a large internal combustion engine – while the weight distribution has been fine-tuned to give the perfect sports car feel. 

Polestar O2 features a cabin made exclusively from recycled polyester to make it easier to recycle

Inside, the O₂ highlights Polestar’s ongoing mission to use sustainable materials. In an effort to strip the design back to the basics without compromising on comfort, Polestar’s design team employed recycled polyester as the sole material for all the soft components of the interior. This means everything from seat foam to adhesive is made from the same material. This, according to Polestar, simplifies recycling while also reducing weight and waste. 

Of course, being a concept car, Polestar has added the usual helping of nonsense to the O₂. Hidden behind the rear seats is an integrated cinematic drone that can be deployed while the car is moving to record the perfect driving sequence. To allow the drone to take off while the car is moving, Polestar engineers developed a specialised aerofoil that raises behind the rear seats to create a calm area of negative pressure. 

The drone then operates autonomously, automatically following the car at speeds up to 60mph. The driver can choose between an atmospheric sequence – great for a coastline cruise – or a more action-filled sequence with a sportier feel. After filming, the drone can autonomously return to the car. Video clips then can be edited and shared directly from the 15-inch centre display when the car is parked.

Aluminium frame chassis has allowed the Polestar design team to create the perfect proportions

Unfortunately, the more important bits of information relating to the O₂’s  battery size, power outputs and range have yet to be revealed by Polestar. The project remains a concept at present as the brand evaluates both the business model and engineering challenges of developing the aluminium chassis for large scale production.

Polestar has already confirmed that it plans to expand its range significantly over the coming years. The Polestar 3 large SUV is due to be revealed later this year while a smaller, Porsche Macan-sized Polestar 4 will follow next year. A third new model, dubbed Polestar 5 is expected in 2024 and will take the form of a large four-door coupe and will go head-to-head with models such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. 

New roadster could be part of Polestar's expansion plan as the brand aims to target new markets