March 5, 2003

Volvo unveils Versatility Concept Car at Geneva motor show

Geneva, Switzerland - Volvo Car Corporation unveiled what the company calls their expression of automotive 'haute couture', the Versatility Concept Car (VCC), at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is a collaboration between two Volvo design studios, Barcelona and Göteborg.

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A number of characteristic elements are in line with Volvo's current design language including broad shoulders (nicknamed "catwalk" on the VCC - the shoulders are even more accentuated here than on the Volvo V70 and S80) and the characteristic V-shaped hood. Inspiration also came from Volvo's design heritage: the distinctive rear design with a glass tailgate, also featured in the Safety Concept Car, traces its roots to the 1971 Volvo P1800 ES. The large, distinguished grille is descended from the 1968 Volvo 164. "The Volvo 164's grille forges a direct link to Volvo luxury, but a strong grille design is also an important display of brand heritage," explains José Diaz de la Vega.

Among the most noticeable features in the front are the slim, vertically stacked headlights. The inner of the two lamps uses a system known as "Static Bending Light" with three light units aimed at different angles. The topmost points straight ahead and performs as a conventional dipped beam. As the car turns to one side or the other, sensors linked to the steering activate units two and finally three to illuminate the direction in which the car is turning. This system dramatically increases visibility when driving on twisting roads. The outer headlight contains main beam and side marker lamps.

The 20-inch wheels have puncture-safe "Run Flat" 245/40/20 tires from Pirelli.

The VCC design is also characterized by the absence of a B-pillar, made possible by hinging the back doors at the rear instead of the front. This characteristic of the design promotes the display of the remarkable interior, but is not intended for production cars.

The interior of the VCC is an evolution of Volvo Cars' current product programs, in particular the XC90 instrument panel. "Our aim is to create an atmosphere of total tranquility for our customers", says José Diaz de la Vega. The Volvo Ambient Air Distribution System has no visible conventional air vents. Instead, air is distributed via concealed outlets. This prevents unwanted reflections in the windshield and provides silent and more uniform air distribution.

Thick saddle-quality Havana hide, complimented with Tempur-foam pads (a Swedish invention) for comfort. The front seats are mounted on rails integrated into the outer sill panel and centre tunnel console. This provides a flat and unobstructed floor for the rear passengers. Safety belts are fully integrated into the seat frames, enabling the creation of a design without any B-pillars. The rear seats they slide individually, powered by electric motors to provide optimum flexibility between luggage capacity and legroom. The headrests fold to improve visibility, and concealed beneath the armrest is an optional pop-up integrated child seat for children age three and under.

Features include a load floor that is electrically operated via controls mounted on the D-pillar. The floor slides out from the luggage compartment to make the loading procedure more convenient. Beneath the load floor are two storage compartments, one heated and one chilled. The luggage compartment also features an integrated safe in the right-hand side panel, while the left side contains a lift-out overnight case, trimmed in matching leather. The hi-gloss leather luggage cover is electrically powered and can be operated by from the driver's seat and also from the switch in the D-pillar.

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