Volvo 'Concept XC Coupe' unveiled
With a design that's inspired by "modern sports equipment" and demonstrating the safety capabilities of Volvo's new Scalable Product Architecture, Volvo say the Concept XC Coupe is a sophisticated and capable car for people with an active lifestyle.
Given the 'XC' element in the name, the two-door, four-seat Concept XC Coupe is inspired by Volvo's successful XC range of SUVs, and, if it goes into production in something like the form presented here, will likely be a challenger to the range Rover Evoque in the premium compact SUV segment.
"Those who love gravity sports freely seek new thrills and challenges," says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group. "To ensure that they make it back in one piece, they prefer high-performance equipment that offers the ultimate sense of freedom and protection."
"The Volvo Concept XC Coupe is perfectly in tune with this active lifestyle. Its capability and protection is cleverly integrated into the sophisticated looks. Concept XC Coupé is ready and willing to bring you into the adventure zone and back.
"With the Volvo Concept XC Coupe, we take this unique blend of capable ruggedness and expressive elegance up to a new, sportier attitude," Ingenlath added.
Sleeker and safer at the same time
All three 'Concept' cars are designed to demonstrate vital elements of the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which Volvo says is identified by a "confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures."
"Concept XC Coupe also shows how clever engineering makes it possible for us to reinforce our world-leading safety without compromising design, size or weight. Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength boron steel and structures with new, ingenious decoupling, we can make SPA cars more compact and safer at the same time," said Ingenlath.
With its two-door, four-seat layout, the Concept XC Coupe has a strong connection with the first Volvo Concept Coupe unveiled at last September's Frankfurt Auto Show. However, the larger 21-inch wheels, more accentuated wheel-arches and a taller roofline all contribute to a more robust impression and a fuller, capable look.
The extended distance between the dashboard and the front axle is what Volvo calls "a very powerful visual element". The SUV-style stance is emphasised by details such as the new bonnet and a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the length of the car.
High-tech sport gear
Among the sources of inspiration for the design team is the Swedish company POC, which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes.
"Several orange details and exterior graphics in combination with bold use of matte rubber mouldings, which cover the rear end of the car, add to the highly functional expression of the design," said Ingenlath.
The Ingenlath-led design team has given traditional SUV elements, such as side mouldings and skid plates, a modern interpretation on the Concept XC Coupe. They are more integrated into the sleek design, flush with the surrounding body areas.
T-shaped DRL lights
Just like Volvo Concept Coupe, the face of the Volvo Concept XC Coupe is characterised by a new topography on the bonnet and the 'floating' grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. The rear light signature is also a distinctive element in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.
"Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design," said Ingenlath.
Building on a proud XC heritage
Volvo Cars paved the way for a completely new segment by introducing the V70 Cross Country in 1997. The range has been continuously developed and extended since then. Presently, it spans from the Volvo V40 Cross Country, via the XC60 and XC70, to the XC90.
