Last year, the reveal of the Polestar 1 hybrid coupe took us all by surprise. It looks stunning, has potent performance, and a respectable electric range. As debuts go, it should put Polestar on the map as a standalone automaker. Production of the Polestar 1 will commence at a new factory in China next year, but before then the electric performance hybrid will be making its Chinese public debut at the Beijing Auto Show next week, which runs from April 25 - May 4.

A prototype Polestar 1 was recently put through its paces for two weeks north of the Article Circle, enduring temperatures as low as -18 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, gruelling tests like these are designed to examine and fine-tune aspects like the suspension and driving dynamics, but in the case of an EV like the Polestar 1 the drivetrain and batteries were also under scrutiny.

According to Polestar, test drivers specifically focused on the Polestar 1's torque vectoring system, which is enabled by two rear electric motors. Chassis balance was also better optimized, since testing on ice enabled the test drivers to better analyse and react to the car's behaviour. "Our test drivers have given us some enthusiastic feedback on the handling and dynamics especially," said Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer at Polestar. "Besides being very happy with the balance of the chassis, they are particularly excited about the torque vectoring. We are now very confident about how this enhances the Polestar 1's cornering responsiveness and accuracy.

"This is a driver's car. We have now passed a major milestone in the development of the Polestar 1, and prototype testing continues throughout 2018. Now we look forward to introducing the car to the Chinese public for the first time, a key market for Polestar." As a refresher, the Polestar 1 packs a potent hybrid powertrain producing 600 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque while offering an electric range of 93 miles, which is the longest of any current hybrid car. Preorders for the performance coupe recently went live on Polestar's website, but if you want one you better act fast because it's in very high demand.