Amid announcements of other manufacturers dropping out of the Detroit show, Volvo today debuted a picture that, along with showing a preview of the next S60 sedan, promises those of us going to the Detroit show that we'll have something new and special to see. Though still a concept, this car will preview the production model that will go into production some time in 2010. It looks good, with a touch of Jaguar XF to the greenhouse. Says design director Steve Mattin, "The inspiration comes from the Swedish coastline's cliffs and seas. An exciting blend of drama and sensuality."
Volvo styling is drifting too far "mainstream", IMO...and by that I mean it could have any badge (especially Jag or Ford, see: Mondeo) attached to the grill. I liked Volvos box styling, or the at least the strong shoulder character lines, up til the prev S60 and the current C30.
"No, honey, you don't look retarded at all! I'm soo happy you cut your hair like I told you to [the girls will love this one. For my next trick I'll have him jump off the Brooklyn Bridge]"
Volvo styling is drifting too far "mainstream", IMO...and by that I mean it could have any badge (especially Jag or Ford, see: Mondeo) attached to the grill. I liked Volvos box styling, or the at least the strong shoulder character lines, up til the prev S60 and the current C30.
That could really apply to any car, truck, or SUV today. Certain vehicles have easily identifiable shapes (TT, Wrangler, New Beetle, Mini, and 911), but these are all singular icons of their respective brands. Sedans, MPVs, and trucks are dominated by concerns of passenger/cargo space and aerodynamics. Crash testing, rear visibility, and pedestrian impact concerns also have conspired to create a sameness in vehicle design. Current tastes are the biggest factor, however. The boxy Volvo just would not sell today, in this era of 4 door coupes, and SUV "coupes".
Quote, originally posted by justanotherusername »
There are plenty of existing technologies that produce emissions free electricity. There isn't one single technology in the world that produces emissions free gasoline.
That could really apply to any car, truck, or SUV today. Certain vehicles have easily identifiable shapes (TT, Wrangler, New Beetle, Mini, and 911), but these are all singular icons of their respective brands. Sedans, MPVs, and trucks are dominated by concerns of passenger/cargo space and aerodynamics. Crash testing, rear visibility, and pedestrian impact concerns also have conspired to create a sameness in vehicle design. Current tastes are the biggest factor, however. The boxy Volvo just would not sell today, in this era of 4 door coupes, and SUV "coupes".
Volvo styling is drifting too far "mainstream", IMO...and by that I mean it could have any badge (especially Jag or Ford, see: Mondeo) attached to the grill. I liked Volvos box styling, or the at least the strong shoulder character lines, up til the prev S60 and the current C30.
I wholeheartedly agree. Volvo's aren't the best performers, the most comfortable, the most luxurious, the most fuel efficient, but they're great contenders across the board, and for many, the quirky design set them apart from the rest of the competition.
My family, for example, was hooked on the 2nd Generation XC70 for just about its entire production run until the new one came along and Volvo smoothed off the edges, and gave it a whole bunch of useless features so it could 'compete' well with other cars in its segment. Hill Descent Control? Really? It's a slightly lifted, FWD Biased AWD wagon that's 99% soccer mom driven. Volvo should work to appeal to their target audience, not try and sap sales by appealing to everyone.
Regarding the Scirocco being brought to the US market:
Quote, originally posted by Big Morgan »
Set for release in 2009... in the month of Nevuary
The boxy Volvo just would sell today, in this era of Nissan Cubes, Scion xBs, and Ford Flexes.
I don't think that boxy, if done stylishly and well, is out of step with current design trends.
I don't know if "utility" or hatchback vehicles are a good representation of what luxury/near-luxury sedan shoppers are looking for. The cars that you site are very boxy out of utilitarian concerns. Luxury sedans are not necessarily trying to maximize every ounce of cargo and passenger space. I will say, however, that the Chrysler 300 is a great example of a "boxy" modern sedan. Despite what people currently think of the car (and its maker), it was very successful, stylish, attention grabbing, and it even won a few design awards.
Quote, originally posted by justanotherusername »
There are plenty of existing technologies that produce emissions free electricity. There isn't one single technology in the world that produces emissions free gasoline.
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