First look: Sleek new style for S60

VOLVO has heralded a sleek new look for its redesigned S60 sedan, which is not due to go on sale until 2010, by revealing the first image of the concept car that will preview it at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14.

Featuring what Volvo describes as a more accentuated coupe-like silhouette and “double wave” shoulder contours that extend from its headlights to its tail-lights, the S60 Concept also features a transparent floating centre stack made of hand-crafted Orrefors crystal.

As previously reported, it is unclear whether the production version of Volvo’s third-generation front and all-wheel drive competitor for BMW’s mid-sized 3 Series since the 850 in 1991 will comprise the 1.6-metre transparent centre console, which is claimed to feature a “shimmering glow” that matches the driver’s mood.

“The concept car shows part of our future,” said Volvo Cars president and CEO Stephen Odell. “It’s a hint that the all-new S60 will be one of the strongest contenders in the C/D premium segment.

“We both can, and dare, to deliver more exciting and more dynamic designs while maintaining our lead position in safety. The concept car's design gives a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 will deliver a sporty drive like no Volvo before,” he said.

Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin suggests that while the concept is a faithful representation of the following year’s production S60, its interior is not.

“The concept car's exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60,” he said. “The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas.

“On the inside we've been even more daring – there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future.

“In a concept car the aim is to give your imagination a free rein and our iconic super-slim centre stack was the perfect object. Using pure crystal is a thrilling experiment. We may well see interior features in crystal-like materials in the future,” said Mr Mattin.

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Next S60 cabin crystallises