LA Concept convertible design study displayed at city mall.

POLESTAR’S captivating electric convertible concept, unveiled internationally at the start of 2022, has begun a short-term display in New Zealand.

The national distributor has secured one of two examples of the ‘02’ roadster concept, which first revealed in Los Angeles in March, for display at Westfield Newmarket, a shopping centre in Auckland. It went on show today at a space called ‘the car centre’.

The four-seater here is not a car in traditional sense; it’s a clay model that is in a special LA Concept guise; created for a car show at Pebble Beach in August.

The specific look is to enter production as a introduction special edition, with a build run comprising 500 units, of what will be called the Polestar 6.

But that won’t happen until 2026. Polestar has prioritised the ‘3’, the ‘4’ and the ‘5’ - a sports utility, a coupe-like crossover and a flagship luxury sedan - ahead of the roadster. The ‘3’ was unveiled two months ago, the ‘4’ will be seen next year the ‘5’, with which the roadster will share key systems, including an 800-volt architecture, will be out in 2024.

Nonetheless, it has offered the LA Concept look as a saleable item and all sold out within a week of the unveil. One is said to have been bought by a New Zealander, to reside in this country. Kiwis have also expressed interest in the standard Polestar 6.

The dual motor electric is fast with 650kW and 900Nm and a 3.2-second 0-100kmh time.

The LA Concept edition avails in a unique Sky blue exterior and features many other key elements of the Polestar O2 concept shown in March.

It is thought the special will carry a hefty – some say more than $100,000 - premium over the regular version, which is expected to price at around $225,000 and will place as a brand flagship.

“The high interest from our customers shows that a stunning electric roadster like Polestar 6 has high relevance in the sportscar arena,” said Polestar’s chief executive, Thomas Ingenlath, at the cars international debut.