2010 Volvo S60 Concept revealed

Far removed from the Volvo stereotypes of old, the S60 Concept's coupe-inspired lines are an accurate representation of what customers will be able to buy in the near future.

The development team has taken evolutionary design to a whole new level, with the trademark iron mark flanked by an ultra modern yet distinctly recognizable Volvo form.

The interior sculpture of the headlights is inspired by the brand's Scandinavian heritage, creating the image of two miniature Viking longboats - one for main beam and one for dipped beam.

A unique rear door arrangement opens in two phases, first swinging out in the traditional manner before gliding parallel with the side of the car before reaching its final position by the rear wheel.

Easy access is guaranteed as the S60 Concept loses the traditional B-pillar placement between the front and rear seats.

"In forthcoming models, you will see more and more of our "racetrack" design cues. The car's lines do not end abruptly but instead forge a continuous flowing pattern inspired by the fast sweeps of the racing track. In the concept car, this is particularly visible at the rear," says Steve Mattin.

Inside, the S60 Concept features a crystal panel which floats above the centre console, partially framed by aluminium trim and lit by hidden light sources to match the driver's mood.

While the gear selector is in the horizontal position, the car changes gear automatically, although for a more involving experience the lever can be flipped into the vertical position for manual shifts.

The S60 Concept debuts the next generation in preventative safety technology from Volvo, conveyed to the driver via a heads-up display system projected onto the windshield.

A collision Warning system with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection reacts when a pedestrian walks out in front of a car, working in unison with the car's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which is integrated in the A-pillars.

"The previous stages were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with a feature that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users. What is more, we are now advancing from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area," explains Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars.

The all-new Volvo S60 will arrive in 2010, premiering the new safety technologies and design inspiration showcased in the concept version.