First look: Sleek new style for S60
BY MARTON PETTENDY | 25th Nov 2008
Featuring what Volvo describes as a more accentuated coupe-like silhouette and “double wave” shoulder contours that extend from its headlights to its tail-lights, the S60 Concept also features a transparent floating centre stack made of hand-crafted Orrefors crystal.
As previously reported, it is unclear whether the production version of Volvo’s third-generation front and all-wheel drive competitor for BMW’s mid-sized 3 Series since the 850 in 1991 will comprise the 1.6-metre transparent centre console, which is claimed to feature a “shimmering glow” that matches the driver’s mood.
“The concept car shows part of our future,” said Volvo Cars president and CEO Stephen Odell. “It’s a hint that the all-new S60 will be one of the strongest contenders in the C/D premium segment.
“We both can, and dare, to deliver more exciting and more dynamic designs while maintaining our lead position in safety. The concept car's design gives a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 will deliver a sporty drive like no Volvo before,” he said.
Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin suggests that while the concept is a faithful representation of the following year’s production S60, its interior is not.
“The concept car's exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60,” he said. “The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas.
“On the inside we've been even more daring – there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future.
“In a concept car the aim is to give your imagination a free rein and our iconic super-slim centre stack was the perfect object. Using pure crystal is a thrilling experiment. We may well see interior features in crystal-like materials in the future,” said Mr Mattin.