Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupe is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture.
After a more than a year of rising expectations, the first design by the new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath, showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points toward the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.
Developed in-house for Volvo Cars only, the Scalable Product Architecture liberates Volvo’s designers and engineers from the limitations of previous cross-brand platforms.
The visual impact of the new proportions is most powerful when viewing the Volvo Concept Coupe from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved slightly rearwards.
A low hood, 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 Coupe is characterized by a new topography on the hood and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped daytime running lights guides. Just like the rear light signature, the daytime running lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.
The Concept Coupe 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. 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. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future where sheer beauty becomes a recognized part of Volvo’s identity. That journey starts with Concept Coupe,” said Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlat.
The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupe. Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with beautifully machined metal details.
The concept car also includes a totally new approach to Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the center console interacts with an adaptive digital display and head-up display in front of the driver.
The Scalable Product Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable will be introduced in 2014 – and Volvo Cars’ aim is to have cars with fully autonomous technology out on the roads before 2020.
The gasoline plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept Coupe reflects Volvo Cars’ strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. This will take power figures up into V8 territory.
The concept car features a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. The petrol engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle. This gives Volvo Concept Coupe a total output of around 400 hp and over 440 lb.-ft. of torque.
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