Racing a former rally champion in reverse in Polestar 4

Two drivers. One icy track. Polestar 4. And a race, in reverse.

My work as a writer has taken me to many interesting places, where I’ve met fascinating people and experienced a range of different events. But my latest adventure wins first prize. This time, it would take me to a frozen lake in Arctic Circle territory to race a former rally driver. My rally experiences? Nil. Racing on ice? (Sub-)zero. Luckily for me, neither of us had participated in a backward race up until this point. 

Getting ready for a race in reverse of Polestar 4.
Polestar 4 from the rear.

The idea of a race using only the rearview mirror was borne out of a recent social media storm sweeping all Polestar’s social media accounts. What prompted this upswing in activity was the announcement that Polestar 4 does not have a rear window but rather a rearview camera connected to a digital HD display where the rearview mirror would traditionally sit.

Followers, commentators, fans, yea-sayers and, inevitably, nay-sayers were all curious to know how this technology would fare in rain, snow, and darkness, compared to a traditional rearview mirror. (All of which we’ve addressed in previous features available via the hyperlinks.)

Because reversing is the act in which we rely most on the rearview mirror, the reverse race was designed as the ultimate test for driver-rearview mirror compatibility. Only this time, Joakim Rydholm (Head of Chassis Development) and I would be relying on a high-definition digital display to reverse our way around the sculpted ice track nicknamed the “Joakim-ring.” 

Front view of a reverse race in Polestar 4.

Expectations ran high when I stepped into the driver’s seat. I could feel the weight of my team’s expectations on my shoulders, pushing me firmly into the seat. One of the on-site technicians even told me he would never dare to get in the driver’s seat if Joakim was in the passenger’s seat, let alone race him. I, on the other hand, had no choice. Duty called.

I won’t break any journalistic codes by revealing who won (you’ll just have to watch the video and find out for yourself), but I will say this: Polestar 4’s digital rearview display was pixel-perfect with a broad field of view and crystal-clear image; Joakim’s coaching tactics, with a mix of badgering and encouragement, made him an excellent tutor (a Solid B+); and driving on a frozen lake within the Arctic Circle was a 10/10 experience.

If you want to learn how to drive like a professional, read our latest how-to guide with Joakim Rydholm, available here.

Want more information on Polestar 4? Check out all its specs on https://www.polestar.com/polestar-4/.   

Nicole and Joakim racing Polestar 4.

Words by Nicole DeLay

Nicole is a writer and creative based out of the Polestar HQ in Gothenburg, Sweden. With a focus on lifestyle, ideas, and sustainability, she looks at automotive in a broader sense than just cars. With more than three years working at Polestar, Nicole is a senior contributor to the Polestar editorial site.

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