Volvo Previews 2010 S60 With Concept

Yesterday, Volvo released pictures of the S60 concept that will be debuting at the 2009 Detroit International Auto Show (that is, if there still is one!)  Obviously, if one looks through the typical show-car glitz'n'glam, you can sorta see what the upcoming second-generation 2010 S60 sedan is going to look like.

Considering the current 3rd generation V70 is more of an S80 wagon, this allows the S60 to take on it's own identity and proportions, which is important in the mid-size rep-mobile market that it competes in.

Ignoring some of the show-car fun like the rear suicide doors and giant chrome wheels with hand cut tires, the S60 preview concept shows some neat features that might make it to the production version.  First and foremost, the styling is considerably more aggressive than the current S60, which tends to get lost in a crowd.

The styling has taken a more organic orientation than the old S60, while still retaining the signature "hips" - that swage line running from front to the rear - that have sprouted on all modern Volvos.  The greenhouse has the ever-popular coupe profile that's showing up on a lot of sedans lately (Volkswagen Passat CC, Mercedes Benz CLS-class, upcoming Aston Martin Rapide), giving the car a much sleeker look than the current car, while still maintaining a distinct connection to the Volvo family styling.

The interior is typical show car - no B-pillar, the aforementioned suicide doors, a bizarre shift left that twists out of the way when you're not using it, and seats that no reasonable human could ever fit in.  Still, it's pretty!

Like any Volvo concept car worth it's salt, the S60 is stuffed full of bizarre, futuristic safety devices.  One that is supposedly going to make it to the production vehicle is a system called "Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake," which basically drives the car for you.  It uses a radar system (shared with the adaptive cruise control), a camera, and an additional control module in the ABS system to detect imminent low-speed collisions, and has the ability to apply full brake force to stop the vehicle and avoid - or at least minimize the consequences of - an impact.  This is another system primarily aimed at pedestrian safety, which seems to be the big catchphrase in Europe these days.  The adapative cruise control also has all-speed capabilities now, much like Mercedes Benz's system used on the new-style S-class.

The concept is powered by a direct-injected gasoline turbo engine mated to the also now-popular twin clutch automated gearbox.  Volvo claims the concept can acheive 47 miles per gallon, which is most likely a number pulled out of their a...  umm, thin air. Expect to see the S60 concept in all it's shiny, safe glory at the 2009 Detroit IAS.