In contrast to the exodus of manufacturers from next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo offers up this first glimpse of its S60 concept sedan, which will debut on its stand as a preview of what the production model will look like when it arrives in 2010. Joining a growing number of sleek, coupe-inspired four-doors such as the Volkswagen CC and Mercedes-Benz CLS, the S60 concept represents a well-proportioned and aggressive departure from many of the company’s existing staid designs.
Sitting on seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels, the sedan sports a massive glass roof and an enlarged trapezoidal grille, which is flanked by small vertical running lamps and sweeping LED headlights inspired by Viking longboats. A “double wave” beltline extends from the tips of the headlights to the rear, where it flows over the bulged rear haunches and into unique taillight clusters that look clear, but illuminate their marker-light, brake-light, and turn-signal sections in appropriate colors when needed. A retractable diffuser improves aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle and is part of Volvo’s attempt to infuse the S60 concept with cues reminiscent of the sweeping curves of a racetrack.
Sitting on seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels, the sedan sports a massive glass roof and an enlarged trapezoidal grille, which is flanked by small vertical running lamps and sweeping LED headlights inspired by Viking longboats. A “double wave” beltline extends from the tips of the headlights to the rear, where it flows over the bulged rear haunches and into unique taillight clusters that look clear, but illuminate their marker-light, brake-light, and turn-signal sections in appropriate colors when needed. A retractable diffuser improves aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle and is part of Volvo’s attempt to infuse the S60 concept with cues reminiscent of the sweeping curves of a racetrack.