"The all-new S60 will be one of the strongest players in a segment where the competition is razor-sharp," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.
The coupe-inspired lines that gave the original S60 its characteristic stance are even more pronounced in the next generation.
"The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you here and now that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car's technology will also help you to be a better and safer driver," says Stephen Odell.
The concept car reveals that the Volvo Cars design team is stepping up to the next level in the development of the products' DNA.’ "The concept car's exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60.
On the inside we've been even more daring - there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future in the slightly longer perspective," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.
The Volvo S60 concept that will debut in Detroit next month. From the looks of this stylish coupe-like sedan, Volvo knew just what we wanted this year.
In front, there is a strong upward stance, thanks to the angle of the trapezoidal grille and lower air intakes along with the LED headlights that flow up into the V-shaped hood. The roofline is low, and the car's lines follow a "race track" theme as they continue smoothly throughout the body instead of ending abruptly. Volvo says it plans to implement this type of styling into future models as well.
Inside, the concept seats four and a floating crystal center console runs from front to back. The slim leather seats are actually cantilevered from the center stack, and both the armrest and seatbelt are integrated so the seats appear to be floating as well. The instrument cluster also continues the floating theme, and houses a unique speedometer where low numbers appear farther away to give the driver a reminder of forward motion.
The concept will also showcase some of Volvo's latest safety breakthroughs - namely its "Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection." The highlight of the technology is the ability to automatically activate the car's full braking power in certain cases - one of which is when a pedestrian steps into the path of the vehicle; another is when a low-speed collision is detected. The system warns the driver via a heads up display and will intervene if he or she does not quickly step on the brakes.
A new turbocharged four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine powers the concept S60. The engine is the first to use Volvo's efficient GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology. It also uses stratified combustion that allows the engine to operate with a surplus of air thus reducing fuel consumption. It is mated to a Powershift dual-clutch gearbox, and makes 180 hp.
+ 2009 Detroit Auto Show: Volvo S60 Concept Preview
+ 2009 Detroit Auto Show Preview: Volvo S60 Concept
+ 2009 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster
+ 2009 Detroit Preview: Audi A7 Luxury and R8 Supercar
Volvo says the concept will return an impressive 47 mpg, but doing so isn't just the work of the new engine and transmission. The car features electric power steering, auto start/stop, and a "DRIVe-Mode." In this mode, fuel consumption is further reduced by shutting off non-essential accessories. The car's body is made of lightweight materials, and flat underbody panels and a grille shutter reduce aerodynamic drag.
If the 2010 S60 is much like the concept, perhaps Acura and BMW have reason for concern. The S60 has never shined brightest in this very competitive sedan market, but this concept is proof that Volvo could strongly compete against its Japanese and German rivals.
