Finally, it's the new S60

Eight years after the January 2001 launch of the Volvo S60 in Australia, the Swedish company is to unveil its all-new S60 "Concept" at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The teaser pic supplied by Volvo of the next generation S60 reveals what appears to be the most organic-looking Volvo yet.

It is undoubtedly the beginning of a new design language that started with the upcoming XC60 SUV and is destined to filter through the entire range.

Incorporated into the new look is what Volvo calls a "double-wave", which extends in a curving, waist-high crease from the headlights to the taillights.  Design director Steve Mattin headed a team briefed to "turn up" the visual volume of Volvo cars as the company moves further and further away from the previous -- but not forgotten -- boxy look.

The S60 Concept's interior was developed in conjunction with Swedish glassware manufacturer Orrefors and features a "floating" centre console with a difference: it is made of hand-crafted crystal.

Volvo says it is "shaped in a graceful, transparent wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest. The crystal panel appears to float above the centre stack's ergonomically designed functionality and it rests gently on rubber pads". What it does for crash safety remains unstated.

The S60 Concept, like the current S60 series, belongs in the same market segment as the Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, and is based on the P24 platform underpinning the new XC60 and V70/XC70 models.

According to Stephen Odell, who is President and CEO at Volvo Cars, the new S60 will deliver a "sporty drive like no Volvo before".

The new S60 is scheduled for an international launch in 2010.

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