Ahead of its official debut in Frankfurt, Volvo has unveiled its concept coupe which previews its new styling direction.The Volvo Concept Coupe is actually the first of three concept cars Volvo plans on revealing in the near future in order to show off the design possibilities created by the automaker’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

Vice President of Design Thomas Ingenlath said, “The new Volvo Concept Coupe 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.”

Distinctive visual impact

According to Ingenlath, Volvo’s SPA aims to allow it to create the “great proportions that are important to achieve a premium look.”

The “powerful visual impact” of the Volvo Concept Coupe includes a sporty front fascia with a floating grille flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped LED daytime running lights that will become a hallmark of the brand.

Specific elements such as a low bonnet, roof, and the five-spoke 21-inch wheels contribute to the impression of the elegant Gran Tourer oozing effortless power, while a ‘generous’ dash to axle ratio and hip point that is low enough to create a low profile on a sleek sedan without compromising headroom are cited by the Swedish Automaker as defining factors of the new architecture.

Powerful and efficient petrol plug-in hybrid

Volvo will also use the Frankfurt stage to unveil the first of its four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that will eventually replace the automaker’s entire engine line-up. The concept coupe will be equipped by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-litre high-performance Drive-E petrol engine teamed with an electric motor that powers the rear axle. This gives the Volvo Concept Coupe a combined maximum power output of approximately 298kW and over 600Nm of torque.

Volvo Concept Coupe echoes the iconic P1800

Further back, a stylish greenhouse and an elegant rear end recalls the iconic P1800 from the 1960s, while a panoramic glass roof is brings the car right up to date.

The blue-grey exterior styling is echoed in the cabin as the model is equipped with premium leather upholstery, grey wood trim and gloss black accents, and the blue woven carpets are blended with metal details. There is also a head-up display and a large touchscreen infotainment system. This is in addition to Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience.

Ingenlath further added that “The Volvo Concept Coupe 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.”

We will keep you updated on any developments concerning the Volvo Concept Coupe which will officially launch at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Whether it will come to South Africa once it’s made it to production is unclear.

Volvo Concept Coupe Gallery