![Volvo’s Stunning New Concept Coupe Revives the P1800 Spirit [64 Photos & Video]](https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Volvo-Concept-Coupe-18.jpg)
We can’t really remember the last time that a Volvo truly made our heart miss a beat, but it seems to be succeeding in doing so with its spanking-new Concept Coupé that was revealed today following a series of mischievous teasers, and ahead of its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
It’s the first Volvo to be penned under the direction of the Swedish brand’s new design chief Thomas Ingenlath and also the first of a series of three concept cars that portray the design possibilities created by the automaker’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that frees it from the limitations of its Ford-sourced platforms.
The concept is both elegant and dynamic, but what really makes it stand out are the understated styling references to the P1800 (built from 1961 to 1973), which capture the essence of Volvo’s classic coupe without falling into the retro trap.
Thomas Ingenlath explains: “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.”
The 2-seater (there are also two seat-shaped moldings at the back, but we doubt any adult could fit in there) interior has a more futuristic feel to it, but it’s not hard to imagine a production version of it. Highlights include a raft of handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel and inlays made of naturally aged wood, as well as large portrait touch-screen in the center console.
For its motivation, the concept Volvo uses a 2.0-liter high-performance Drive-E petrol engine with a supercharger and turbo driving the front wheels, teamed up with an electric motor on the rear axle. The hybrid system delivers a combined output of around 400hp and more than 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of peak torque.
While Volvo won’t say yet if there are plans to produce the concept, the Swedish company states that it is possible, adding that it’s design language will be featured in upcoming models such as the next XC90.
“The Volvo Concept Coupé is no futuristic dream car,” says Ingenlath. “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.”
We’ll have more on the coupe concept from the Frankfurt motor show floors in about two weeks’ time.
