Volvo go to the past to move into the future
Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s.
“It is a car designer’s duty to reflect and incorporate design signatures that are vital parts of the company’s heritage,” said Thomas Ingenlath who is senior vice president of design.
“The P1800 is an iconic Volvo, renowned for its beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from the P1800 exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro.”
After more than a year of rising expectations the first design showcases how emotion is built into the Volvo brand and points towards the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming Volvo XC90 in 2014.
A low bonnet, roof, and the five-spoke 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer oozing effortless power. The confident stance is emphasized by a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car.
The face of the Volvo Concept Coupé is characterised by a new topography on the bonnet and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. Just like the rear light signature, the DRL lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.
The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupé.
Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with machined metal details.
The Volvo concept car also includes a totally new approach to Volvos human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the centre console interacts with a digital display and head-up display in front of the driver.
The Scalable Platform Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents will be introduced in 2014.
The petrol plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept Coupé reflects Volvo strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. The concept car features a two-litre high-performance Drive-E petrol engine with a supercharger and turbo. The petrol engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle.
This gives Volvo Concept Coupé output of around 298kW (400 hp) and over 600Nm of torque.
