Volvo S60 Concept

 While the S60 concept exhibits a large dose of daydream features that won’t make it to production, Volvo says the show car provides “a glimpse of what the all-new Volvo S60 is going to look like when it arrives in 2010.”

 

Riding on the same platform as the new XC60 crossover, the next S60 endorses a recent European styling trend of resembling a coupe with four doors.

 

The front is unmistakably Volvo, with an enlarged, trapezoidal grille flanked by sweeping LED headlights inspired by Viking longboats. Pronounced shoulders form a “double wave” belt line that runs the length of the car. In the rear, integrated exhaust tips and trapezoidal license-plate mounting space are topped by a retractable diffuser that improves aerodynamics.

 

A massive sunroof is a good candidate for production, but the rear doors that pop out and slide rearwards like a minivan are purely a concept feature.

 

Inside, the center of attention is grabbed by Volvo’s trademark floating center console made of solid Orrefors crystal. The visual effect might be accomplished in the production version with clear plastic. As for the two rear bucket seats, they’ll be replaced by bench seating for
three.

Beneath the sculpted hood, Volvo is previewing its latest engine technology, Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDi). The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and is expected to achieve an Environmental Protection Agency combined fuel-economy rating of 47 mpg and emit just 0.42 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile.

 

To complement the engine, other fuel-efficiency features include an engine stop/start function, electric power steering and “DRIVe-Mode,” which limits the number of driver-selected electrical or mechanical systems.

 

Another drivetrain preview is a new 6-speed automatic transmission called Powershift, which Volvo describes as “two manual gearboxes working in parallel, each regulated by its own clutch.”

 

Volvo and safety are synonymous, and the S60 concept showcases two innovative safety technologies. First is a next-generation adaptive cruise control that can function in stop-and-go driving conditions — just set the cruise and steer.

 

The second, “Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection” is impressive. If the driver fails to heed visual and audible warnings, the vehicle can stop on its own to avoid a rear ender or striking a pedestrian.

 

The S60 concept is Volvo’s most appealing car design ever. Pity we’ll have to wait until 2010 for the real thing.