One of
the key components in creating a responsive and agile driving experience in the
new Polestar 1 is the extensive use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).
Producing an overall weight saving of 230 kg, most of the main body parts are
constructed from the high-tech and light-weight material, making it a core
contributor to the dynamic handling of the Polestar 1.
The
Polestar 1’s carbon fibre body represents the first time that the Volvo Car
Group has explored carbon fibre construction – an example of how Polestar acts
as a technology spearhead for the Group. The Polestar Production Centre, which
is currently under construction and due to begin full-scale production in
mid-2019, is being specifically tooled to deal with the intricate nature of
carbon fibre construction.
Carbon
fibre components have been used extensively in the car’s structure, including
the bonnet, boot lid, side panels, doors and the entire roof structure. “The
‘dragonfly’ is also made from CFRP,” says Christian Samson, Head of Product
Creation at Polestar.
The
dragonfly-shaped component plays an instrumental role in creating the Polestar
1’s reactive dynamics – it 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,” continues Christian Samson.
There are
significant design benefits as well. The carbon fibre roof structure is not
only thinner and stronger than a steel equivalent but also allows for a much
lower roof line, resulting in a sleek and slender profile. A glass panel
stretches the length and width of the roof, integrated with minimal intrusion
from body elements on the inside for a truly panoramic view.
Thomas
Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer at Polestar, concludes: “Carbon fibre is
crucial in meeting our design, engineering and performance goals with the
Polestar 1. The result is a beautiful, technological package that remains
faithful to the original design with its elegant and low silhouette. It looks
as good as it is to drive!”
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