The XC60 project is targeted to customers with high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content.
"One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car. It's as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle," explains Fredrik Arp.
Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin commented: "This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo.
"We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance."
According to Volvo the XC60 exterior was conceived as a mix of two car styles. The lower part is characterized by muscular and bold volumes, with large wheels and high ground clearace. Up above, the flowing lines and sleek profile create the sporty look and visual impression of a coupé.
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Compared to the XC Concept unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show, the production model showcases a similar exterior design, with the main differences visible in the rear end, which has a conventional tailgate - without the dark transparent panel of the concept - and different tail lights.
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| Above: the XC60 Concept unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show | |
Inside, the XC60 is sporty and with a dynamic look, with the typical floating center console. Yet - as one would expect - the design is very far from the futuristic
and high-tech
cabin of the XC60 Concept.
The new XC60 is being launched with a range of three engines: the turbocharged T6 (285 hp), and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, (163-185 hp). All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.
A front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine 163 hp will be offered in 2009.
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The comprehensive safety equipment includes the City Safety system- a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.
"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced." says Fredrik Arp.
The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
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The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will begin in early 2009.
(Source: Volvo)
