Thomas Ingenlath's first auto show concept since taking over as Volvo's chief designer last year is expected to be a preview of the brand's new styling direction.
The Concept Coupe, which debuts at the Frankfurt auto show this week, is intended to give the brand more expressive design, Volvo said. It also demonstrates the capability of the company's Scalable Product Architecture, which will be the basis of most future Volvos, starting with the XC90 SUV next year.
In a statement, Ingenlath said the concept's design adds "emotional value to the Volvo brand," but said the car is "free from the superficial surface excitement of other car brands." Ingenlath, who previously worked for Volkswagen Group and was once Skoda's chief designer, said the coupe has exterior and interior elements that echo the design of the Volvo P1800 from the 1960s without being retro.
The concept is powered by a 400-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
-- Paul McVeigh
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