Η Volvo αποχαιρετά οριστικά την εποχή της Ford και μπαίνει σε ένα νέο, υποσχόμενο μέλλον με το Concept Coupe που παρουσιάστηκε και επίσημα στην έκθεση της Φρανκφούρτης.
Είναι σχεδιασμένο ώστε να μας δείχνει την μελλοντική σχεδιαστική –και όχι μόνο- φιλοσοφία της Volvo και σύμφωνα με την φίρμα ο σχεδιασμός του, εμπνεύστηκε από το Volvo P1800. Αυτό δεν σημαίνει πως είναι ρετρό. Κάθε άλλο μάλιστα. Είναι πολύ πιο σύγχρονο από το κλασικό Volvo με τη χαρακτηριστική, επιθετική μάσκα και τα εξίσου χαρακτηριστικά LED φωτιστικά σώματα. Το concept διαθέτει επίσης γυάλινη, πανοραμική οροφή, απότομο «κόψιμο» στο πίσω μέρος και ζάντες ελαφρού κράματος 21 ιντσών. Χάρη σε όλα αυτά και την εμφατική γραμμή στο πλάι του αυτοκινήτου, το Volvo Concept Coupe δίνει την εντύπωση Gran Tourer.Βασίζεται στην Scalable Product Architecture και στην ουσία αποτελεί το πρώτο δείγμα δουλειάς του Thomas Ingenlath, του νέου επικεφαλής σχεδιασμού της Volvo.
Στο εσωτερικό, η εμμονή στη λεπτομέρεια και η μίξη των παραδοσιακών αξιών της Volvo με σύγχρονα υλικά και τεχνοτροπίες είναι εμφανής. Το σαλόνι είναι επενδυμένο με καλής ποιότητας δέρμα, η κονσόλα και τα διάφορα panels είναι από ξύλο ενώ την μονοτονία και την «κλασσικούρα» σπάνε τα gloss μαύρα ενθέμματα. Την μετάβαση στη νέα εποχή, εκπροσωπούν το head-up display και η μεγάλη οθόνη αφής του συστήματος infotainment.
Την κίνηση του Concept Coupe έχει αναλάβει ένα υβριδικό powertrain που συνδυάζει έναν δίλιτρο Drive-E βενζινοκινητήρα με έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα που έχει αναλάβει την κίνηση των πίσω τροχών. Λεπτομέρειες δεν έχουν δημοσιευθεί αλλά η Volvo λέει πως το Concept αποδίδει περίπου 400 άλογα και πάνω από 600Nm ροπής.
Στο περίπτερο της Volvo βρίσκονται επίσης τα ανανεωμένα S60, XC 60, S60 R-Design και V40 Cross Country.
Volvo Concept Coupe Live
Volvo Concept Coupe
[Πηγή: Volvo]
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Volvo Car Group at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show:
Concept Coupé and Drive-E powertrains introduce the new Volvo Cars
The rapid transformation of Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) is highly evident at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Volvo Concept Coupé, which was revealed at a press conference today, showcases the capability of the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture – and the new, super-efficient four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains are now available in six Volvo models.
“We are creating a new product portfolio that blends a strong heritage with innovative technology and emotional design. Every core area is brought into a new dimension, also injecting more emotion into the rational properties that are the heart and soul of Volvo,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group.
Volvo Concept Coupé
Paving the way for new XC90
Concept Coupé is the first in a series of three concept cars that demonstrate the new design direction of Volvo Cars. They are paving the way for the introduction of the all-new XC90 next year.
“The Volvo Concept Coupé show what you can expect from our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is a different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.
Launch of Drive-E powertrains
The first three engines from Volvo Cars’ new two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E Powertrain family are launched during the autumn of 2013.
Initially, the new S60, V60 and XC60 are available with three engines from the new engine family: the 306 hp petrol turbo T6, the 245 hp T5 and the turbo diesel D4 with 181 hp. The T5 and the D4 are also available in the new Volvo V70, XC70 and S80. To deliver the desired responsive, smooth and fuel-efficient drivability, the engines are teamed either with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox from Aisin or an enhanced six-speed manual, tuned for improved fuel economy.
Volvo Cars’ new Drive-E powertrains – efficient driving pleasure with world-first technologies
Volvo Cars’ strategy is to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family, taking power figures up into V8 territory. The concept car in Frankfurt is equipped with Volvo Cars’ ingenious plug-in hybrid technology. A high-performance petrol engine teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of about 400 hp and over 600 Nm of torque.
“Our successful V60 Plug-in Hybrid has already proved that the most efficient car can be one of the most fun to drive, and the pleasure is guilt free. And today we can confirm that the new XC90 also will come a plug-in hybrid at the top of the range,” said Lex Kerssemakers.
World-first i-ART
The high-performance petrol engine T6 is fitted with a supercharger and turbocharger combined, while i-ART delivers seemless and frugal diesel performance. Developed together with Volvo strategic partner Denso, i-ART features pressure feedback from each fuel injector. This ensures that the ideal amount of fuel is injected in each of the cylinders during each combustion cycle.
“Our four-cylinder engines offer higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than our current, already efficient four-cylinders,” said Lex Kerssemakers.
New features in 60-series
On top of the new Drive-E powertrains, Volvo Cars introduce new infotainment and safety features in the 60-series. Sensus Connect features a refreshed HMI with a number of innovative functions. Lane Keeping Aid, which helps the driver stay in the lane by applying extra steering torque to the steering column, and the parallel parking wizard Park Assist Pilot are now available in the S60 and V60.
The Volvo Concept Coupé – the next-generation P1800: Elegant confidence enabled by the new scalable architecture
Inspired by contemporary, progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design as well as iconic elements from the past, the elegant new Volvo Concept Coupé is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
After a more than a year of rising expectations, the first design by the new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath, showcases how design builds emotion into the Volvo brand and points towards the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.
“The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed next year,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
Developed in-house for Volvo Cars only, the Scalable Product Architecture liberates Volvo’s designers and engineers from the limitations of previous cross-brand platforms.
“The new Volvo Concept Coupé reveals how we could shape our cars from now on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other car brands, we add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
Powerful visual impact
The visual impact of the new proportions is most powerful when viewing the Volvo Concept Coupé from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved slightly rearwards.
A low bonnet, roof, and the five-spoke, 21-inch wheels also contribute to the impression of an elegant Gran Tourer oozing effortless power. The confident stance is emphasized by a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car.
“Think about the powerful calmness of a lion. He doesn’t have to prowl to radiate respect. Even lying down he shows very clearly what he is capable of,” smiles Thomas Ingenlath.
New T-shaped DRL lights
The face of the Volvo Concept Coupé is characterised by a new topography on the bonnet and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. Just like the rear light signature, the DRL lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.
“The face is new, but it also carries more than 85 years of Volvo heritage with great pride. We are still working with the final interpretation of the grille and the iron mark and this will be revealed together with the XC90 next year,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
Echoes the iconic P1800
The Concept Coupé also features elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s.
“It is a car designer’s duty to reflect and incorporate design signatures that are vital parts of the company’s heritage. The P1800 is an iconic Volvo, renowned for its beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from the P1800 exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future where sheer beauty becomes a recognised part of Volvo’s identity. That journey starts with Concept Coupé,” says Thomas Ingenlath.
Sparkling crystal gear-leaver
The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupé. Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets are blended with beautifully machined metal details.”
“To me, handcrafted crystal is one of the finest examples of high-quality Scandinavian design and I love the idea of bringing it into the car. The prominent position of the gear-leaver is the perfect place for this sparkling sensation,” says Robin Page, Design Director Interior at Volvo Car Group. He adds: “The experience inside Concept Coupé is an excellent example of how we will make Volvo customers feeling truly special.”
Large portrait touch-screen
The concept car also includes a totally new approach to Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the centre console interacts with an adaptive digital display and head-up display in front of the driver.
“This is a natural integration of user interfaces in our new car generation. Interaction with pleasure but without distraction is the key. We bring connectivity into our cars to make them both more enjoyable and safe,” explains Thomas Ingenlath.
The Scalable Product Architecture is also being prepared for completely autonomous driving. The first features with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable will be introduced in 2014 – and Volvo Cars’ aim is to have cars with fully autonomous technology out on the roads before 2020.
Petrol plug-in hybrid – powerful and efficient
The petrol plug-in hybrid driveline in the Volvo Concept Coupé reflects Volvo Cars’ strategy to use electrification to create the most powerful versions in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. This will take power figures up into V8 territory.
The concept car features a two-litre high-performance Drive-E petrol engine with a supercharger and turbo. The petrol engine is teamed with an electric motor on the rear axle. This gives Volvo Concept Coupé a total output of around 400 hp and over 600 Nm of torque.
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