Say hello to the new 469-hp all-electric ice warrior from Sweden, the Polestar 2 “Arctic Circle,” featuring an improved powertrain and suspension to tackle the Polar regions!
Developed under Polestar’s chief chassis engineer and a trophy-winning racing driver, Joakim Rydholm, it shows that EVs can be very capable in harsh wintry conditions.
The car is a part of the intense 15-week winter program Polestar organizes every year at 66° north of the Arctic Circle. Notably, the engineers test the prototypes to the limit and mold them into perfection under extreme temperatures as cold as -35° Celsius!
The Arctic Circle is a tuned version of the standard dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Polestar 2, loaded with the additional $5000 optional Performance package. It includes three-way Öhlins performance dampers specially tuned to be 30% softer and Brembo front brake calipers. Meanwhile, to make the car as agile and responsive as possible, Polestar enhanced the torsional rigidity by fitting front and rear strut braces. Crucially, the Swedes also modified the electric powertrain, raising the figures from 408 hp and 487 lb-ft to 469 hp and 502 lb-ft.
Furthermore, to cope with the sheer icy roads, the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle sits 1.2-inches higher than the road-going version and includes auxiliary adjustment chambers to maintain stability. The silent ice machine sits on 19-inch 245/35R custom-made Oz Racing wheels, and as the cherry on top, the winter tires come with 4mm metal studs. And the fun doesn’t up there, as the prototype also comes with a new launch control system operated by steering wheel paddles.
As far as looks are concerned, the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is wrapped up in a sublime-looking matte grey, and white livery with an additional four Stedi Quad Pro LED lights. Inside, the EV comes with Recaro bucket seats bathed in charcoal with Swedish gold branding and seat belts.
In conditions this extreme, there are chances for anything to go wrong. Polestar, of course, thought about it, so they installed a carbon fiber skid plate in the front bumper for additional body protection. There is even a carbon fiber snow shovel and a recovery strap inside! Have you ever even seen a carbon fiber shovel?
Unfortunately, however, Polestar stabbed a dagger in our hearts because the Arctic Circle is a one-off prototype and won’t go into production. What a shame!
Gallery: Polestar 2 Arctic Circle
