Volvo Dumps Boxy Image With XC60 Concept

Ford Motor Co.'s Swedish Volvo brand will be launching a new concept vehicle named XC60 at the 2007 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit. The concept vehicle is engineered to dump the boxy image of the automaker and pave way for a sleek and evocative new Volvo crossover.

According to the automaker the design innovations incorporated in the XC60 will form part of future Volvo models. "In recent years, we have successfully emphasized the Scandinavian characteristics that base prestige on timeless, functional elegance," said Steve Mattin, Volvo's director of design. "Now we're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally pumping up our cars' visual volume." It is time to once and for all forget all about boxy Volvos."

Volvo XC60 Concept is the auto show preview of the production version of the car. The evocative features of the crossover include the beefy 20-inch wheels in an angled position, innovative tailgate, and the stylish grille. The rear of the vehicle also sports a bolder lettering of Volvo's brand identity. XC60's lower section is made transparent from inside of the crossover to improve rear visibility. Also, its interior features the iconic iPod-inspired instrument panel plus the exotic ambience of Volvo lighting. Its front and rear seats feature a 'pony-tail' slot that extends down the back of the seat to boost rearward vision and ventilation. Said feature was previewed on the Volvo YCC (Your Concept Car).

"The XC60 Concept features a number of innovations that indicate how our cars will look in a few years time. It is time to once and for all forget about boxy Volvos," said Mattin. "Instead, we will make our Scandinavian design heritage more emotional and radiant by adding sculptured, exciting shapes and innovative features. With more expressive and emotive shapes, if you can recognize a Volvo from 50m today, I want to get to the point where you will instantly spot a Volvo from twice that distance in the future."

XC60 will be joining XC70 and XC90 in the All Wheel Drive (AWD) range of Volvo. XC60 is equipped with chosen sophisticated Volvo XC90 vintage car truck parts. Several Volvo XC70 parts were also integrated in the crossover to a different level of auto charisma. Like the new Volvo C30, XC60 is aimed to improve modern demands on design, innovations and performance.