Future Volvo Models

Volvo XC60

At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Volvo unveiled the XC60 concept. Although it featured an interior that was unique to the concept, much of its overall design is headed for production. Designed to slot into the growing premium compact SUV segment alongside vehicles like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Land Rover LR2, the XC60 is part SUV and part sports coupe according to Volvo's designers. Below the beltline, its high ground clearance and 20-inch wheels were designed to mimic the more SUV-like traits of Volvo's larger XC90 sport-ute, while the sharply raked roof line was inspired by the new C30 sport coupe. Expect to see a much less agressive set of wheels and tires on the production model. As you would expect in a concept, the interior of the XC60 is more high-tech fantasy than showroom reality. It features a floating center console like Volvo's current S40 sedan, but this one is even thinner to free up more space. Its smooth, white surface is an obvious nod to the iPod look, although Volvo dressed it up with an outline of chrome trim. The instrument panel has a central speedometer flanked by video screens that remain black until the driver needs to access information. The production version of the five-passenger XC60 will share its platform and drivetrain with the Land Rover LR2. Like the Land Rover, the XC60 will be offered in a four-door configuration only and it'll be sized to compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and the soon-to-appear Mercedes-Benz GLK. Its mechanical sibling, the LR2 measures 177.2 inches from tip to tail, some 2.7 inches shorter than a BMW X3, and offers 59 cubic feet of cargo volume when the rear seat is folded flat. Under the hood will be a transversely mounted double-overhead-cam 3.2.-liter inline-6 derived from the latest version of the inline-6 recently introduced in the Volvo S80. In the LR2 the six-cylinder develops 230 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 234 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm, and it's designed to deliver a broad power band thanks to variable valve timing. As is the case on the larger Volvo XC90, front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
What Edmunds.com says
Sleek styling and a solid set of hardware could make this Volvo's most popular SUV yet.