Currently reading: Polestar Precept: new images released of sleek EV saloon

Electric four-door model concept is said to be a realistic preview of a future Tesla Model S rival

Polestar has released new images of its Precept saloon concept, which hints at a future Tesla Model S rival expected to arrive in the next few years.

The concept, which was first unveiled in February, is described by Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath as a model which has real relevance to its forthcoming products. 

He said: “Precept shows you where we will be heading - our design direction, our ambitions about sustainability and the great digital user experience we will bring with those future cars. Precept showcases our future, not as a fancy dream or something out of a sci-fi movie. This is our reality, to come."

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The Precept is an electric, four-door grand tourer, previewing future design direction as well as highlighting the Swedish company’s plans for sustainable materials and advanced digital technology.

Along with the new images, the below video, presented by Ingenlath, shows the Precept in motion.

The Polestar 1, a limited-run plug-in hybrid coupé, and the Polestar 2, an electric fastback for the mass market, will shortly be followed by an electric SUV, the Polestar 3. The Precept, however, gives a broader hint at Polestar’s future design direction. The 1 and 2 were heavily guided by Volvo design, while the Precept is intended to demonstrate a move away from its parent firm’s styling influence.

The low, sleek silhouette has a lengthy wheelbase of 3.1 metres – some 150mm longer than that of the Model S – to allow for a large battery and “an emphasis” on rear head and leg room, Polestar claims. In place of a front grille, the Precept has a so-called Smartzone that houses sensors, cameras and driver assistance functions behind a transparent panel. A lidar pod is placed on the glass roof for best visibility and is intended to be “a next step towards increased driving assistance”.

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Following in the footsteps of the Audi E-tron and Honda E, the Precept has video cameras in place of conventional side mirrors. Also, the glass roof extends backward, so there’s no conventional rear window and the tailgate has a larger opening and higher-mounted hinges for better access.

Inside, the Precept uses flax-based composites for its panels and seatbacks, achieving a saving in weight of up to 50% and a reduction in plastic weight of up to 80% over conventional materials. The seat upholstery is 3D-knitted from recycled PET bottles; bolsters and headrests are made from recycled cork vinyl; and carpets are made from reclaimed fishing nets.

98 Polestar precept concept official side

The next-gen infotainment system, powered by Android and building on Polestar’s partnership with Google, uses a 15in portrait-orientated central touchscreen and a 12.5in digital instrument display. The two are linked by an illuminated blade that surrounds the cabin, while a holographic Polestar logo floats inside Swedish crystal between the rear headrests. The instrument display uses smart sensors, including eye tracking, to monitor the driver’s gaze and adjust what the screens show accordingly.

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said: “The Precept is a declaration, a vision of what Polestar stands for and what makes the brand relevant. The car is a response to the clear challenges our society and industry face."

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Sonic 8 April 2020

Get on with it!

Looks great, but I'm tired of all of these EV concept cars. If Volvo releases something like this, with suicide rear doors and all, then that would be extraordinary. Otherwise, they should stop the false hype and actually get on with it. 

FRI2 7 April 2020

An electrified Kia Stinger thats it.

An electrified Kia Stinger

FRI2 7 April 2020

An electrified Kia Stinger...

An electrified Kia Stinger....thats it.