Auto Show
Detroit Auto Show: Volvo XC60 Concept
The best look yet at Volvo's next crossover
When the Volvo XC60 concept makes its official debut at the 2007 Detroit auto show in January, you can bet there will be plenty of references to all things Scandinavian, brand DNA and all the usual designer nonsense.
But Volvo shouldn't bother, as the XC60 concept is one design exercise that needs little explanation. It's a thinly veiled version of the XC60 production model that will go on sale in early 2009 and it looks good without the hype.
Part SUV, part sports coupe
Designed to slot into the growing premium compact SUV segment alongside vehicles like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2, the XC60 concept is part SUV and part sports coupe according to Volvo's designers. Below the beltline, its high ground clearance and 20-inch wheels were designed to mimic the more SUV-like traits of Volvo's larger XC90 sport-ute, while the sharply raked roof line was inspired by the new C30 sport coupe.
Up front, the XC60 features Volvo's iron mark logo flanked by angled marker lights on each side of the grille. Although Volvo started using more prominent versions of its logo years ago, the angled marker lights that give the front end of the XC60 its narrow, V-shaped look are a new design trait that will carry over into other models going forward. An aluminum skid plate just below the grille is a design detail that we expect will get swapped out for something more durable on the production version.
In back, there's a corresponding skid plate with neatly integrated exhaust tips that we wouldn't mind seeing in production, but that too is doubtful. Same goes for the XC60's glass and metal tailgate that's not only see-through for better visibility, it has a split-level opening that offers two different-size openings for accessing the cargo bay.
Like an iPod inside
As you would expect in a concept, the interior of the XC60 is more high-tech fantasy than showroom reality. It features a floating center console like Volvo's current S40 sedan, but this one is even thinner to free up more space. Its smooth, white surface is an obvious nod to the iPod look, although Volvo dressed it up with an outline of chrome trim. The instrument panel has a central speedometer flanked by video screens that remain black until the driver needs to access information.
Other interesting details include the open and see-through slots in the light-colored seats, which appear to float above the dark floor. These slots, which Volvo calls ponytail slots, were first seen a couple of years ago in the Volvo YCC (Your Concept Car). All the seats also have fully integrated seatbelts and the ponytail slots feature integrated ambient lighting. None of which, by the way, will make it to the production version.
Speaking of the production version
The production version of the five-passenger XC60 will share its platform and drivetrain with the Land Rover LR2, which will go on sale in the United States in May 2007. Like the Land Rover, the XC60 will be offered in a four-door configuration only and it'll be sized to compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and the soon-to-appear Mercedes-Benz GLK. Its mechanical sibling, the LR2 measures 177.2 inches from tip to tail, some 2.7 inches shorter than a BMW X3, and offers 59 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seat is folded flat.
Under the hood will be a transversely mounted double-overhead-cam 3.2.-liter inline-6 derived from the latest version of the inline-6 recently introduced in the Volvo S80. In the LR2 the six-cylinder develops 230 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 234 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm, and it's designed to deliver a broad power band thanks to variable valve timing. As is the case on the larger Volvo XC90, front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
We'll learn more in three weeks at the XC60's official coming-out party at the 2007 Detroit auto show.
But Volvo shouldn't bother, as the XC60 concept is one design exercise that needs little explanation. It's a thinly veiled version of the XC60 production model that will go on sale in early 2009 and it looks good without the hype.
Part SUV, part sports coupe
Designed to slot into the growing premium compact SUV segment alongside vehicles like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2, the XC60 concept is part SUV and part sports coupe according to Volvo's designers. Below the beltline, its high ground clearance and 20-inch wheels were designed to mimic the more SUV-like traits of Volvo's larger XC90 sport-ute, while the sharply raked roof line was inspired by the new C30 sport coupe.
Up front, the XC60 features Volvo's iron mark logo flanked by angled marker lights on each side of the grille. Although Volvo started using more prominent versions of its logo years ago, the angled marker lights that give the front end of the XC60 its narrow, V-shaped look are a new design trait that will carry over into other models going forward. An aluminum skid plate just below the grille is a design detail that we expect will get swapped out for something more durable on the production version.
In back, there's a corresponding skid plate with neatly integrated exhaust tips that we wouldn't mind seeing in production, but that too is doubtful. Same goes for the XC60's glass and metal tailgate that's not only see-through for better visibility, it has a split-level opening that offers two different-size openings for accessing the cargo bay.
Like an iPod inside
As you would expect in a concept, the interior of the XC60 is more high-tech fantasy than showroom reality. It features a floating center console like Volvo's current S40 sedan, but this one is even thinner to free up more space. Its smooth, white surface is an obvious nod to the iPod look, although Volvo dressed it up with an outline of chrome trim. The instrument panel has a central speedometer flanked by video screens that remain black until the driver needs to access information.
Other interesting details include the open and see-through slots in the light-colored seats, which appear to float above the dark floor. These slots, which Volvo calls ponytail slots, were first seen a couple of years ago in the Volvo YCC (Your Concept Car). All the seats also have fully integrated seatbelts and the ponytail slots feature integrated ambient lighting. None of which, by the way, will make it to the production version.
Speaking of the production version
The production version of the five-passenger XC60 will share its platform and drivetrain with the Land Rover LR2, which will go on sale in the United States in May 2007. Like the Land Rover, the XC60 will be offered in a four-door configuration only and it'll be sized to compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and the soon-to-appear Mercedes-Benz GLK. Its mechanical sibling, the LR2 measures 177.2 inches from tip to tail, some 2.7 inches shorter than a BMW X3, and offers 59 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seat is folded flat.
Under the hood will be a transversely mounted double-overhead-cam 3.2.-liter inline-6 derived from the latest version of the inline-6 recently introduced in the Volvo S80. In the LR2 the six-cylinder develops 230 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 234 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm, and it's designed to deliver a broad power band thanks to variable valve timing. As is the case on the larger Volvo XC90, front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
We'll learn more in three weeks at the XC60's official coming-out party at the 2007 Detroit auto show.
Add A Comment »