Polestar

Polestar, the all-electric performance brand spun out of the Volvo business in 2017, has unveiled a first look at its next-generation design and technology plans: the Precept concept. Focusing more on technology than performance, Polestar has previewed the Precept's style, aerodynamics and safety features over its drive systems – although something similar to the Polestar 1's 441kW, 1000Nm drive system may be lurking under the skin.

The Polestar 2 has been priced for various markets across Europe and North America, kicking off between the $90,000 and $95,000 bracket depending on market. Scheduled to commence production in "early 2020" ahead of first deliveries in June next year, the Polestar 2 will be priced from £49,900 ($90,914) in the UK, and €58,800 ($95,632) in Germany. Guide pricing for North America is currently estimated at US$63,000 ($93,348), though the final figure is still to be confirmed.

Electric cars have been the hot topic in Australia of late – thanks largely to the (mostly incorrect) political debate from both sides of politics that has been taking place. But one manufacturer is of the opinion politics shouldn't really have a role in the phasing-in of the technology of the future.

Polestar's chief test driver, Joakim Rydholm, says the upcoming Polestar 1 sports car is "exciting", "engaging" and "thrilling". After driving the plug-in hybrid coupe at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Rydholm, had high praise – though we reckon his comments may be a little biased.

The Polestar Engineered upgrade package for the Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrids has been detailed, ahead of the S60's formal debut next week. The Polestar package has a revised engine control unit, which bumps the output of the US-spec plug-in hybrid drivetrain to 309kW of power and 670Nm of torque. That's an increase of 11kW and 30Nm over the standard 298kW/640Nm T8 Twin Engine setup.