The Beast: How limited-edition Polestars were brought to life

Some stories begin with a top-secret codename and undisclosed locations. The tale of the Polestar 2 BST edition cars is one such story, marked by a commitment to excellence and a drive to push boundaries.

Front facing Polestar 2 BST 230 edition on track.
Inception: The birth of “The Beast”

During the early months of 2020, tucked away in a workshop behind Polestar's headquarters, a group of dedicated  engineers embarked on a unique project. Commissioned by Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath – and under the codename “The Beast” – they aimed to elevate his Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor to new heights as a specially customised company car – without the limits of production and homologation. With carefully chosen custom parts, larger wheels and brakes from a Polestar 1, motorsport-tuned handling, and a more powerful output, the team went on to create an entirely new car.

Recognising the potential of their creation, Thomas Ingenlath declared that a one-off passion-project Polestar 2 should be built, taking the modifications of his car and adding some unique design tweaks . Enter the Experimental Polestar 2, which was unveiled at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed. With sharper bumpers and a unique paint job, the Experimental Polestar 2 made its debut and captivated audiences with its 350 kW output and unique features.

Experimental Polestar 2 on start line at Goodwood 2021.
From prototype to production

The positive reception prompted Polestar to transform this one-off creation into the first bespoke Polestar 2 BST edition 270 in 2022, bringing much of the Experimental Polestar 2 to life. Handcrafted with precision and attention to detail, this limited-edition car offered enthusiasts a chance to experience Polestar’s performance DNA in its purest form.

With a maximum power output of 350 kW (476 hp) and impressive torque of 680 Nm, the Polestar 2 BST edition 270 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, showcasing its ability on both the track and open road. Just 270 units were produced.

Central to its performance are the bespoke Öhlins dampers, which offer impressive responsiveness and control. Combined with a lower ride height of 25 mm and 20 percent stiffer springs, these dampers, which add an extra layer of compression adjustment over the standard Polestar 2 Performance Pack dampers, ensure precise handling and stability, allowing drivers to push the limits with confidence. Additionally, the inclusion of a front strut bar further enhances rigidity and cornering capabilities, ensuring every turn is met with authority.

If you want to learn more about the Polestar 2 BST edition 270, just click here.

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BST 230 and beyond 

Building on the enthusiasm for the first BST edition project, Polestar introduced a second version in 2023, the Polestar 2 BST edition 230. Retaining the signature chassis modifications and performance enhancements, this version added exclusive design upgrades such as the Nebula paintwork and eco-conscious MicroSuede textile. A total of 230 were produced.

Behind the scenes of the BST edition cars, Polestar collaborated with industry leaders such as Brembo, Öhlins, and Pirelli. With combined automotive experience totalling hundreds of years, these projects pushed the boundaries of electric performance, creating vehicles that combine innovation with practicality.

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The BST edition cars are engineering delights, embodying the spirit of automotive passion and a commitment to innovation. They are more than just cars – they are a symbol of what is possible when creativity and expertise come together in perfect, unrestricted harmony.

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