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 first
design by the new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath,
showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points
towards the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the
forthcoming XC90 in 2014. “The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is
designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the
confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design
signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type
of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed
next year,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
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 new Volvo Concept Coupé reveals how we could shape our
cars from now on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other
car brands, we add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm,
confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says
Thomas Ingenlath.
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.
Petrol plug-in hybrid – powerful and efficient
New T-shaped DRL lights
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 face is new, but it also carries more than 85 years of
Volvo heritage with great pride. We are still working with the final
interpretation of the grille and the iron mark and this will be revealed
together with the XC90 next year,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
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. 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
recognised part of Volvo’s identity. That journey starts with Concept
Coupé,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
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 beautifully machined metal details.”
“To me, handcrafted crystal is one of the finest examples
of high-quality Scandinavian design and I love the idea of bringing it
into the car. The prominent position of the gear-leaver is the perfect
place for this sparkling sensation,” says Robin Page, Design Director
Interior at Volvo Car Group. He adds: “The experience inside Concept
Coupé is an excellent example of how we will make Volvo customers
feeling truly special.”
Large portrait touch-screen
The concept car also includes a totally new approach to
Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen
in the centre console interacts with an adaptive digital display and
head-up display in front of the driver.
“This is a natural integration of user interfaces in our
new car generation. Interaction with pleasure but without distraction is
the key. We bring connectivity into our cars to make them both more
enjoyable and safe,” explains Ingenlath.
The petrol plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept
Coupé 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-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 a total output of around 400 hp and over 600 Nm of torque.
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