Say hello to the Volvo like you’ve never seen it before. Cue a flashback of the classic 240 model – the perfect everyday family car, but not particularly pleasant on the eyes. The 80s. Remember? Thought so. Feel old? So do we. Annoyingly for Volvo, up until now, its name has been bound (in our view) to this ‘retro’ concept, despite there only being a few stragglers left on the road and the impressive work of Peter Horbury’s superbly executed C70 model. I say up until now because we are pleased to reveal the new Volvo Concept Coupe: sleek and oh so agreeable to the eyes.
Valid, the Swedes at Volvo headquarters have done emotional coupes before – like the C70 and the legendary P1800 – but the Volvo Concept Coupe is the first from its new designer, Thomas Ingenlath who has been swept in (we presume) to re-ignite the brand. He’s certainly succeeded. Just take a look at it. As he explains,
“The concept is both a nod to the past and a signal of intent for the future.”
“We are not reinventing Volvo,’ he admits,’ ‘[but] we want to be beautiful and elegant in an era where the whole market is about being loud.”
Set to take centre stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the long proportions and exceptional svelte nature of this coupe get our approval. It’s no surprise though coming from Ingenlath, whose previous work includes the trendy Skoda Roomster and sexy VW Concept Bluesport.
New signature details to the Volvo name include new sideways ‘T’ LEDs that are split in half. There aren’t too many details on the surface, and instead a focus on elegance and understatement. With the design’s 21-inch alloys and high waistline it’s safe to say it still fits the bill of being one powerful toy for the fast-lane.
Other features include a glass roof which flood sunlight into the cabin. True to tradition, the classic Volvo elements that we’ve come to know and respect are intact, such as the P1800-inspired dial surrounds blended with digital readouts and retro-like three-tier dash, which will be customizable in terms of colour and material.
The piece de resistance? The crystal gear lever – it’s fashioned crystal, made down the road from Volvo’s Gothenburg HQ. Swish right?
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this ‘new future’ of Volvo’s.
For more information visit volvocars.com
By Emma Corbett
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