Polestar O2 All-Electric Concept Has Own Autonomous Cinematic Drone

When Swedish electrical automaker Polestar got down to set up itself as a bona fide electrical automative model distinctive and (largely) impartial from its lengthy established Volvo origins, it did so with a little bit of avant-garde panache with the Polestar 1, a grasp class in subtractive design within the type of a modern minimalist coupe. Polestar’s second effort, the Polestar 2 arrived as a extra sedate but nonetheless satisfying four-door all-electric hatchback that carried few hallmark particulars of its pricier aforementioned sibling, however one paired with a worth we’d dare say might be described as a design inside attain.

Now we’ve been given a preview of the following chapter being written between the three way partnership between Volvo and the automaker’s Chinese language mum or dad firm Geely within the type of the Polestar O₂, a jaw-dropping performance-oriented hardtop convertible roadster idea that actually appears to be like to the skies for inspiration…and that we dare/pray Polestar brings to market.

The crisp creased traces paired with the raked again and shortened sharp hood greater than hinted the O₂’s potential to maneuver quick, however with out an excessively aggressive character.

Polestar’s Head of Design Maximilian Missoni notes the signature T-shaped Volvo headlight meeting generally known as Thor’s Hammer lives on in a barely modified incarnation throughout the Polestar O2, solely barely separated into two distinct sections, leading to Polestar’s personal distinct signature visage.

Unveiled on a Beverly Hills rooftop towards the backdrop of an ideal Los Angeles early afternoon, the Polestar O₂’s sky blue end virtually blended into the ambiance overhead, a becoming sight for an idea automobile supposed to evoke the way forward for electrical efficiency buoyed by bonafides of environmentally-friendly applied sciences.

Picture: Gregory Han

Guided by Polestar’s Head of Design Maximilian Missoni, we toured the idea on a pedestal from an arm’s distance whereas being supplied an enumeration of sustainability-oriented methods Polestar has taken to scale back waste, enhance efficiency, and enhancements towards larger circularity throughout the lifespan of all their fashions.

Picture: Gregory Han

Most notable is the O₂’s use of a bonded aluminum platform. First revealed with the O₂’s 2020 conceptual predecessor the Principle (above), the O₂’s aerodynamic profile is equally pieced collectively utilizing adhesive slightly than conventional rivets, lowering general supplies used, lowering weight, and leading to improved rigidity and heightened dynamic response for a extra spry trip. Totally different sections/grades of aluminum used are labeled to help within the eventual recycling of the car; excessive grade aluminum stays excessive grade, whereas different grades keep their diverse traits, permitting for larger materials effectivity and a decrease requirement for virgin aluminum.

The shared DNA between the 2 ideas can be evident within the tucked-in angular waistline on the surface and a equally appointed cabin, one sheathed in flax fiber composites in lieu of plastics and leather-based, a pure fiber resolution developed by Swiss firm Bcomp engineered to scale back vibration and weight from a sustainable supply. However the place the Principle’s spacious sedan proportions talk efficiency cradled by consolation, the O₂’s decrease and wider footprint sells a extra outrageously agile aerodynamic aesthetic (although Missoni would go onto wince on the point out of any intent to design an aggressive presence).

“This automobile is a gathering level between know-how and artwork, between precision and sculpture, with a decided however not aggressive stance.”
– Maximilian Missoni

Alongside Polestar O₂’s ravishingly beauty and sustainability cred, a lot consideration is being made a few stunning addition to the car’s arsenal of conceptual options: the O₂ comes imagined with its personal autonomous drone sidekick, an aerial accompaniment that supposedly can mechanically path the automobile at speeds as much as 56 mph (90 km/h), and autonomously return to the automobile into its personal inside storage of kinds situated between the O₂’s rear flying buttresses.

“We wished to emphasise the expertise you possibly can have with a automobile just like the Polestar O₂ in new and strange methods,” defined Missoni. “Integrating an autonomous cinematic drone was one thing that allowed us to push the boundaries on the innovation entrance. Not needing to cease and off-load the drone earlier than filming, however slightly deploying it at pace, is a key profit to this revolutionary design.”

Sadly this lofty characteristic was restricted to a simulated preview displayed on a tv display screen [shown in video above], with nary a drone in sight. However on this period of “see and be seen” social media, don’t be shocked to see idea flip into actuality sooner or later, whether or not it’s the Polestar O₂ or its airborne autonomous cinematic drone in some form or type.

Gregory Han is Tech Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, climbing, tide swimming pools, and highway journeys, a choice of his adventures and musings will be discovered at gregoryhan.com.