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Volvo Coupe Concept is rebirth of a legend


Volvo set the pace at Frankfurt with its Concept Coupe, a technologically advanced number of exceptional grace reminiscent of its iconic P1800 of the 1960s.

Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupe 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 visual impact is highlighted from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved slightly rearwards. A low bonnet, roof, and the five-spoke, 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer with effortless power. The confident stance is emphasised by a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car.

The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Coupe. 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.

The Scalable Product Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable will be introduced in 2014 and Volvo Cars' aim is to have cars with fully autonomous technology out on the roads before 2020.

ENGINE

The coupe embodies what Volvo calls its ‘human centric experience’ and apart from a host of safety electronics, has the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor that will soon replace the brand's five and six-cylinder engines.

The engine has turbo and supercharging plus a plug-in electric motor, resulting in total outputs of around 320kW and over 600Nm of torque -- and V8-like performance, but with mini car fuel consumption. The hybrid driveline reflects Volvo Cars' strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family.

However, the classy coupe is not scheduled for production in the near future. Instead, it marks the capability of Volvo's new architecture and elements of its design will feature on all future models, starting with the new XC90 in about a year.