• polestar has built a special version of its 2 hatchback called the arctic circle, outfitted for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
• the arctic circle gets extra power and torque as well as studded tires, softer springs, and a prototype launch control system.
• led rally-style lights are attached up front and recaro bucket seats are found inside, but the polestar 2 arctic circle will remain a one-off.

electric vehicle maker polestar—spun off from parent company volvo back in 2017—hails from snowy sweden, and the company has used its familiarity with wintry conditions to create the one-off polestar 2 arctic circle. developed by polestar’s chief chassis engineer joakim rydholm, who races rally cars in his spare time, the arctic circle turns up the wick on the polestar 2 to help it better tackle icy roads at high speeds.

starting with a polestar 2 long range dual-motor model with the performance package, the car was raised by 1.2 inches and fitted with custom studded 245/35r-19 winter tires, with each tire bearing 490 0.16-inch metal studs. polestar also increased power and torque, with the arctic circle putting out 469 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. this is up from 408 hp and 487 pound-feet in the standard polestar 2, although an over-the-air update for 2022 will see 476 hp and 502 pound-feet available for customers of the long range dual-motor.

the springs in the arctic circle are 30 percent softer than those on the production polestar 2, and the three-way performance öhlins dampers were also retuned. strut braces were added at the front and rear for better torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. polestar also introduced a prototype launch control system, activated via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

the arctic circle plays rally-car dress-up with white 19-inch oz racing wheels, four stedi quad pro led lights fitted up front, a carbon-fiber skid plate, and gold recovery straps front and rear. the interior features recaro front bucket seats and a carbon-fiber snow shovel in the trunk for emergency situations. the arctic circle is wrapped in a slick-looking matte gray and white livery. polestar noted that the arctic circle will not be put into production, describing it as a "unique showpiece." perhaps a determined polestar 2 owner could re-create the electric rally car look with enough elbow grease.