The Sports Coupé by Volvo is the first of three concepts the company will create to showcase the future design of Volvo cars. The concepts are built on something called 'Scalable Product Architecture', which Volvo says is what it needs to compete against top premium brands in the future. The new simplistic design language is also said to mimic the Scandinavian way of life.
Exterior
The Volvo concept has a low, wide stance complete with a long bonnet to create that traditional sports car look. Volvo has also extended the distance between the bonnet and dashboard, which is said to feature in next-generation models. Also present is Volvo's latest floating-grille design, freshly styled rear light clusters and T-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) that will soon be fitted to road-going cars. Bespoke 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are also a feature.
Interior
The Sports Coupé Concept's interior has been designed to "build on the premium feel found in the new V40". The traditional sea of buttons on the dashboard has been replaced by a single, large touchscreen that controls all the on-board gadgetry. Another eye-catcher inside is the presence of a sparkling crystal gear-lever, which, alongside the futuristic but simple dial design, stands out next to the natural wood inlays found on the dashboard. Heavily contoured sports seats also find their way into the concept; as does a very cool design of seatbelt clip.
Mechanicals
Volvo is making use of the petrol-electric hybrid set up to maximise power whilst still returning good fuel economy. Volvo says that the Sports Coupé Concept will feature one of the most powerful versions of its 2.0-litre Drive-E engine using both a supercharger and a turbocharger. The whole ensemble will then be bolted to an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, which will bring total output to somewhere around 400hp. The Sports Coupé Concept is also ready to be fitted with autonomous steering technology that should find its way into passenger cars in 2014.
Anything else?
With the Frankfurt Motor Show just around the corner, we would be very surprised if the Sports Coupé Concept wasn't present on the Volvo stand. We do know, however, that the first model to sport this new design language is to be the all-new XC90 which is set to be revealed next year.