Sleek and sexy are words that are rarely associated with Volvos. Rather, the name Volvo generally conjures up adjectives such as safe and secure. Yet, the 2009 Volvo S60 concept seeks to change that notion and instead prove that a Volvo can be both safe and sexy.
The concept ditches the brand's aged Scandinavian design in favor of the bold styling of the handsome XC60 crossover. In front, there is a strong upward stance, thanks to the angle of the trapezoidal grille and lower air intakes. The LED headlights are modeled to look like miniature Viking longboats sailing up into the V-shaped hood.
The front doors open conventionally while the rears are electronic and swing out then slide rearward. The roofline is low and the beltline is high for that coupe-like sedan profile made popular by the Mercedes Benz CLS. The car's lines follow a "race track" theme as they continue smoothly throughout the body instead of ending abruptly. Volvo says it plans to implement this type of styling into future models and we couldn't approve more.
Inside, the concept seats four along a floating crystal center console that runs from front to back. The slim leather seats are actually cantilevered from the center stack, and both the armrest and seatbelt are integrated to give the appearance that everything is hovering. The instrument cluster continues the floating theme and houses a unique speedometer where low numbers appear farther away. The intention is to give the driver a reminder of forward motion, as if looking out the windshield would not suffice.
To read more about the 2009 Volvo S60 Concept, go to our 2009 Detroit auto show blogs coverage. All the latest blogs from the Editors of Automobile Magazine can be found HERE. We've got our whole staff wandering the floor at Cobo Hall bringing back live photos and more information about all the new debuts from Detroit.
For complete coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show, click HERE. ...next page >>