We’re getting closer to the official debut of the all-new 2015 Volvo XC90 and although Volvo isn’t quite ready, Volvo just released the first photo of the XC90’s face.
We’re getting closer to the official debut of the all-new 2015 Volvo XC90 and although Volvo isn’t quite ready, Volvo just released the first photo of the XC90’s face. Volvo has also released more info about the new Scalable Product Architecture chassis which soon be the basis for the rest of Volvo’s lineup, in addition to the new XC90.
The 2015 XC90’s face is distinguished by its T-shaped running lights, which were called ‘Thor’s Hammer’ by the design team after the shape of the hammer used by the famous Norse god of thunder Thor. The preview also reveals a sculpted hood and the large dominant Volvo grille.
Related: 2015 Volvo XC90 Powertrains Detailed, Top Version Packs 400-HP
“Anyone who looks in their rear-view mirror is going to know immediately that there is a new XC90 behind them,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group. “The XC90 is a car that has presence on the road.”
The new SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) chassis has been in development for four years and will be introduced first on the all-new XC90 and then rolled out across the product range in future. According to Volvo, the benefits of SPA are twofold. First, the flexibility of SPA liberates Volvo’s engineers and designers, allowing them to devise and introduce a wide range of new and alluring design features at the same time as improving driveability, introducing world-first safety features, offering the latest connected car technologies and creating more interior space.
Secondly, SPA will change the way Volvo builds cars in future by allowing a wide range of cars, powertrains, electrical systems and technologies – all of differing complexity – to be fitted on the same architecture, generating significant economies of scale.
The new SPA chassis technology reduces weight and improves weight distribution, improving driving pleasure without compromising on ride comfort.
SPA also allows for far more flexibility inside the car. The new XC90 features second row seats that can slide to free up interior space for passengers in the third row – or to increase loading capacity.
The 2015 Volvo XC90 is going to officially debut in two weeks.
Source: Volvo
