A Volvo C90 is being considered as Sweden’s answer to large premium two-door models such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, according to a reputable US media outlet.
Edmunds reports the new Volvo C90 would likely develop into both a hardtop version and, following in the footsteps of the Volvo C70 (pictured below), a hardtop/soft-top convertible.
If the project gets the production nod, the large coupe would be based on the same Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) platform that will be used for next-generation Volvos, such as the closely related S80 replacement and the long-overdue Volvo XC90 large SUV expected in 2014.
The Volvo C90 would be powered by a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, now that the Swedish brand is committing its future to four-cylinder engines only as it refreshes its entire future line-up.
A plug-in hybrid drivetrain that Volvo has already developed for production could also be included in the mix.
Whether it would incorporate styling queues from the four-door Universe Concept car (pictured top) seen at Auto Shanghai in 2011 is not yet known.
A new Volvo C90, if it proceeds into production, wouldn’t be expected to reach showrooms before the next-generation Volvo S60 – itself only launched in 2010 – meaning Mercedes has nothing to worry about until the second half of this decade at the earliest.