Polestar’s Arctic Circle Editions: Electric Vehicles Conquer Extreme Winter
Polestar, the Swedish electric performance brand, has expanded its Arctic Circle lineup with the introduction of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 Arctic Circle editions. Building on the success of the 2022 Polestar 2 Arctic Circle concept, these specialized EVs are designed to excel in the most challenging winter conditions. Rally-inspired modifications and high-performance upgrades transform these vehicles into extreme winter warriors, pushing the boundaries of electric mobility.
A Legacy of Arctic Exploration
Polestar’s fascination with rally-style driving and the renowned "Scandinavian Flick" technique has been a driving force behind its innovation. The 2022 Polestar 2 Arctic Circle concept car, featuring studded tires, enhanced suspension, rally lights, and modified bodywork for increased ground clearance, proved the viability of electric vehicles in extreme environments. The Polestar 3 and 4 Arctic Circle editions build upon this foundation, showcasing Polestar’s expertise in high-performance winter driving.
Enhanced Performance and Features
The performance enhancements in the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 Arctic Circle editions closely mirror those of the Polestar 2 concept. Both models are based on their top-of-the-line, long-range dual-motor variants, further upgraded with the Performance Pack. This foundation provides exceptional power and torque, forming a robust base for the Arctic Circle modifications.
- Polestar 3 Arctic Circle: Boasts an impressive 580 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque.
- Polestar 4 Arctic Circle: Delivers 536 horsepower and 506 lb-ft of torque.
Both vehicles incorporate Öhlins adjustable dampers, providing superior control and stability on challenging icy and snowy surfaces. The suspension has been significantly raised to increase ground clearance: the Polestar 3 gains a 1.6-inch lift, while the Polestar 4 receives an additional 0.8-inch boost. This improved ground clearance enhances off-road capability, allowing the vehicles to traverse more challenging terrain.
Optimized for Snow and Ice
The Polestar 3 and 4 Arctic Circle editions are equipped with 295/40R-20 Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tires, specifically designed for optimal snow and ice traction. These tires feature 300 4-mm metal studs, dramatically improving grip compared to standard tires. This represents a significant upgrade over the 245/45R-19 Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tires (with 250 studs) used on the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle concept, further highlighting the advancements in tire technology. A hydraulic handbrake, a direct nod to the rally heritage, enables controlled drifting maneuvers in snowy and icy conditions.
Unique Design and Equipment for Each Model
The Polestar Arctic Circle series comprises three distinct models, each tailored with unique features to enhance its capabilities for specific use cases.
Polestar 3 Arctic Circle: Utility and Preparedness
Designed for those needing practicality in extreme conditions, the Polestar 3 Arctic Circle is equipped to handle everything an unforgiving environment throws its way. Its thoughtful features focus on preparedness and functionality:
- 19-inch OZ Racing wheels: Offering strength and durability for harsh terrains.
- STEDI Pro LED front spotlight: Ensuring optimal visibility in low-light winter conditions.
- Rally-style mud flaps with gold tow hooks: Providing protection and recovery capabilities.
- Custom roof rack: Capable of carrying essential gear for winter adventures:
- Spare tires
- Snow shovel
- Snow ladders
- Additional roof-mounted light bar
Polestar 4 Arctic Circle: Adventure and Excitement
The Polestar 4 Arctic Circle, with its focus on adventurous pursuits, incorporates a unique blend of performance enhancement and thoughtful equipment choices:
- Skis mounted on the rear hatch: Facilitating quick access to winter sports activities, taking advantage of the vehicle’s unique windowless tailgate design.
- 19-inch OZ Racing wheels: Matching the Polestar 3’s robust wheel choice.
- STEDI Pro LED front spotlight: Replicating the Polestar 3’s enhanced lighting capabilities.
- Gold tow hooks and rally-inspired mud flaps: Underlining its readiness for challenging adventures.
Public Debut and Future Prospects
The Polestar 3 and 4 Arctic Circle editions will make their public debut at the F.A.T. Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, on February 1, 2025. While not intended for mass production, these limited-edition models powerfully illustrate Polestar’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance in the harshest of environmental conditions. They definitively demonstrate that EVs are not only capable but can truly excel in extreme winter driving scenarios. The Arctic Circle editions showcase the brand’s engineering prowess, demonstrating a unique blend of cutting-edge electric performance and rally-inspired engineering solutions. Through this series, Polestar continues to highlight that electric vehicles can not only conquer, but dominate, even the most challenging environments on the planet.