Volvo reveals S60 Concept

Volvo has released first official details of its new 3 Series/C-Class competitor, the S60.

According to Volvo, the S60 Concept, gives "a unique insight into the all-new Volvo S60 due in 2010." The concept car will be unveiled at January's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

 

The swoopy new Volvo clearly borrows themes from a new generation of Volvos currently being rolled out. The most recent model is the new XC60 SUV just introduced onto overseas markets.

 

Although the material released by Volvo does not talk about many of the hard facts concerning the S60's mechanicals, it has revealed the show car will feature a new 1.6-litre petrol engine using super-efficient Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDi)  technology.

 

The 134kW engine is claimed by Volvo to return an average 5.0L/100km and produce 119g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. It uses stratified combustion to optimises the air/fuel mixture and carefully control gas flow to "maximise efficient use of fuel".

 

This, according to Volvo, provides a reduction of around 20 per cent in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, compared with a similarly powerful engine.

 

The energy minimisation strategies in the S60 Concept also include engine start/stop when stationary in heavy traffic, a grille shutter to reduce air drag when the engine requires less cooling and flat, aerodynamic underbody panels.

 

As far as the rest of the driveline and suspension are concerned, it can be assumed the car will basically follow the architecture of new Volvos such as the forthcoming XC60. It could be assumed the production car will be available in front-drive and all-wheel drive form.

 

Aimed at the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the new mid-size Volvo is based on the P24 platform that underpins the new XC60 and V70/XC70 models. The S60 Concept shows the company is favouring pronounced curves and aggressively confident shapes to build on the "four-door coupe" style of the original S60.

 

According to Volvo design chief Steve Mattin, the designers referenced natural phenomena when creating the new S60 Concept.

 

The car is "packed with inspiration from Scandinavian design and from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas," he said in Volvo's official release.

 

And the Swedish references continue with the claim that the headlights are influenced by Viking longboats -- on each side the lights "form a sculpture creating the image of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side."

 

At the sides, the S60 Concept features a development of the wasp-waisted side view of the current S60 with a new "double weave" look stretching from headlights to taillights. At the back, new taillights that don't show their colours until switched on, and a retractable rear diffuser keep the ideas coming.

 

Inside, the new Volvo develops the floating centre console theme with a full-length Orrefors crystal console running from the dash to the rear seat backrest.

 

There's a tricky gear selector that is normally folded horizontally, but can be flipped up if the driver wishes to move through the ratios sequentially, and a speedo designed as a "three-dimensional glass spiral".

 

But don't expect to see a production S60 with the crystal centre console or the Concept's B-pillar-free suicide rear doors. These features can be expected to give way for something more cost and production friendly.

 

The S60 Concept also features new Volvo safety technology including "Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake" that activates automatically in certain situations such as if a pedestrian walks in front of the car.

 

The original S60 was a style-leader in the "reVolvolution" of Volvo's design language under the guidance of British stylist Peter Horbury. It was introduced in Australia in 2001.

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