The three concept cars that Volvo presented during the last 9 months were last week for the first time on display in Sweden. Upplands Motor, my Volvo dealer, celebrated their 50-years anniversary with these models in their showroom on May 17 and 18. For me the possibility to take a look (and make a little road trip).

The Volvo Concept Coupé – the next-generation P1800

Presented on Aug 29, 2013 at Frankfurt Motor Show.

“The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car. It is designed to demonstrate the capability of our new architecture: the confident stance, the proportions and the most prominent design signatures. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed next year,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

“The new Volvo Concept Coupé reveals how we could shape our cars from now on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other car brands, we add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

“It is a car designer’s duty to reflect and incorporate design signatures that are vital parts of the company’s heritage. The P1800 is an iconic Volvo, renowned for its beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from the P1800 exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future where sheer beauty becomes a recognised part of Volvo’s identity. That journey starts with Concept Coupé,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

Volvo Concept XC Coupé

Presented on Jan 08, 2014 at Detroit Motor Show.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“With the Volvo Concept XC Coupé, we take this unique blend of capable ruggedness and expressive elegance up to a new, sportier attitude,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

Volvo Concept Estate

Presented on Feb 27, 2014 at Geneva Motor Show.

“The 1800-models are iconic Volvos, renowned for their beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from their exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future in which sheer beauty becomes a recognised part of Volvo’s identity,” says Thomas Ingenlath.

The generous dash to axle ratio, low bonnet, sleek silhouette and the glass roof all contribute to the impression of a dynamic, yet capable three-door sports wagon. The contrast between the deep, dark brown pear colour and the bright five-spoke, 21-inch wheels contributes to the modern, cool aura.

Just like the recent Concept Coupé and the Concept XC Coupé, the face of the Volvo Concept Estate 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 another distinctive element in Volvo Cars’ new design direction.

Refined, handcrafted details, such as an instrument panel covered by thick, naturally tanned saddle leather from Tärnsjö, inlays made of waxed, naturally aged wood and machined copper details, also emphasise the exclusive Swedish atmosphere inside Concept Estate.

“The interior is exceptionally vivid. Yet the glass roof and seats covered by light, soft Bridge of Weir leather help to retain that bright and cosy feeling that is the hallmark of a Swedish living room. A place that makes you feel so comfortable that you are reluctant to leave,” says Robin Page.

Volvo’s Partner Suppliers in the creation of the Concept Coupé, Concept XC Coupé and Concept Estate:

Tires: Pirelli
Wheels: Uniwheels
Leather: Bridge of Weir
Exterior paint: Axalta Coating Systems
Carpet: Kasthall
Gear shift: Kongsberg
Gear shift glass: Orrefors
Exterior light: Valeo
Belts: Autoliv
Interior ambient light: 3M

More High Resolution Photos available in my Picasa Album.