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ReprintsRevealed: Volvo S60 concept
Greg Migliore
AutoWeek
December 16, 2008 - 11:57 am ET
The Volvo S60 concept headed for the Detroit auto show in January carries a heavy dose of fantasy features while offering a strong hint of the 2010 production car. Volvo says much of the basic appearance of the concept sedan will show up in the production version, and the car's lines are a bit more dramatic than the current S60. But in true concept fashion, the show car is fitted with a few elements that seem unlikely to make it to production, such as the headlights that create a silhouette of two miniature Viking longboats sailing in tandem. Volvo also has said it plans to outfit the interior with a center console made of crystal. A new safety feature on the concept will make it to production. Called Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, the system tries to prevent crashes by alerting the driver with an audible warning and a flashing red light, meant to look like a taillight. If that fails, the car automatically applies full braking power. A turbocharged, direct-injection 1.6-liter 180-hp four-cylinder engine powers the concept. Inside, where past Volvo concepts have pioneered ideas like the floating center console that eventually appeared in production cars, the seats are attached to the center console and don't touch the floor. The concept rides on seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels, and the brakes have been dressed up with bronze calipers. The redesign of the current car, launched in 2000, has been delayed as Volvo has changed spending priorities. |
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