Volvo is continuing its recent tradition of giving very early looks at upcoming models with this 2011 Volvo S60 preview. The relatively curvaceous styling was first seen at the 2009 Detroit auto show, where the concept gave a clear indication of the production styling. (See the S60 concept.) From the front, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the XC70, and it is aerodynamic enough to forever erase the connotation that Volvo design equates to the classic, darn-near-bulletproof 240 boxes.
The production model will make its debut in March 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, and the factory will begin building the new sedan the following summer in Belgium.
Volvo previously indicated that the new 2011 S60 will be powered by a 1.6-liter/180-horsepower turbocharged, direct-injection engine. As seen on the concept car, the S60 is expected toboost fuel economy by using an auto start/stop function; twin manual gearboxes that work in tandem; electric steering; grille shutter to reduce aerodynamic drag; a DRIVe-Mode economy function that prioritizes a variety of functions to emphasize fuel economy; and flat under-chassis panels.
The S60 will tout a new, potentially life-saving Volvo safety technology called Pedestrian Detection. As the name suggests, Pedestrian Detection can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time. Further, in a variety of potential emergency situations, the driver is given an audible warning together with a flashing light in a head-up display.
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