17 minute read
Electrified Scandi Design
your
100% ELECTRIC, 100% STYLE
All electric is now an inevitability and something everyone would ideally be looking towards sooner rather than later, but the majority of offerings remain unsuitable for most people's everyday. One company looking to change your perceptions and get you going greener quicker - in more ways than one - is Polestar, and you will struggle to find a valid argument against these Scandi masters.
POLESTAR 2
The marque's first fully electric volume production vehicle, unveiled in 2019, thrust Polestar firmly into the electric race. Pitting themselves against the finest in the field, their ethos and ideals aren't the only things pushing the electric vehicle market forward.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive avant-garde design and unique light features, the Polestar 2 all electric fastback sets the benchmark for the brand moving forward into new segments. Based off of the Volvo Car Group's adaptable Compact Modular Architecture, there is plenty of scope for the brand. This car also uses the necessary batteries as a beneficial feature. Integrated into the floor, the 27 module battery pack helps to improve the rigidity of the chassis while also improving noise, vibration and harshness levels, reducing road noise by 3.7dB over a traditional chassis, further cementing it as the way forward for the Scandinavian group.
Polestar 2's unique size and style offering transcends 'traditional' segments offering a package that will appeal to a much wider audience than say, it's high performance, dual powered hybrid sister Polestar 1. And the signs are good for Polestar's future if this is what they have managed to create straight out of the electric blocks.
Performance is very much at the heart of everything Polestar are looking to achieve, whether you are talking about acceleration speed - which comes in at a swift 4.7 seconds zero to sixty-two if you opt for the all-wheel drive long range dual motor variant - or range, which is often at the top of the list when it comes to deciding on electric over a traditional combustion engined option.
Boasting up to 335 miles with the long range single motor option, along with a comprehensive charging network and easy to use system, you won't find yourself cutting many journeys short. Keen to push the electric infrastructure forward as much as the cars, Polestar have created a connected digital solution available both in car and on mobile devices in order to provide easy, hassle free and comprehensive access to the world's largest
public charging networks allowing you to plan your journey with ease and reduce the fear of running out of juice.
It's not just charging where Polestar have utilised digital technology however. PhoneasKey technology enables car sharing and a more integrated ownership experience, as well as Polestar’s connected services such as pickup and delivery. It also allows Polestar 2 to sense the driver upon approach. Smart features like enlarged graphics in the instrument cluster allow the driver to easily see the charging status and range before entering the car. Polestar 2 can also predetermine the driver’s next move to create a seamless experience with a prepared cabin and quick start sequence.
Highlighting the technology spearhead role that Polestar plays within the Volvo Car Group, Polestar 2 is also one of the first cars in the world to embed an infotainment system powered by Android. The Android backbone provides a solid and adaptable digital environment for apps and vehicle functions to coexist, and brings embedded Google services to a car for the first time - including the Google Assistant, Google Maps with support for electric vehicles and the Google Play Store. Natural voice control and a new - large - 11inch touch screen display bring the new interface to life.
Access couldn't be easier with the 'iPad style' interface offering up a host of options for driver and passenger to explore from electric system use to your favourite tunes, everything is incredibly intuitive and user friendly in order to reduce the time spent looking at the screen and increase that on the road. What's more, with an open developer portal that features an Android Automotive OS emulator, Polestar have also provided app developers the ability to develop apps that have the potential to be used in the car - the fruits of which have already seen new apps released for Polestar 2 in extremely short timeframes compared to the traditional car industry’s need for development on unique operating systems. This visual centre-point continues its clean aesthetic throughout the rest of the cabin. Taking inspiration from the very successful design update to Volvo's line-up, the interior space delivers a sleek, clean and comfortable space for driver and passengers alike.
With a vegan interior as standard that particularly addresses plasticisers, Polestar have made strong sustainability statements with this car, and not just in the product itself. The Polestar 2 initiated the release of the manufacturers first Life Cycle Assessment report in 2020, with full methodology and transparency, and with a call to the industry at large for a uniformly open and transparent way of disclosing the carbon footprint of electric vehicles from all manufacturers. Earlier this year, they took this transparency a step further by integrating a Product Sustainability Declaration into its retail 'Spaces' and on its website, and will continue to disclose such information going forward meaning you won't have to do too much research to find out just what impact your Polestar will have on the planet.
Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar
Although dynamic as standard, the chassis can be enhanced further with the Performance Pack - one of three packs available including the Plus and Pilot - available only in long range dual motor guise. The pack improves driving dynamics by adding manually adjustable Öhlins Dual Flow Valve dampers, Brembo brakes and unique light-weight 20inch forged wheels. Some signature visuals are also included with Swedish gold seat belts, brake callipers and valve caps completing the pack.
Supported by 408hp and impressive 660Nm of torque, you can be sure that if the aesthetics of the Polestar 2 don't get heads turning, then the performance will. When you add it all up and realise that you can pick one up for £45,900 - or just under £40k if you opt for the base model - the real questions begin.
Would I want another engine powered car? When should I get my electric charging point installed? How do I buy one? All of which, valid, and the answers are quite simple. Polestar are pushing the electric car industry just as Tesla did when it launched. There is certainly still progress to made in the available infrastructure in the UK - as ever, we are behind a large proportion of the rest of the developed world - but if you don't happen to navigate across the whole of the UK on a weekly basis, it is safe to say that this won't impact your day to day travel.
As to whether you would benefit from going all-electric or sticking to what you know, the figures speak for themselves
POLESTAR 2 DUAL MOTOR
Motor Dual Electric Motors Power (hp) 408 Torque (Nm) 660 0-62mph (secs) 4.7 Max Speed (mph) 127 Range (miles) 298 Battery (kWh) 78 (Lithium-ion, 27 Modules)
Price (from)
£45,900
and with Polestar's transparency, you know exactly what you're getting. In a matter of years, everyone will be required to produce only electric vehicles, so if this isn't quite your style, then you probably won't have to wait too long before Polestar deliver your dream car, direct to your door, once you've purchased it online.
This is a unique machine in appearance and engineering which delivers on both parts. But what makes this and the Polestar brand so special is their desire to transform the entire industry by leading the way. Putting themselves in front of the curve can only mean good things for their customers.
EXPERIMENTAL EV
Polestar recently revealed an experimental Polestar 2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The madeover EV was inspired by CEO Thomas Ingenlath’s desire to push the boundaries of the electric performance fastback’s design and performance potential.
“I challenged the design and engineering teams to play with Polestar 2 and come up with something that makes a strong statement for Goodwood,” comments Ingenlath.
“For a few months I have enjoyed driving another experimental Polestar 2, nicknamed ‘Beast’, around our Gothenburg campus, which inspired the team to come up with this version for Goodwood. We want to flex our muscles and explore opportunities.”
The long range, dual motor Polestar 2 produces a combined output of 476 hp from its twin electric motors and has been given a stronger stance, with a wider track (+10 mm on each side) and lower ride height (-30 mm). Widened wheel arches have been fitted, required to house the 9x21-inch wheels and 6-piston Akebono front brakes from Polestar 1. The 275/30R21 Pirelli PZero Rosso performance tyres are also carried over from Polestar 1.
The springs have been stiffened by 80% at the front and 40% at the rear compared to the original performance units, and the adjustable Öhlins DFV dampers have been upgraded to Öhlins three-way performance dampers which are approximately 30% stiffer than the road and track originals. To further increase rigidity, the carbon fibre front suspension strut bar from a Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered has been fitted, complemented by a custom-fabricated rear strut bar.
“This car is what happens when we are given freedom to go beyond our limits,” says Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer. “We already have such great handling and performance characteristics in Polestar 2, but when Thomas asked me to make something special for Goodwood, I was really excited to up the stakes.”
In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the car features updated front and rear bumpers. Finished in Snow Matte with a Magnesium Matte racing stripe, colour-coded front grid and glossy black mirrors, with the bumpers and side skirts featuring an additional colour-coded design accent. The wheels feature dual tonality of glossy and matte black surfaces.
With this much potential on show, there is clearly plenty of scope for Polestar's future, and it might not be that long a wait before we see more from this sleek Scandi outfit.
JAGUAR C-TYPE
Originally crafted in 1951 as a competition extension of the impressive XK120, the Jaguar C-Type burst onto the racing scene with an outright win on its first outing at the Le Mans 24hour race. Not only that, but it also broke speed, distance and lap records all in its very first outing.
It's instantly recognisable aerodynamic design visually sets this car apart from anything else you might see on the road and when they are presented in such an immaculate state as this example, you won't be able to do anything but stand and stare. This is a 2021 registered Realm Engineering model that has been fully reconditioned and upgraded.
Presented in the very striking colour combination of flawless red coachwork with black leather interior, the finish is truly stunning. Under the front hinged bonnet the car features a 3.4-litre reconditioned engine with triple Weber 45 carburetors and boasts only the running in miles since build completion.
An aluminium radiator, stainless steel exhaust with heat shield, 5 wire wheels, jack, and spanner for spinners, polished cam covers, powder-coated chassis and fire extinguisher all combine to complete what is a spectacular example.
Thanks to the cars recent build, it features a number of upgrades to improve the user and driving experience including an electronic ignition, 5-speed gearbox, beautiful Moto Lita steering wheel, Willians seat harness and full tonneau along with useful storage areas. A recent IVA test approval has certified the car for road use ready for a very lucky owner.
Chelsea Cars have sold a few C-Type reproductions in their 35 plus years of trading and this is the finest example seen to date.
2021 Jaguar C-Type Realm Engineering Model £POA
your
Price Premiums Commonplace
Savills explore the benefits of Common locality on property prices with an impressive premium available for those closest to London's open green spaces. From East to West, if you're looking to buy or sell, expect a premium for your property if it's anywhere near a Common.
ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this modern built 3rd floor studio apartment within Stunning and rare to market riverside 3-bedroom 5th floor apartment in this this riverside development. The apartment benefits from open plan lounge and very popular and exclusive development. Comprises 3 large bedrooms, 2 bedroom area, fitted kitchen and 3 piece bathroom suite. Laminate wood floors. bathrooms and an additional guest WC, separate fully integrated kitchen and Video entry-phone system. Parking space. Close to Wapping station and local bus spacious reception with South facing balcony with spectacular views of Tower routes. £365,000 Bridge. 24-Hour concierge/security, secure underground parking space and resident gym. Close to St Katharine Docks. Property offered Chain Free.
£1,750,000
Cape Yard, West Wapping E1W Jackman House, Wapping, E1W
ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1st floor 2 bedroom modern built apartment within this popular West Wapping development. The apartment benefits from Larger than average 2 bedroom apartment in the heart of Wapping. Comprises lounge, fully fitted kitchen, en-suite shower room to master bedroom and family of 2 double bedrooms, a spacious lounge, a fitted kitchen and a modern bathroom. Floor to ceiling windows. Laminate wood floors. Video-entry phone bathroom with a separate WC. Lots of storage available. Double glazing system. Allocated parking space. On-site caretaker. Close to St Katharine’s Dock, and wooden floor throughout. Ideal location in central Wapping with a wide Wapping station and Tower Hill stations. Share of Freehold. selection of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes nearby and with easy access to St Katharine Docks. Offered Chain Free. £675,000 £465,000
ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1980’s built 2 double bedroom 2nd and Desirable 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom 6th floor apartment within this popular 3rd floor duplex apartment. The apartment benefits from kitchen diner, reception centrally located warehouse conversion. The apartment benefits from a fully leading to patio garden. Bathroom with separate Wc. Parking space. Located close fitted and integrated kitchen. Lounge with balcony and far-reaching views over to Tower Hill Stations and St Katharine’s Dock. Wapping and the Canary Wharf district. Dressing area and en-suite bathroom to £624,995 master bedroom. Secure underground parking space. Two resident communal roof terraces. Daytime porterage. Close to Wapping Station and amenities.
£725,000
Capital Wharf, West Wapping E1W Tradewinds Court, Wapping, E1W
ea2 are pleased to offer this bright 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with stunning River views from the balcony on the second floor within this sought after Spacious and well-presented 3 bedroom modern built duplex Garden development. The master bedrooms ensuite comprises of a 4 piece bathroom apartment within this popular West Wapping secure gated development with suite. The second bathroom is also an ensuite in the second bedroom. Wooden Concierge. The property offers 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Generous floors throughout and has a separate cloak room. 24 hour concierge and use lounge with dining area and fully fitted and integrated kitchen. South West of residents gym Secure underground parking. Close to transport links to canary facing garden with decked area. Garage with an additional parking space. The wharf and the city. £1,100,000Quay 430 is ideally located close to St Katharine Docks and Tower Bridge. £925,000
The Tower, Wapping E1W King Charles Terrace, Wapping, E1W
ea2 are pleased to offer this executive Studio apartment to rent within a luxurious landmark Stunning 2 double bedroom apartment in King Charles Terrace boasting 80+ development. This South Facing apartment comprises of modern open plan fitted kitchen, sqm on the top floor of new build development Sovereign Court. Finished to contemporary fitted bathroom & Balcony, The flat totals 382 Sq. ft. Residents of Wapping Lane a high standard with wooden floors, under floor heating and contemporary have the benefit of 24hr concierge facilities, exclusive residents health club, gym and enjoy close proximity to DLR and underground stations. £360 Per Week bathrooms and kitchens. Available either furnished or unfurnished. 24-Hour concierge and set around a beautiful communal courtyard garden square. An exciting and vibrant development perfect for making the most of Wapping.
£465 Per Week
ea2 are pleased to offer for rent this modern built 2 bedroom ground and first floor duplex apartment. The apartment benefits from lounge, fitted kitchen, 3 piece ea2 are pleased to offer to let this 3-bedroom modern built house. The property bathroom suite. Double glazing. Laminate wood floors. Views over ornamental benefits from an open plan lounge and kitchen, laminate wood floors, garden canal. Allocated parking space. Close to St Katharine’s Dock and Tower Hill stations. and is located in West Wapping close to St Katharine’s Dock and Tower Hill station.
£425 Per Week £425 Per Week The Highway, Wapping E1W Crofts Street, Tower Hill, E1
ea2 are pleased to show you this 2 double bedroom recently renovated modern ea2 are pleased to offer to let this substantial 3 storey, 3 double bedroom, apartment which comprises of 2 bathrooms, this property benefits from a garden 2-bathroom house. The house comprises of fully fitted kitchen, reception and is close to transport links. leading to southerly facing garden. 3 Double bedrooms, 3-piece bathroom and 3-piece en-suite bathroom to master bedroom. Laminate wood floors. Allocated £425 Per Week parking space. Backing onto Royal Mint Gardens. Located close to St Katharine’s Dock, Tower Hill stations and the City of London. 5-minute walk to Tower Bridge.
£600 Per Week
The Highway, Wapping E1W Eluna Building, Wapping, E1W
ea2 are pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity to rent this 2 double bedroom house which has been re furbished completely to a high standard throughout. The property offers a reception with bi-folding full length doors leading to garden. Fully fitted kitchen. First floor bathroom. Utility room/ground floor cloakroom. Can be ea2 are pleased to offer to rent this modern 1 bedroom apartment with balcony on the 3rd floor of a secure development on Wapping Lane. The apartment comprises of a large reception, a fitted kitchen, a West facing balcony, a modern furnished or unfurnished. Garden with decking. Close to Tower Hill and within easy 3-piece bathroom suite and spacious bedroom with fitted wardrobe. Ideally access to the City & Canary Wharf. located close to the DLR and the Overground Stations providing an easy access to the City and Canary Wharf. £460 Per Week £335 Per Week
