The Precept concept’s “Thor’s hammer” headlight design that establishes a visual connection from Polestar to Volvo., Mike Spinelli
Upon closer inspection, the Precept displays a blend of intricate futurism and sleek, aerodynamic contours, exuding a hint of allure akin to what a humanoid might find appealing from certain angles. These nuances prevent the overall design from appearing sterile and dystopian. Polestar is embracing a design ethos that Missoni refers to as “robotic,” in contrast to the organic, flowing forms favored by other automakers.
The vehicle boasts meticulous, high-tech contours, coupled with familiar sports-car references. For instance, a subtle pair of fender bulges at the front end adds a touch of exoticism to the concept. A concept reminiscent of what is known as “Becker points” at Polestar’s sibling brand Lotus, also under the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, paying tribute to the renowned engineering director Roger Becker, who believed these features aided drivers in precise vehicle positioning.
Similarly, the aerodynamic nose-mounted airfoil channels air through the intricately sculpted hood to minimize turbulence and enhance laminar flow, allowing designers to depart from the conventional rounded front surfaces often seen in other EVs.
When it came to integrating the LiDAR sensor above the Precept’s windshield, designers faced a crucial decision: conceal it behind a facade or integrate it as a prominent design element. The placement of a vehicle’s LiDAR sensor significantly impacts the effectiveness of the ADAS system in object detection. By segregating the sensor assembly’s design from the rest of the vehicle, designers could position the camera optimally without compromising the overall design. Chris Tsui from The Drive humorously remarked that it appears as if the car is sporting a small hat or perhaps resembling a misplaced WiFi router. While Tesla opts for a system of cameras and software instead of LiDAR for object detection in advanced driver-assistance systems, thus avoiding this design quandary, Polestar firmly stands behind its LiDAR-based system, which is pivotal in improving the safety and functionality of their vehicles.
