Polestar

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 11, 2024

Polestar Reports Delivery Of 7,200 Cars In Q1 2024

Polestar continues along its path of luxury EV growth. As a manufacturer, Polestar is one of the newest entrants into the electric vehicle world, let alone the automotive industry at large. However, it’s already rapidly expanded its lineup, with two new all-electric SUV models, a grand touring model coming soon, and a roadster set for an upcoming launch as well, according to the manufacturer’s plan to grow its lineup to 5 models in a 5-year period. As the new electric vehicle manufacturer continues along that path, its global results are in for the first quarter of 2024, and reflecting on its first-quarter performance, the brand optimistically looks forward to continuing to push the EV luxury car world forward. During the quarter, Polestar delivered roughly 7,200 cars. Showcasing its latest innovations and design, around 1,200 of those were Polestar 4 models, whose production is already underway in China. In addition, important financial developments took place for Polestar during the period, including securing $950 million in external funding to fuel its next phase of development, revising its ownership structure with Geely Holdings becoming a major new shareholder with 24%, and Volvo Cars retaining 18%, and starting production for the Polestar 3 and 4. Looking forward, Polestar plans to expand manufacturing of the 3 to the United States later this year, and the 4 to South Korea in 2025, as both cars enjoy positive media reception. As one the automotive world’s youngest manufacturers continues to grow, the EV landscape beomes more exciting than before. View All Luxury Cars For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 01, 2024

Polestar Makes A Massive Leap Towards 2025 Goals By Secur...

Polestar secures a nine-figure loan to finance its growth, aiming for a cash flow break-even by 2025 and expanding its SUV lineup. Polestar Automotive has just announced a massive financial milestone, securing $950 million in external funding, showcasing promising progress towards its 2025 targets. The inflow of capital, provided by a group of 12 leading international banks, marks a huge moment for the electric performance car brand, ensuring the resources needed for its next developmental phase. The funding agreement, highlighted by assistance from financial giants like BNP Paribas, Natixis, and HSBC, emphasizes the banking industry's confidence in Polestar's business course. With around $770 million in cash reserves as of the end of 2023, Polestar is now ready to pursue its improved business strategy, aiming for both operational and financial milestones by 2025. Under the guidance of CEO Thomas Ingenlath and with the backing of Geely Holding Group, Polestar is focusing on financial health and on expanding its product line. The introduction of two SUVs, the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, accelerates the brand's presence in the competitive SUV market, with the Polestar 5 GT on the horizon. Additionally, Polestar's partnership with Geely expands beyond financial support, giving access to cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise, which is essential for Polestar's future in the EV industry. As Polestar gears up for a significant year ahead, with expectations of production growth and improved sales success, the automotive world watches closely. View All Polestar EVs For Sale Source: Polestar

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 09, 2023

Polestar Reveals New Strengthened Business Plan For Futur...

Polestar refines its business strategy, focusing on margins to achieve cash flow break-even by 2025, backed by Geely and Volvo's $1.3 billion funding. Polestar, the avant-garde Swedish electric performance car brand, has today put forth an invigorated business blueprint aimed at hastening margin enhancement and slashing the company's overall funding needs to reach a cash flow break-even point by 2025. This decisive strategic pivot emerges amid the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, marking a significant milestone for Polestar, which is listed under Nasdaq as PSNY. The freshly fortified business plan deviates from the conventional pursuit of volume, instead prioritizing margin progression. By the fiscal year 2025, Polestar envisions attaining a gross margin in the high teens while maintaining an annual production volume of approximately 155,000 to 165,000 vehicles. This ambitious target is anticipated to stem from a more opulent product assortment featuring four distinctive electric vehicle models, streamlined cost structures, and a recalibrated focus on key markets. Notably, a new joint venture in China and strategic enhancements aimed at bolstering profitability in the U.S. market are at the forefront of this initiative. The company's earlier announcements regarding workforce optimization and ongoing vigorous cost management endeavors underscore its commitment to this recalibrated strategy. Polestar's CEO, Thomas Ingenlath, asserts that the company's recalibrated business strategy signifies a commitment to resilience and profitability. Ingenlath states, "By re-engineering our business plan, we are not only trimming costs and enhancing efficiency but also fortifying Polestar's financial footing while simultaneously decreasing our funding requirements." The CEO highlighted the significance of attaining cash flow break-even by 2025, which will prove the robustness of their asset-light business model. Ingenlath's vision for the brand's future hinges on a 'margin over volume' approach, bolstered by an alluring portfolio of four exclusive performance cars. Demonstrating unwavering support, Geely Holding and Volvo Cars have infused additional liquidity into Polestar. Volvo Cars has notably extended the maturity of its existing shareholder term loan by over three years to June 2027 and has augmented its loan capacity by $200 million, cumulatively committing $1 billion. Parallelly, Geely Sweden Automotive Investment AB, a Geely Holding affiliate, has pledged a $250 million term loan mirroring the terms provided by Volvo Cars, including the June 2027 maturity. Given the strengthened business plan and the combined financial and liquidity support from its major shareholders, Polestar's projected external funding requirement stands at approximately $1.3 billion until it reaches the cash flow break-even threshold set for 2025. In collaboration with its primary shareholders, Polestar is actively formulating a comprehensive financing strategy to secure the remaining necessary funds, which includes prospects for additional debt and equity. This strategic move signals Polestar's determination to navigate the electric vehicle market with an innovative approach, signaling a new era of financial prudence and operational agility in the high-stakes realm of luxury electric automobiles. View All Exotic Cars For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 06, 2023

Why The Polestar 5 Grand Touring EV Will Use SK On Batter...

Polestar’s latest agreement is fully charged with excitement. Polestar, while being one of the newest manufacturer to the automotive world, has already proven itself to be one of the most innovative and excellent when it comes to its rapidly expanding lineup of luxury performance electric vehicles. Coming next year is the highly anticipated Polestar 5, which is the brand’s four-door grand tourer, poised to deliver an irresistible combination of luxury and performance. However, one of the most important considerations for any electric car is the battery, and Polestar has announced that an agreement with SK On has been signed to supply the upcoming Polestar 5’s battery modules. This comes after an initial memorandum of understanding has been created between Polestar and the South Korean battery manufacturer, whose high-nickel battery cells feature superior chemistry, fast charging, efficient performance, and high driving range. The Polestar 5 is the production version of Polestar’s Precept concept car, and production of the new grand touring model is set to begin in 2025, with the reveal of the production model to take place soon. After the Polestar 5, the Polestar 6, a roadster model, is poised to come after. Focused on combining futuristic design, electric technology, environmental sustainability, and of course high performance, SK On is ready to power the undoubtedly hair-raising Polestar 5 electric performance car when it hits the road in 2025. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: Polestar

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 06, 2023

Polestar Deliveries Increase 50% In Q3 2023

The new brand is optimistic about its future in the world of luxury EVs. Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, is riding high on the wave of its growing popularity, reporting a remarkable 50% surge in global deliveries for the third quarter of 2023. The renowned car manufacturer is making significant inroads in the electric vehicle (EV) market, signifying the growing affinity of customers towards green mobility. The stats speak volumes. Approximately 13,900 vehicles rolled off Polestar's production lines and onto the roads in Q3 alone. When comparing this impressive number with the previous year, the growth trajectory is unmistakable. One of the primary drivers behind this booming growth? The pricier, enhanced Polestar 2. This specific model has not only been a hit among EV enthusiasts but has also injected a robustness into the company's profit margins. While these Q3 numbers are staggering in themselves, the year-to-date figures solidify Polestar's dominance. A total of about 41,700 vehicles have been delivered in the first nine months, marking a 37% growth year-on-year. And this growth story isn't just about to end. With the highly-anticipated Polestar 4 deliveries set to kick off in China in the upcoming quarter, the company's outlook remains bullish. In fact, by the end of 2023, Polestar's projections land in the ballpark of a possible 60,000 to 70,000 vehicle deliveries. Thomas Ingenlath, the driving force behind Polestar as its CEO, expressed his elation at the company's performance. "We have delivered a strong quarter and expect higher margins for the rest of the year," he stated. Emphasizing the brand's focus on quality over sheer numbers, Ingenlath noted the company's continued priority of "value over volume." The company's future, according to the CEO, looks incredibly promising with a lineup that includes "three distinctive cars, including two luxury SUVs," each crafted to cater to the exclusive luxury EV market segment. In his words, it marks an "exciting new period" for Polestar. If the current trends are any indication, Polestar is all set to electrify the luxury car market in the coming years. View All Polestars For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 07, 2022

Polestar Announces Delivery Numbers For 2022 So Far

The automaker sounds optimistic about reaching its 2022 goal. Polestar, the Swedish electric car manufacturer, has been pushing forward in terms of innovation and deliveries. From the new Polestar 6 concept selling out build slots to the company's first SUV that is set to be unveiled on October 12th, the automaker is really making strides in 2022. Now, Polestar has shared its Q3 and year-to-date delivery results. In the third quarter of 2022, Polestar delivered 9,215 vehicles which would bring the YTD number up to about 30,400. Polestar notes that this number makes a 100% increase when compared to the previous year's same period. While these are great numbers, Polestar still needs to deliver quite a few more cars to reach its 50,000 delivery target for 2022. However, the company is adamant that it will reach that goal. “We needed to catch up on production after Covid-19-related setbacks in China and we have. The majority of Polestar 2 cars set for delivery in Q4 are ready and making their way to our customers in 27 markets around the world, with the fourth quarter set to be our strongest on record yet. I am confident we will meet our target of 50,000 cars for this year,” says Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. See All Polestars For Sale Source: Polestar

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