A Soiree with the 2013 Volvo Concept Coupé
Drawing from the calm, confident aesthetics of Scandinavian design and a touch of nostalgia from its past, Volvo introduced the Concept Coupé in 2013 as a visual treatise of their new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). The Concept Coupé, a striking embodiment of progressive design elements and creative flexibility, marked the beginning of a new design era for Volvo under the steerage of its then new Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath.
A Blend of Future and Past
The Concept Coupé was more than a mere showpiece; it served as a testament to the versatility of Volvo's new Scalable Product Architecture. With this fresh framework, the Swedish automaker sought to convey a message of design continuity, aiming to infuse its future line-up, starting with the 2014 XC90, with similar visual cues. Ingenlath and his team, with this new design philosophy, seemingly took a step away from superficial allure, focusing on creating a serene yet emotionally resonant aesthetic, that's synonymous with Scandinavian design.
Proportions Speaking Volumes
The visual magnetism of the Concept Coupé becomes particularly evident when viewed in profile. A stretched distance between the dashboard and the front axle, combined with a slightly rearward-shifted greenhouse, gave the model a sense of dynamism. The lowered hood and roof, coupled with striking 21-inch five-spoke wheels, all contributed to an air of an effortlessly powerful Gran Tourer. Its resolute stance was further accentuated by a flowing beltline that stretched across its length, much like a poised lion exuding quiet, restrained power.
The Contemporary Meets the Iconic
The Volvo Concept Coupé, showcasing a new topography on the hood and a 'floating' grille, also debuted the distinctive T-shaped daytime running lights, a signature element that would find its way into future Volvo models. Paying homage to its own lineage, Volvo incorporated design influences from the iconic Volvo P1800 of the 1960s, an intentional nod to a beloved model from the past, cleverly weaved into the fabric of its future design direction.
Crystal Blue Interiors
The interiors of the Concept Coupé echoed the elegance of its exterior with a blue-grey color palette. It boasted of a meticulously handcrafted leather instrument panel, inlays of naturally aged wood, and dark blue woven carpets blended with finely machined metal details. An outstanding feature was the sparkling crystal gear-lever, exemplifying the finest Scandinavian design, lending an air of exclusivity to the cockpit.
Human-Centric Connectivity
The Concept Coupé introduced a novel approach to Volvo's human-centric user interface. It featured a large portrait touch-screen in the center console, which interacted seamlessly with an adaptive digital display and head-up display in front of the driver, thereby elevating the driving experience to new levels of intuitiveness and safety.
Plug-in Hybrid – A Harmony of Power and Efficiency
The Concept Coupé was equipped with a gasoline plug-in hybrid driveline, marrying power with efficiency. Featuring a high-performance two-liter Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and a turbo, paired with an electric motor on the rear axle, the Concept Coupé was capable of producing around 400 hp and over 440 lb.-ft. of torque - a power output comparable to that of a V8 engine.
Embracing the Future with a Nod to the Past
In summary, the 2013 Volvo Concept Coupé beautifully showcased the design flexibility of the company's new Scalable Product Architecture, incorporating progressive elements of contemporary Scandinavian design while thoughtfully echoing iconic aspects of Volvo's storied past. It was more than just a beautiful car; it was a glimpse into Volvo's future, reiterating the company's commitment to intuitive user interfaces, electrification, and an ever-present focus on harmonizing aesthetics with power and efficiency.
