True to its word, Volvo hosted the world premiere of its new concept model at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The oddly named Concept You was created not only to give us a glimpse of the Swedish firm’s evolving design DNA and showcase its new platform architecture, but it also hints at Volvo’s next generation large sedan.
“Concept You gives you a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan,” said Volvo CEO, Stephen Jacoby,. “The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world,” he added.
Volvo’s head of design Peter Horbury says that the study adopted a more coupe-like profile and a fastback rear end after gathering feedback from the Concept Universe, which was displayed in Geneva this past March.
“The most valuable input has been used in the development of Concept You,” says Horbury. “This car features a more daring profile, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look.”
The cabin features a clean and minimal design with the control center comprising of four main areas: a digital Driver Information Monitor, a HUD (head-up display) on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the center console and another one between the two rear seats.
“We used a number of touch screens to replace buttons and controls,” says Horbuury. “Smart phones and pads have brought mobile infotainment into the new era. The technology helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior.”
Another innovation is the Alpine sound system which features the “FreshAir” subwoofer, a technology not yet in production that uses air outside the car to optimize the car’s occupants’ listening experience.
The Concept You also demonstrates the carmaker’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) that will be used on a variety of vehicles together with a new range of downsized engines.
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