Έκθεση Detroit 2014: Volvo Concept XC Coupe [w/video]

Η Volvo πριν λίγα λεπτά παρουσίασε στο Detroit το Volvo Concept XC Coupe. Το καινούριο της concept αποτελεί το δεύτερο από τα τρία πρωτότυπα που θα παρουσιάσει η σουηδική εταιρία με τη νέα της σχεδιαστική γλώσσα. Δείχνει τη νέα σχεδιαστική φιλοσοφία που θα ακολουθήσει, έχοντας πολλά

Είναι δημιουργία του Thomas Ingenlath και είναι κατασκευασμένο πάνω στη νέα αρχιτεκτονική SPA, και ουσιαστικά μας προϊδεάζει το πως θα είναι η σχεδίαση των επόμενων Cross Country και XC μοντέλων της Volvo. Το πρώτο μοντέλο που θα βασίζεται πάνω σε αυτό θα είναι το νέο XC90, το οποίο θα παρουσιαστεί στα τέλη του 2014.

Διαθέτει LED φωτιστικά σώματα, διπλές απολήξεις εξατμίσεων και μικρότερη γρίλια από αυτή που μας έχει συνηθίσει η Σουηδική εταιρία. Για το εσωτερικό δεν υπάρχουν πολλές πληροφορίες, μόνο ότι θα μπορεί να μεταφέρει 4 επιβάτες. Θα εξοπλίζεται με μια πληθώρα συστημάτων όπου ανάμεσα τους υπάρχει το Intellisafe, ένα σύστημα ασφαλείας που βασίζεται πάνω σε κάμερες, σκανάρωνοντας συνεχώς τον δρόμο, έχοντας τη δυνατότητα να φρενάρει μόνο του το όχημα. Μηχανικά δεν έχει ανακοινωθεί τίποτα αλλά θα χρησιμοποιεί χάλυβα υψηλής αντοχής και αλουμινένια μέρη.

[Πηγή: Volvo]

The Volvo Concept XC Coupé: Sophisticated capability and contemporary safety, inspired by modern sports equipment

The second of Volvo’s three concept cars is the new Volvo Concept XC Coupé. Inspired by the design of modern sports equipment and demonstrating the safety capabilities of Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture, it is a sophisticated and capable car for people with an active lifestyle.

“Those who love gravity sports freely seek new thrills and challenges. To ensure that they make it back in one piece, they prefer high-performance equipment that offers the ultimate sense of freedom and protection,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.

“The Volvo Concept XC Coupé is perfectly in tune with this active lifestyle. Its capability and protection is cleverly integrated into the sophisticated looks. Concept XC Coupé is ready and willing to bring you into the adventure zone and back,” he adds.Volvo Concept XC CoupéSleeker and safer at the same timeThe three concept cars are designed to demonstrate vital elements of the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA): the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures.

“Concept XC Coupé also shows how clever engineering makes it possible for us to reinforce our world-leading safety without compromising design, size or weight. Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength boron steel and structures with new, ingenious decoupling, we can make SPA cars more compact and safer at the same time,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

The two-door, four-seater Volvo Concept XC Coupé has a strong connection with its sibling, the Volvo Concept Coupé. However, the larger 21-inch wheels, the more accentuated wheel-arches and the taller roofline all contribute to a more robust impression and a fuller, capable look.

The extended distance between the dashboard and the front axle is still a very powerful visual element. The capable stance is emphasised by details such as the new bonnet and a beltline that spans an elegant bow along the length of the car.Volvo Concept XC CoupéHigh-tech sport gearThe connection with modern, high-tech sports gear is highly present in the concept car. Among the sources of inspiration for the design team is the Swedish company POC, which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes.

“Several orange details and exterior graphics in combination with bold use of matte rubber mouldings, which cover the rear end of the car, add to the highly functional expression of the design,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

To strike the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, the design team has also given traditional SUV elements, such as side mouldings and skid plates, a modern interpretation. They are more integrated into the sleek design, flush with the surrounding body areas.

T-shaped DRL lightsJust like Volvo Concept Coupé, the face of the Volvo Concept XC Coupé is characterised by a new topography on the bonnet and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped DRL light guides. The rear light signature is also a distinctive element in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.

“Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath.