For those of us that love convertibles and zero-emission cars, here’s some potentially great news.
Polestar, which is Volvo’s electric car brand, has unveiled a retractable hardtop convertible EV concept called the O₂.
Although no specifics have been released yet in terms of things like motors, range or possible production, the design looks far enough along that this one might be more than just a dream machine.
Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design, said in a news release: “Polestar O₂ is our vision of a new era for sports cars. By mixing the joy of open top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it unlocks a new mix of emotions in a car. But as with all our cars, we are about more than just straight-line sprints. It’s when you turn the steering wheel that the true fun begins.”
Polestar says the O₂ has a rigid aluminum platform that should help keep the weight down, thus improving handling.
In another hint that the O₂ might be headed for production, Polestar said the convertible’s platform has been adapted from the Polestar 5, which is scheduled to go on sale in 2024, according to Car & Driver. The O₂ was developed by the company’s R&D team in the United Kingdom.
With minimal overhangs and a long wheelbase, the two seats might actually be usable, although Polestar is classifying the concept as a 2+2, meaning the back seats will most certainly not be sedan-sized in legroom.
Given the sloping retractable hardtop, it’s also likely rear headroom will be at the premium when the top is up. But that’s okay since anyone sitting in back will likely only want to hitch a ride when the top is down anyway.
In a nod to our media-crazed society the concept also comes with an autonomous drone so the driver can instantly shoot cinematic videos of drives along the countryside.
The idea is straight out of the old Speed Racer animated TV series of the 1960s. Like Speed’s bird-like device, the O₂‘s drone can automatically return to the car after it finishes filming.
While the O₂ is just a design exercise – at least for now – I’m keeping my fingers crossed this one makes into production.
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