The development of the Polestar 2 BST edition cars is a story about automotive passion and the freedom to go beyond limits.
The development of the Polestar 2 BST edition cars is a story about automotive passion and the freedom to go beyond limits.
Gothenburg, early 2020. In a discreet workshop situated behind Polestar’s headquarters, designers and engineers are working on a passion project. Using carefully selected and custom-made parts they tune, test, and tweak until they are satisfied that the result is up to their high standards and those of Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. The car they’re creating is nicknamed “The Beast”, because of its presence and track-ready performance. Starting life as a production version of the Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor, it has become even more impressive, featuring upgraded aerodynamics, bigger wheels and brakes, colour-matched bodywork, motorsport-based handling, and a higher output powertrain.
Gothenburg, early 2020. In a discreet workshop situated behind Polestar’s headquarters, designers and engineers are working on a passion project. Using carefully selected and custom-made parts they tune, test, and tweak until they are satisfied that the result is up to their high standards and those of Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. The car they’re creating is nicknamed “The Beast”, because of its presence and track-ready performance. Starting life as a production version of the Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor, it has become even more impressive, featuring upgraded aerodynamics, bigger wheels and brakes, colour-matched bodywork, motorsport-based handling, and a higher output powertrain.
Thomas Ingenlath sees the beauty in The Beast. So much so, that it inspires him to bring something special to the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the world’s greatest celebrations of motorsport and car culture. As it’s the perfect event to show what Polestar is capable of, he asks the designers and engineers to play with Polestar 2 and come up with something that makes a strong statement. Their answer is the Experimental Polestar 2, a direct sibling of The Beast that produces a combined 350 kW (476 hp) output from its dual motor powertrain. Piloted by Polestar Chief Chassis Engineer Joakim Rydholm, it woos the crowds as it demonstrates its capabilities on Goodwood’s famous 1.1 mile hill climb track. In between runs, the Experimental attracts even more people, displaying its body modifications, special livery, 9x21-inch Polestar 1 wheels, 275/30R21 Pirelli P Zero tyres, Akebono brakes and 30 mm lower ride height in Goodwood’s First Glance Paddock.
Thomas Ingenlath sees the beauty in The Beast. So much so, that it inspires him to bring something special to the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the world’s greatest celebrations of motorsport and car culture. As it’s the perfect event to show what Polestar is capable of, he asks the designers and engineers to play with Polestar 2 and come up with something that makes a strong statement. Their answer is the Experimental Polestar 2, a direct sibling of The Beast that produces a combined 350 kW (476 hp) output from its dual motor powertrain. Piloted by Polestar Chief Chassis Engineer Joakim Rydholm, it woos the crowds as it demonstrates its capabilities on Goodwood’s famous 1.1 mile hill climb track. In between runs, the Experimental attracts even more people, displaying its body modifications, special livery, 9x21-inch Polestar 1 wheels, 275/30R21 Pirelli P Zero tyres, Akebono brakes and 30 mm lower ride height in Goodwood’s First Glance Paddock.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO
“When will this Polestar 2 be available to buy?” is a question frequently asked at our Goodwood stand, as well as in articles and comments on the Experimental’s debut. Clearly, there’s an appetite for special EVs, so the decision is made to develop the one-off car into a bespoke production version that interested enthusiasts can order. Honouring the original Beast, these unique cars are named “BST edition” and only become available in limited numbers. Hand-assembled, expertly tuned and fitted with custom-made 21” forged alloy wheels, Öhlins dampers and Pirelli tyres, they bring track-inspired design and performance to those who want to experience electric driving to the fullest.
“When will this Polestar 2 be available to buy?” is a question frequently asked at our Goodwood stand, as well as in articles and comments on the Experimental’s debut. Clearly, there’s an appetite for special EVs, so the decision is made to develop the one-off car into a bespoke production version that interested enthusiasts can order. Honouring the original Beast, these unique cars are named “BST edition” and only become available in limited numbers. Hand-assembled, expertly tuned and fitted with custom-made 21” forged alloy wheels, Öhlins dampers and Pirelli tyres, they bring track-inspired design and performance to those who want to experience electric driving to the fullest.
Performance cars are often associated with prominent wings, spoilers and colour options. Elements that hardly fit Polestar’s design language, as it’s centred around minimalism and creating an understated presence. “With the latest Polestar 2 BST edition, we have focused more on design exploration that is better suited to special opportunities rather than the mainstream,” explains Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “Pushing our designers and engineers on special projects also encourages creativity and creates inspiration for our future cars.” To emphasise its potential, the BST edition 230 has been given design upgrades, such as the Nebula body colour, matching lower sills and side skirts, and optional full-length body stripe. Clear but not overly pronounced hints to the car’s true nature.
Performance cars are often associated with prominent wings, spoilers and colour options. Elements that hardly fit Polestar’s design language, as it’s centred around minimalism and creating an understated presence. “With the latest Polestar 2 BST edition, we have focused more on design exploration that is better suited to special opportunities rather than the mainstream,” explains Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “Pushing our designers and engineers on special projects also encourages creativity and creates inspiration for our future cars.” To emphasise its potential, the BST edition 230 has been given design upgrades, such as the Nebula body colour, matching lower sills and side skirts, and optional full-length body stripe. Clear but not overly pronounced hints to the car’s true nature.