The XC60 Project – delivering a capable and charismatic crossover from Volvo

[Ian]

Volvo adds another crossover: The XC60



Volvo is bulking up, in more ways than one.

The Detroit auto show in January will be the stage for the introduction of the XC60 concept -- a thinly disguised preview of the production XC60 crossover expected to join Volvo's lineup in early 2009.

The Swedish automaker already offers the XC90 crossover. But the XC60 concept also sets the direction for future Volvo designs, the automaker says. That direction includes a more muscular, sculpted look for exteriors and more unique features in the interior, such as a thin center stack.

"The idea of a Volvo being boxy is behind us," Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars design director, says in a press release. "With a more sculpted look, our cars will be more extroverted in their visual appeal."

Volvo had intended to keep the XC60 concept under wraps until Tuesday, Dec. 19. But photographs and information were posted on Web sites in Europe on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and the automaker subsequently lifted the embargo on the information.

The XC60 concept rides on a platform shared with the Land Rover LR2.

Features of the concept include a glass roof with Y-shaped support, thin seats with a "ponytail" slot down the middle for better cooling and visibility, and an automatic braking system -- dubbed City Safety by Volvo -- that automatically activates to help prevent or mitigate crashes at speeds as high as 18.6 mph.

SOURCE: Automotive News

[Bob S]

Looks like a fair amount of Iosis cues in there, not too sure about the front end, but Volvo's new styling direction is looking good overall.

[Stu C]

Front is ugly. Not too sure on the new volvo's, the S80 im still not kind a sure on

The new Volvo the one that looks like the 480 is it? is just down right eurgh

[MGROVERnut]

Wonder if they plan to make it at Halewood?

[Ian]

The XC60 Project – delivering a capable and charismatic crossover from Volvo

The Volvo XC60 Concept takes centre stage at the Detroit Motor Show, integrating both the unmistakable, muscular XC-versatility and the sporty charisma of a coupe.
“One might say that this could be the C30-owner’s next car. Equally sporty and exciting, but far more capable. The concept car offers a good indication of how the “real” XC60 will look,” says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.
The new Volvo XC60 is planned to reach the showrooms at the beginning of 2009.

The concept car shows that Volvo Cars’ XC60 project is ready to challenge the competition in what is currently the toughest and fastest-growing segment in the automotive world – the Small Premium Utility segment.
Today there are only a handful of models in this segment but within the next few years, buyers will have at least ten to choose between.
Between 2007 and 2009, the segment’s sales volume is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 cars.
“There is considerable potential here and the concept car shows that we both can and actually dare to be even sportier and more dynamic while retaining our firm lead when it comes to safety. The technological solutions for avoiding low-speed collisions represent a major breakthrough. We call this system City Safety,” explains Fredrik Arp.

Automatic braking
If the vehicle in front suddenly brakes and the City Safety senses that a collision is likely to happen it will pre charge the brakes to help the driver to avoid an accident. However, when the system senses that a collision is imminent, the car will brake automatically.
City Safety is active at up to 30 km/h. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is below 15 km/h, the system can help the driver avoid the collision entirely. Between 15 and 30 km/h, the focus is instead on reducing speed as much as possible before the impact.

Target group with high demands on technology
As with the recently introduced Volvo C30, Volvo’s XC60 project is aimed at a specific target group with high demands on design, brand value and high-tech solutions in their choice of lifestyle products.
Tongue-in-cheek, one might say that these are consumers who always regard the microchip as a natural complement to their breakfast cereal. Consumers who have grown up in an era during which electronic products have undergone unimaginable development – and every birthday has brought greater electronic capacity in ever-smaller gift packages.
This generation is constantly looking for the very latest gadget and as a group it is becoming increasingly influential and building up increasing purchasing power. When it comes to the choice of car, these consumers adopt the same approach as they apply to other products; it should preferably cater for all their needs in one attractive, smart package.

Capable XC muscles down below, elegant coupé above the waistline
From the design viewpoint the XC60 Concept is a daring creation, a fusion of the very best elements from two distinctive, yet dynamic car types. Down below, the unmistakable and capable XC muscles pump up the car, giving it a distictive stance with a high ground clearance on large wheels. Above the waistline, the sleek lines trace the profile and sporty charisma of an elegant coupe.
The XC60 Concept has an interior design that is at least as daring as the exterior. This applies particularly to the instrument panel and centre stack and the slim, visually floating front and rear seats.
“The concept car not only provides a good indication of what the XC60 will look like, it also offers a hint of the lines of future Volvo models. With a more sculptured look, our cars will be more extrovert in their visual appeal. If you say that you recognise a Volvo from 50 metres today, I want to get to the point where people will instantly spot it from twice the distance in the future,” says Steve Mattin, Design Director at Volvo Cars.

Deliveries to customers in early 2009

With the XC60 Concept, Volvo Cars is announcing that the XC family, which presently consists of the XC70 and XC90, will be expanded in the beginning of 2009. Just like the two present vehicles in the XC range, the Volvo XC60 is based on passenger car technology, which makes it possible to combine its rugged capability with a dynamic and entertaining drive.
“I would like to emphasise that with the XC60 project as with the C30, we are aiming primarily at lifestyle rather than age. We are broadening our model range to primarily attract more customers with an active, urban lifestyle. The XC60 will be equally important as the C30 in our planned sales volume expansion,” concludes Fredrik Arp.

[Greg]

Yup, like that.

Has to be said, with the exception of a Range Rover (because it's the Daddy), the Volvo XC60 & XC90 are the only SUVs I would consider.