Originally intended as a Volvo study model, the Polestar 2
In this design review, car designer Niels van Roij does not deal with a specific model, but with a brand: Polestar. That initially started with two study models from Volvo and will only get more and more of its own from the ‘3’. This design review is mainly about the Polestar 2, which should have been marketed as a Volvo.
Every decent car manufacturer has a strong brand DNA. Within the range, each model has its own character. Just as family members share important traits in character and form, but also have their own individual traits. Sometimes the youngest member of the family is the problem child…
The 40.1 and 40.2 brought youthful flair to Volvo
In 2016 Volvo introduced its vision for compact cars. It concerned two models: the 40.1 SUV and the sedan model 40.2. The cars were designed with the needs of urban millennials in mind. This 40 Series brought youthful flair to the Volvo family. Aesthetically, both models linked in a fresh way to significant elements of Volvo’s historic identity: pure surfaces and clean, simple forms. In addition, with their harder features, they have a more pronounced shape palette than the XC90 and XC60.
Former Royal College of Art classmate Ian Kettle was Lead Exterior Designer on the Volvo that would eventually be called the XC40. He designed the compact SUV fresh after completing his studies in Vehicle Design. The 40.1 is a clearly Scandinavian product: simply drawn with pure lines. Influences from modern product design, rather than automotive design, are crystal clear. In the creative phase, product design was therefore an important source of inspiration for Ian. Products from contemporary science fiction films too, from which the design theme for the SUV was born: Tough Little Robot.
40.1 became a beautiful XC40
Important brand DNA elements such as the grille shape, supported by Thor’s hammer headlamp design, are reflected in the down the road graphics. Seen from the side, the shape of the grille is very special inwards: a unique design invention. TheA line goes with one movement through the sturdy nose along the roof and down into the rear hip. Beautifully scalloped sections above the wheels, full sides and a solid graphic element above the sill complete the whole. With all the interventions, the XC40 makes it clear that it is not the little brother, but the younger cousin of the XC60: there is appropriate distance, both conceptually and aesthetically.
The 40.2 concept is a body style that Volvo has not offered before, except for the gruesome S60 Cross Country: a so-called high-riding sedan. The 40.2 is also overflowing with Volvo distinctiveness with an extraordinary amount of character. The 40.1 is clearly a direct relative of the 40.2, while together they are further removed from the other Volvo models. The 40.2 also has an uninhibited, early liveliness about it. The sharp penned characterline knows about the flank body sections underneath. Together with the square frames of the front and stern, they are indisputably reinterpreted Volvo DNA elements from the past. The nose looks tough and confident into the world, but is not overly aggressive and does without old-fashioned chrome brightwork on the grille. The Scandinavian approach to undiluted product design style.
40.2 became Polestar 2 which was therefore not authentic
And then that automotive design nightmare. Because after the conceptually deepened design work, it was decided from above that the 40.2 form language not as Volvo, but as Polestar would enter the market. Although the design was fabulously translated from 40.2 concept to Polestar 2 production car, the story – arguably the main reason for buying a car – has been seriously weakened because it is no longer authentic. The life of a car designer is not a bed of roses: this had to happen in order for Polestar to gain market share faster in the brand new market of premium electric cars.
The evolution to Polestar DNA
Under the guidance of top designer Thomas Ingenlath, formerly Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars and now CEO of Polestar, the parent company then quickly gave Polestar the space for development. The Polestar O2 and Precept Concept make it clear that the evolution to Polestar DNA, from what was born as an innovative Volvo family face, could fully take place. In the meantime, it has led to the first car developed entirely as a Polestar: the 3. In this way, the problem youngster eventually became a child prodigy.
Polestar 3, the first with Polestar DNA. After all, the Polestars 1 and 2 are former Volvo concept cars.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl