The 2011 Volvo S60 won’t make its public debut until next month’s Geneva Motor Show, but the Swedish automaker released a teaser video highlighting the all-new sedan earlier on Monday. Traditionally Volvo’s mainstream offering, the 2011 S60 takes over for the outgoing model that was discontinued last year.
When Volvo launched its XC60, design chief Mattin said it marked a whole new styling direction for the company. Judging by the official photos — and the latest video — that certainly appears to be the case. Mattin joined Volvo from Mercedes-Benz in 2005. At Mercedes, he was responsible for the design of the SLR McLaren and the new S-Class, among others.
The production S60 follows in the same basic design theme as the S60 concept car introduced earlier this year, although, as expected, it tones down a few of the concept’s more outlandish details.
In addition to a new design language, the new S60 seems to demonstrate Volvo’s desire to move toward more slender A- and C-pillars for increased visibility. Over the years, these structural supports have become much thicker on most vehicles for structural and styling purposes. Volvo seems to have kept the styling up to snuff, but no word on materials were used to keep up strength.
Volvo says that its pedestrian recognizing crash avoidance system will be available on the new S60.
Few official details about the 2011 S60’s powertrain are known, but we’d expect some carryover of the existing five- and six-cylinder gasoline engines in Volvo’s lineup for the North American market. A direct-injected, turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder is also likely to arrive in North America, as is, eventually, a hybrid. A standard manual transmission is a possibility, but at the very least expect a six-speed automatic.
The next S60 was originally slated to hit the market early this year, but the current economic slump has pushed that launch back until early summer of 2010.
02/01, 4:28 PM
posted by:
mobile1ph
The rear lights kinda looks Audi-ish and what’s up with the Knight Riger lights on the interior center console? aside from that, I guess it looks ok. I still want an all new XC90 though.
02/01, 4:46 PM
posted by:
saabaru1
Reminds me of the Chevy Uplander… the mini van that looks like a puppy dog.
…and lexus style vents / brake ducts
02/01, 4:46 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Sorry… they should put this one on the back of a milk carton because something’s definitely missing here.
02/01, 4:52 PM
posted by:
kenavt
Am I alone in thinking that the upper rear looks Jaguar-ish: just add more blank space and that chrome bar.
02/01, 4:57 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I’ll give everyone a hint on the interior – if it’s anything like the exterior and from what the video shows – sit in an S80 and just imagine it being a little bit smaller and sportier and viola! The S60’s interior! Heck even the video shots it has pretty much the same switchgear as in my S80 but with a 3 spoke steering wheel and some crazy lights on the dashboard – everything else from the air controls and guages are lifted directly from the S80/XC70/XC60.
02/01, 4:58 PM
posted by:
Paul Heiser
For those who don’t know Volvo.
This will be a sweet one!
02/01, 5:09 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
From China with Lov.
02/01, 5:36 PM
posted by:
motorheader
To be honest, I think this looks great! I think the dashboard will look more like XC60 than the S80/V70 dash, but even better (ie. without the akward looking display on the top of the dash). Peronally I will wait for the V60.
Ford – don’t sell Volvo now as they have a lot of good products, and more comming down the pipeline. In Europe the DRIVe “green” modells sell very well, and I beleive that Volvo will start contributing positively to the bottom line for FoMoCo already this year.
DON’T SELL OUT TO CHINA!
02/01, 6:30 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
I think this looks amazing, 100%. It’ll look spectacular in almost any other colour.
02/01, 6:31 PM
posted by:
bigdman
this vehicle looks rather pretty
02/01, 7:42 PM
posted by:
Paul Mezhir
The question is, will people trade in their BMWs and Mercedes-Benz for this? The infrared night vision is a great selling point, I must say. It will probably have all the latest Ford technology, sans SYNC.
02/01, 8:13 PM
posted by:
Troll Killer
Wow nice car!
02/01, 8:21 PM
posted by:
vvmasterdrfan
at first the spy photos weren’t giving this car any justice with the complains about the rear looking like a civic.. but i am very impressed and convinced that this is going to be a be success. Very sleek and a nice next design iteration/phase for Volvo. Well done.
02/01, 8:28 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
motorheader – I think its a lost cost now. Only a miracle can stop it now.
02/01, 9:00 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
It sure is a gorgeous car. Alot of XC60 inspiration in it too. You better keep your cheap ass screws and bolts away from those Volvos Geely!!! I mean it!!! Don’t pull a GM and f#ck them up by coming up with the brilliant idea if making a Geely piece of unsafe $hit based Volvo model!!! Volvo has alot going for them so DONT RUIN IT FOR THEM!!!
02/01, 9:15 PM
posted by:
Troll Killer
@ 85ZingoGTR
I agree 100%.
02/01, 9:16 PM
posted by:
Troll Killer
I like that phrase…..”Don’t pull a GM”
Might wanna tell Toyota not to pull a Lancia too hahahaha
02/02, 10:10 AM
posted by:
Yinzer
I have yet to see one in person (much less one not in baby-puke brown), but please tone down the Iron Mark symbol in the grille. IT’S HUGE! And @ Paul Mezhir, all the latest Ford tech you talk about IS from Volvo (minus SYNC as you said). I hope Volvo doesn’t go under b/c I still may need service for my ‘04 R…