Volvo planning Golf rival, 'breathtaking' C60 coupe

Despite just having refreshed nearly its entire portfolio, Volvo is still in the middle of a big product offensive. Vehicles like the C30 hatchback and C70 convertible have been given the axe, but a brand-new platform is being developed in addition to the Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) that will underpin larger vehicles. According to Automobile, this means some very interesting newcomers may be on tap for the brand.

Volvo, in collaboration with Geely, is said to be working on a new platform about the size of a Volkswagen Golf that will likely spawn both a sedan and hatchback. Automobile reports that while the automaker's new scalable architecture is quite flexible, it cannot be stretched (or rather, shrunk) to accommodate a smaller vehicle.

Instead, SPA will be used for the company's larger offerings, starting with the V40 on the small end. (Though to our eyes, the current V40 looks plenty Golf-sized to us.) A new XC40 is apparently in the works, as is an S90 flagship, and new versions of the XC60, XC90 and S60 will all be coming based on this new flexible architecture.

The magazine states that the most interesting part of the whole puzzle is Volvo's hope to create a "breathtaking" C60 two-plus-two coupe. Not many details have been given, but MT says that after seeing some photos of early clay models, the C60 is "definitely a new Volvo worth waiting for."

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/v...ing-c60-coupe/

 

Here's some more descriptive write-ups on the program, with some images:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...f-rival-report

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...oupe-for-2016/

 

Volvo surely talks a lot for company that sells handful units.

 

True, they aren't exactly Toyota or GM, but the company has had a storied and distinctive history. And, along with Mercedes (and Ralph Nader), Volvo was at the forefront of many of the safety advances in today's vehicles

 

That's why they're talking. Need to drum up some interest now they're getting ready to replace a lineup of largely stale vehicles.

 

I have seen a lot of the sultry new S60 as of late

 

They are HUGE in Scandinavia In Norway they are, in salesnumbers, right on the heels of Toyota and Volkswagen. Way ahead of Audi, bmw etc.

 

Good news about the coupe, I have always liked Volvo coupe designs.

 

I love Volvo. I think Volvo cars are awesome =)

I would prioritize buying a Volvo S60 over a BMW 3 series (non-M3)

 

Agreed. Cheaper, Safer, and more style IMO