The all-new Polestar 1 coupe was originally going to
be branded as a Volvo, the Swedish company has confirmed. At the global launch
of the car, Polestar boss Thomas Ingenlath revealed to Motor Authority that
Volvo planned on launching the car as a two-door variant of the S90,
potentially dubbed the C90.
However, Volvo chief executive Håkan Samuelsson
approached Ingenlath two years ago about bringing the Volvo Concept Coupe to
the market as a standalone Polestar model. Despite his reluctance, Polestar
began developing the vehicle by overhauling the T8 Twin Engine and through the
extensive use of carbon fiber. Upon driving a prototype, Ingenlath said he was
convinced the vehicle could wear a Polestar badge.
Interestingly, the Polestar 1 will only be available
to customers through a 2- or 3-year subscription service. Production is
expected to commence in mid-2019 at a production facility in Chengdu, China.
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