Design Hints at the Next XC90

Volvo will unveil a new coupe concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. While simply named the Volvo 'Coupe Concept,' Volvo itself comments that this study is inspired by the coupe model 'P1800' released in the 1960s, calling it the 'next-generation P1800'.

Volvo is currently evolving and transitioning from the current 'XC60' to a new generation of design. The 'S60 Concept,' unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, adopted a dynamic design that could be considered its culmination. The production models 'S60 / V60' and 'S40 / V40' have succeeded as symbols of the new Volvo.XC60and 'S40 / V40' have succeeded as symbols of the new Volvo.S60 / V60have succeeded as symbols of the new Volvo.

The new coupe concept car announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a stylish 'P1800' reborn for the modern era, while also suggesting that Volvo's design revolution has entered its next stage. Although it uses the easily recognizable coupe model, this is precisely a preview of the design that will be adopted in the next 'XC90'.





Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design, who joined from the Volkswagen Group last year, is tasked not only with embodying a modern and advanced Scandinavian lifestyle but also with pioneering the future of Volvo design by adopting the 'Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)' inspired by past iconic designs and works as a new design concept.

Volvo plans to sequentially unveil a series of three concept cars using the 'Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)'. The 'Volvo Coupe Concept' is the first in this design reform, and this motif will be introduced to production models starting with the new XC90 in 2014.




The front face is characterized by a three-dimensional hood and a 'floating' grille sandwiched between headlights with new T-shaped DRL (Daytime Running Light) guides. The taillights also feature a new design that echoes the DRL design, indicating a new design direction for Volvo. Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design, stated, 'More realistic light and grille designs will be revealed with the XC90 in 2014.'

The interior extensively uses wood and leather, accented with effective metal parts. The 'center stack' motif, a symbol of current Volvo interiors, has also evolved with a new interpretation, incorporating a large, vertical central screen. When the new XC90 appears, it will likely be understood that the roots of its interior design lie here.





The powertrain employs a plug-in hybrid system with a 2-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a turbocharger and supercharger. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor. The total output is announced as 400 hp with a maximum torque of 600 Nm (61.2 kgm), offering performance comparable to a V8 engine.

The XC90, introduced in 2002, is a model with one of the longest lifespans in Volvo's lineup, exceeding 10 years. It's said that its strong sales in North America were a reason for the delay in transitioning to a new model. While the design of this concept car itself won't be directly adopted for the new XC90, the new design language used in the 'Volvo Coupe Concept' will be applied.XC90will be reborn in 2014. Considering the impact of this preview, high expectations are warranted for the main feature.