Electric Cars

Polestar, the electric performance car brand, is preparing for the highly anticipated successor to its foundational electric vehicle, the Polestar 2. The new iteration, set to maintain the original model's name and distinct fastback design, is not expected to debut until after 2028. This strategic decision underlines Polestar's commitment to evolving its most successful model while ensuring its continued relevance in the rapidly expanding EV market.

Polestar's Strategic Vision: A New Era for the Polestar 2

Polestar, originally a performance offshoot of Volvo, has solidified its independent identity with the Polestar 2. Since its introduction, this five-door fastback has achieved global sales exceeding 180,000 units. The vehicle has undergone continuous enhancements, notably a transition to rear-wheel drive for its single-motor variant in 2023. Recently, Polestar's CEO, Michael Lohscheller, confirmed the development of a second-generation Polestar 2. This new model will keep its well-recognized name, avoiding a numerical redesignation like the rumored Polestar 8. The future design direction will be guided by Philipp Roemers, formerly of Audi, who has recently joined Polestar as its chief designer. Lohscheller expressed a strong desire to retain current Polestar 2 owners, emphasizing the company's dedication to its existing customer base and the successful foundation laid by the original model. This strategic continuity is particularly crucial as Polestar focuses on improving its financial health and overall profitability. The launch of the next-generation Polestar 2 is slated to follow the introduction of the Polestar 7 compact SUV, which is scheduled to commence production at a new Volvo facility in Slovakia in early 2028. This timeline places the earliest possible arrival of the new Polestar 2 sometime after 2028, approximately eight years after the current model first entered production. While potential delays could arise if the company prioritizes other specialized projects, such as the Polestar 6 roadster, this scenario is deemed improbable. In the interim, Polestar intends to sustain the appeal of its initial EV through a series of planned updates. Another significant technical refresh is anticipated before the end of the year, and the high-performance BST edition, initially a limited-production offering, may transition into a permanent fixture within the lineup and expand its availability to new markets. The Polestar 2 continues to be a cornerstone for the brand as it navigates its path towards increased profitability and prepares for the subsequent chapter of its pioneering electric fastback.

This announcement from Polestar highlights a thoughtful and long-term approach to product development within the competitive electric vehicle landscape. By retaining the established "Polestar 2" name and its iconic fastback silhouette, the company demonstrates a strong understanding of brand loyalty and design consistency. The decision to introduce the next generation well into the future, coupled with ongoing updates to the current model, suggests a strategy aimed at maximizing the lifespan and appeal of their flagship EV. This move could set a precedent for other manufacturers looking to balance innovation with maintaining brand identity and customer satisfaction over extended product cycles, proving that a successful formula doesn't always require a complete overhaul.

The automotive landscape of the 1990s was a vibrant canvas for imaginative concept vehicles, and among them, one extraordinary creation stands out. The 1998 Lamborghini Pregunta, a true marvel of design and engineering, is soon to be available for acquisition, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. Its striking appearance, reminiscent of a fighter jet, ensures it will be a focal point wherever it goes.

This unique concept car emerged from a collaboration between Lamborghini and the French coachbuilder Heuliez for the 1998 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Marc Deschamps, a protégé of the legendary Marcello Gandini, the Pregunta draws inspiration from the Dassault Rafale fighter jet. Its carbon-fiber bodywork, finished in a distinctive matte gray, and the aircraft-style wraparound canopy windscreen immediately evoke a sense of aviation. Inside, the vehicle was ahead of its time, boasting a Magnetti Marelli digital instrument cluster, fiber-optic illumination, rearview cameras, and an integrated navigation system. Despite its futuristic aesthetics, the Pregunta retains the heart of a classic supercar, powered by a 5.7-liter V-12 engine from the Diablo, producing 530 horsepower, all directed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. This exceptional machine is fully functional and ready for the road.

The Pregunta marks the end of an era for Lamborghini, having debuted just one month after Audi's acquisition of the company. It served as an influential precursor, shaping the design language for subsequent Lamborghini models like the Murciélago and Gallardo. After being showcased by Heuliez for several years, the car was sold to a private collector in 2008. More recently, in 2021, Lamborghini itself performed maintenance and certified the vehicle, subsequently featuring it in their museum. Broad Arrow is slated to auction the Pregunta at the Zoute Concours in Belgium on October 10th, with an estimated selling price ranging from $3 million to $4 million. This valuation reflects its singular status; owning it means possessing a truly unparalleled automotive masterpiece.

This remarkable vehicle embodies the spirit of innovation and daring design that defines Lamborghini. Its journey from a visionary concept to a certified classic highlights the enduring legacy of groundbreaking engineering and artistic collaboration. The auction of the Pregunta is not merely a transaction; it is an affirmation of the passion and creativity that push the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive world, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and originality.