In 2017, Volvo refocused its race-tuning sub-brand Polestar on electric performance and at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the fledgling brand revealed the Polestar 1 Coupe. The hybrid two-door coupe was built specifically to challenge Tesla and does so in its impressive design and admirable performance. Two electric motors in the back of the Polestar 1 Coupe offer up 218 horsepower and an estimated range of 93 miles on a single charge. For improved performance, a two-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine backs up the electric ones to give the vehicle a full 600 horsepower.
The exterior of the Polestar 1 Coupe carries a modern, but aggressive look. The windows are completely frameless and the side mirrors feature bezel-less designs. The interior sports white leather and subtlety muted orange embellishments, accompanied by a host of shiny chrome widgets and controls. The Polestar 1 also utilizes a “phone-as-key” system, which allows users the ability to get into the car with their smartphones.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Electric Performance Vehicles
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation lies in developing electric vehicles that combine performance and luxury, challenging traditional automakers.
- Frameless Windows and Bezel-less Mirrors
- Disruptive innovation could occur by creating vehicles with modern and sleek designs, eliminating the need for traditional window frames and bezels on side mirrors.
- Phone-as-key Technology
- Innovative opportunities can be found in developing advanced mobile technology that allows users to access and start their vehicles using their smartphones.
Where This Applies
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Automakers have the opportunity to disrupt the industry by designing and producing hybrid and electric vehicles that challenge traditional luxury brands.
- Automotive Design
- The automotive design industry can create disruptive innovation by pushing the boundaries of vehicle aesthetics, such as adopting frameless windows and bezel-less mirror designs.
- Mobile Technology
- The mobile technology industry has disruptive innovation potential in developing advanced phone-as-key systems for vehicle access and control.
