Polestar CEO and former Volvo Design Chief Thomas Ingenlath
also shared his views with us on the difference between the Polestar and the
Volvo look.
MÁTÉ PETRÁNY / ROAD&TRACK
As a massive fans of both electric vehicles and fast-moving Scandinavian objects, Christian von Koenigsegg made a surprise visit to the
Polestar stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Frankly, we wouldn't be surprised if
he ended up getting one to park next to his Tesla.
HE IS NOT ALONE
Polestar will start taking deposits for its 600 horsepower hybrid coupe next week, and to
celebrate its global debut, the brand brought a stunning grey example to its
stand, accompanied by the white one from its Shanghai debut. Following
Christian's appearance, I had to ask him about his views on the first child of
Volvo's electric performance brand:
I think it’s a very cool looking car and it’s very much a
classic Volvo, I would say, but now it’s called Polestar, of course. It’s
directly connected to Volvo. What they are doing is very-very interesting, and
going fully electric after this car is what they need to do, and should
do (and will do with the Polestar 2 and 3 - R&T). And I
think Volvo’s smooth design language is just marvelous. It’s more interesting
than the Germans right now I think. They got more character. It’s got mare
flare than the Germans. It’s a little bit lighter looking, and less teutonic.
It gives them a light-footed sense, somehow.
After hearing all those kind words from the fastest Swede, I
had to ask the German responsible for most of the job. Luckily, Polestar CEO
and former Volvo Head of Design Thomas Ingenlath was happy to share his views
on the difference between Polestar's and Volvo's design language, in light of
the fact that the Polestar 1 started out as a Volvo concept long before the
group bought Polestar:
You can put attributes to it. And Polestar and Volvo
certainly would be described as having very different attributes. I think to a
lot of people it’s very clear that Volvo design, the feeling and the flare of
the car stands for a very warm, inviting, comforting, safe environment. A car
that delivers a very reassuring and relaxing drive. The design will have a very
inclusive, harmonious approach. And of course deliver on the Scandinavian flare
in a way that you use natural materials for a very light and welcoming
atmosphere.
MÁTÉ PETRÁNY / ROAD&TRACK
Now Polestar, again a Scandinavian brand and design, is more
extreme in a way. It’s more edgy, it’s more exclusive and elite. More
avant-garde, and it has an element of technical materials, technical look and
feel in there which together with the pureness create a very…yeah, a pure
impression! So, these are the two worlds where Volvo and Polestar design are
very well defined. Having said that, to the global picture of design, of course
there’s an aura of Scandinavian purity in both of these brands. And we never-ever
would deny that there is this family, and similarity between the brands.
Polestar 1 very much is a monument to the cherishing of the (Volvo) Concept
Coupe, and bringing that alive. Having said that, if you see how that has
evolved…and I had the pleasure to actually see it straight beside the Concept
Coupe, it has evolved over that time. In the way how colors, materials and
details are done, it already has a different expression. But with Polestar 2
and 3, this, of course will be reenforced and driven to a more individual look.
Now, projecting that further into the future, it will not be
a development and a way that just simply goes further and further away from
each other. There will be this period of separation, but then as well a very
clear of way where both brands have a fruitful life together. Clearly, Polestar
will spearhead certain things, not just in technology but as well in design,
and that will have an effect on the Volvo world. You need the challenge I think
as well! Something that kind of takes you out of the routine of doing things.
And certainly, Polestar will help the brand Volvo as well of always being
reminded that you have to ask yourselves again: are you still in the frame and
the moral set, or is there something new to strive for?
Source: Roadandtrack.com
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