Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo Car has unveiled the new P1800 plug-in hybrid concept coupe, which is the first of a series of three concepts to be built on the carmaker’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
The new concept coupe is powered by a combination of a 2.0L supercharged Drive-E petrol turbo engine and an electric motor on the rear axle, which collectively generate an output of about 400hp and 600Nm of torque.
Designed by Volvo's new senior vice president of design Thomas Ingenlath, the new concept directs towards future Volvo models, starting with the new XC90 in 2014.
According to the carmaker, the space between the dashboard and the front axle of the concept coupe is extended and the greenhouse has been shifted slightly backwards.
Features of the new coupe include a low bonnet; roof; five-spoke, 21-inch alloy wheels; new T-shaped DRL headlight; C-shaped taillight; crystal gear-leaver; leather instrument panel;and touch-screen interaction with adaptive digital display as well as head-up display.
Volvo is also working to introduce the Scalable Product Architecture for completely autonomous driving, with initial plans to launch autonomous steering in 2014, while aiming to launch vehicles with fully autonomous technology before 2020.
