New 395-hp hybrid concept showcases Volvo’s new design direction with nods to the P1800.Have you ever seen a more beautiful Volvo? That’s the first question we asked after Volvo revealed its gorgeous Concept Coupe the carmaker has dubbed the “next-generation P1800.” While not exactly retro, the nod to Volvo’s revered coupe is clear in the concept’s shape penned by the brand’s new design chief Thomas Ingenlath. Tasked with creating a new design direction for the Swedish carmaker, the Concept Coupe is the first of a series of three models that will showcase how future Volvos will look.
A “floating grille” and “distinctive iron mask” describe elements of the newly sculpted front end, which boasts a new headlight design and Volvo’s new T-shape LED DRLs. Expect to see this carried over to the XC90 next year with minor changes, as the versatility of Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) is put into effect. The svelte two-door coupe’s interior boasts a handcrafted crystal gearshift, large portrait touchscreen in the center console, and lots of leather, wood and glass trim. In an effort to have “interaction with pleasure but without distraction,” Volvo has removed as many buttons as possible, which makes for a very slick dash.
Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-pot from Volvo’s new Drive E engine family powers the front wheels, while an electric motor and battery pack motivate the rear wheels. Combined output of the hybrid system is rated at 395 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, on par with its current V8. Check back for more details and pictures when the Concept Coupe debut’s at Frankfurt 2013 next month.
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