The global push towards electrification may seem like a step backwards to those who want to feel connected and in control when going for a drive. Polestar is acutely aware of this and has spent a lot of time fine-tuning its upcoming hybrid Polestar 1 to feel just right when it comes to driver interaction.

"For Polestar, performance is about much more than just acceleration. The way Polestar 1 feels to drive and live with is also critical," says Polestar's Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Ingenlath.

With the Polestar 1 being readied for its mid-2019 release date, the chassis and suspension tuning validation has already been completed. This next phase of testing will evaluate steering performance and torque vectoring to further fine-tune the way the car responds to driver inputs.

Polestar's chief test driver, Joakim Rydholm said: "Whenever you drive Polestar 1, you should immediately feel like you are in control and that the car is ready to respond to your input, no matter what you want to do. This is a GT that needs to be easy to drive and comfortable in everyday use with its smooth and quiet hybrid drivetrain – but also ready to deliver its thrilling 600 hp and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) performance whenever the driver wants it."

Such attention to detail is what separates the merely competent from the exceptional and with such comprehensive testing procedures, the Polestar 1 hybrid GT is sure to fall into the latter category. That 600-hp powerplant of the Polestar 1 comprises of two electric motors and a turbo and supercharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine, providing both excellent economy figures and supercar-rivaling acceleration.

With the final prototype phase starting early in 2019 and production commencing soon after at the Polestar production center in Chengdu, we can't wait to see what it feels like to drive when it finally arrives.