Concept Cars
Polestar preaches sustainability as a distraction during social isolation, debuts Precept
Polestar's new concept car gives a glimpse at the future of the brand.
Polestar used to be known as a performance brand before Geely, the parent company of Volvo and Polestar, designated it as a high-end performance electric vehicle brand in 2017. Now, the company is laser focused on next-gen innovation that not only carries the Polestar badging but also that of Volvo in America where Polestar trimmed models are still sold.
In an effort to showcase that innovation, Polestar has debuted a series of concept models. Their 2020 plans were derailed a bit when the Geneva International Motor Show was cancelled in March. Now, in a virtual debut via video, we're getting our first peek at the Polestar Precept concept.
The car was to have debuted in March at the now-cancelled Geneva International Motor Show.Photo county of Polestar
The model showcases "sophisticated, high-tech minimalism that redefines beauty for the sustainable age," says Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar, at the beginning YouTube video as he leans up against the car, which sits in front of a wall of stacked flax.
Cue the auto show reveal music.
The cover comes off (though we've already seen the vehicle driving in the montage leading up to this point).
Starting with the front of the car, the Precept has a new take on Volvo's signature Thor's hammer headlights with sold body structure separating headlights and fog lamps.
Designers took a stab reinventing Volvo's Thor's hammer headlights for this concept.Photo county of Polestar
In place of a grille, traditionally designed for cooling internal combustion engines, is the "smart zone", a gathering place for technology. This is similar to what is found in the Nissan Ariya Concept. This zone, says Ingenlath, causes the car to "go from breathing to seeing."
"Strength and endurance" define the exterior aesthetics of the Precept, according to Ingenlath, who also says that the, "skin of the Polestar Precept radiates power without posing." In the age of COVID-19, it seems gimmicky jargon still has a place in society.
Many automakers are focusing on recycled materials and waste cut-downs in their concept vehicles. Bentley showed off an interior made of grape skins leftover from the wine making process last year. Ford has been talking about soy in seats and tomato skins in the trunk of the Mustang for the better part of a decade.
The interior of the concept car features sustainable materials.Photo county of Polestar
Leather, wood, and chrome are left behind in favor of high-tech solutions. The interior of the Precept features materials woven from flax, like that behind the model in the video. The interior door panels feature the material, which is 50-percent lighter than traditional inserts and contains 80-percent less plastic. Its seats feature a 3D knit material that is made of 100-percent recycled yarn that has its origins with PET bottles and that is cut from a single thread to exactly to fit the seats with no waste.
The car can also act like Big Brother, waring the driver and slowing the vehicle down if its technology detects that the driver isn't looking at the road enough. Similar technology (including frequent beeping alerts) is already available on the Subaru Outback and Forester.
The model features computer systems that run on Google's Android platform.Photo county of Polestar
Between the driver and passenger is a 15.5-inch touch screen interface has Google's Android system running in the background and features a clean aesthetic in fitting with the design of the car. It is on this screen that Ingenlath suggests watching streaming services as your car sits at the charging station refueling.
Cue to the auto show music (again).
Polestar Precept out.
Polestar Preceptwww.youtube.com
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