Polestar has released some new details about the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid coupe, specifically how the extensive use of carbon fiber helped it cut 500 pounds from the weight of the coupe. This is also the first time that the Volvo Car Group has used carbon fiber in the construction of one of its vehicles.
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) has been used for lots of the Polestar 1’s parts, including its chassis, hood, trunk, side panels, doors and the entire roof structure. The actual chassis design, which the Polestar team calls the “dragonfly” is also made from CFRP.
According to Polestar, the dragonfly-shaped chassis radically improves torsional stiffness at one of the critical points in the body structure, between the middle of the floor and rear construction.
“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,” stated Christian Samson, Head of Product Creation at Polestar.
Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer at Polestar added, “Carbon fiber is crucial in meeting our design, engineering and performance goals with the Polestar 1.”
With its lightweight construction, impressive 600 horsepower and that stunning shape, the Polestar 1 is definitely going to make an impression, as long as you can $155,000 price tag.
Source: Polestar
