- The Volvo Concept Universe, which previews the next-generation Volvo S80, debuted on Monday at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.
- The Volvo Concept Universe gets a sleeker look than the current Volvo S80, with a long hood and more coupe-like proportions.
- The concept underscores Volvo's desires to be on an equal footing with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
SHANGHAI, China — The Volvo Concept Universe, which previews the next-generation Volvo S80, debuted on Monday at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. It is a significant signpost for those who wonder what shape Volvo will take under its new Chinese owner Geely.
It is also noteworthy that the Volvo Concept Universe underscores the brand's drive to become a luxury automaker on a par with BMW and Mercedes-Benz and shake its "near-luxury" label. "Volvo Car Corporation aims to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want," said Volvo in a statement.
Without saying the words Volvo S80, the automaker broadly hinted that the concept represents its future flagship.
"The Concept Universe offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from out next top-of-the-line sedan," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp. in a statement.
The Volvo Concept Universe gets a sleeker look than the current Volvo S80, with a long hood and more coupe-like proportions. It is the work of longtime Volvo designer Peter Horbury, who emphasized the concept's "Scandinavian design" in a statement and said the goals were to create a flagship sedan "without superficiality or complication."
Powertrain details were not disclosed.
The cabin has a somewhat stark appearance and features a touchscreen "that approaches the hand when the driver reaches toward it," said Volvo in a statement. The cabin molds around the rear seat to "become part of the seating environment," said the automaker.
Inside Line says: Volvo's new Chinese masters clearly want to be masters of the universe. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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lookatmyshoes says:
06:38 AM, 07/22/2011
Since Volvo already got it right with the design, like it or not the S60 is one of the most appealing cars
I would like to see and aggressive proposal in the 80series say a C80 sportsback starting in the low 50s. Imagine a design similar to the S60 with lower roof line and hatchback.
easym1 says:
08:25 PM, 04/19/2011
front = ugly ...side = ok ...back = looks good!
jscion says:
05:16 PM, 04/19/2011
The design is.....intersting?!?!?! The front of the car looks like something that would be perfect for a new Volvo compact, not a flagship sedan like this. Volvo needs to start from the ground up. Get a good entry-level model or several few of them, then work up to expanding and improving the S60. Nobody even knows the S80 even exists!!!
openeyes1 says:
02:43 PM, 04/19/2011
@justinlink; You seem to forget that Geely is the inventor of the Chery, China's unsafe at any speed small car. Sure you can speculate that Geely will learn safety from Volvo, more likely they will burn the brands reputation in an attempt to cut costs.
@brent33; SAAB in the past (BGM) had some of the best aerodynamic design's. I think its insult to associate this design with the older SAAB's.
ryrybugatti22 says:
02:29 PM, 04/19/2011
the back looks great. the front... well it needs to learn from the back.
calspecial68 says:
02:26 PM, 04/19/2011
I like how it's not so swoopy and "graceful" like the others in the segment (7 Series excluded). Very masculine, just how an executive saloon should be.
jlcii says:
12:50 PM, 04/19/2011
I must say, I like it. But I'm not sure about that front end.
ed341 says:
11:15 AM, 04/19/2011
Looks amazing!
jhatmaker24 says:
11:06 AM, 04/19/2011
Hopefully Geely's previous attempts at car designing won't rub off on Volvo. They don't have the best track record...
brent33 says:
10:44 AM, 04/19/2011
Horribly dull and unimaginative. Looks very Saab if anything.