DETROIT — In what promises to be one of the most memorable interiors seen at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Volvo said it will show off a next-generation Volvo S60 with a striking center stack made of crystal. Swedish glassworks Orrefors, better known for vases and candlesticks, has teamed up with the automaker to come up with the concept.
However, Volvo says "the full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature." It adds that crystal may be used "on a smaller scale in the future." "We'll have to see how our customers respond," said Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director, in a statement.
The crystal center stack has a wave pattern designed to look like a waterfall flowing from the instrument panel. Ambient lighting on the crystal can be adjusted to "match the driver's mood." This is the first time that Orrefors has served as a supplier to the auto industry.
Automakers have routinely experimented with unusual materials, including granite and cashmere, on concept vehicles. Shimmering materials are often a favorite, too. The 2005 Mercury Meta One concept car used a glistening white carpet made of high-tech fibers and an unusual sky-blue cabin that designer Anthony Prozzi said was inspired by the color of an ice-skating outfit worn by Michelle Kwan during a 1998 performance. "Design in cars, clothing, home and housewares is merging into one," Prozzi told Inside Line at the time of the concept's debut.
It's interesting to note that the Volvo and Orrefors team did not forget about practicality with the crystal concept: There are two cupholders under the crystal panel.
Inside Line says: Volvo strives to bring clean and elegant Swedish design into its car interiors, something that you may see more of on its production vehicles. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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