Volvo's policy on downsizing engines is already in full swing, with its safety innovations carrying on as if the Ford debacle never even happened. A prototype turbocharged, three-cylinder engine is currently undergoing testing in the V40, but is likely to see placement in the S60 and V60 too, under its 'Drive-e' eco badging. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also set to feature in every model across the Volvo range, prompting concern from critics who anticipate that this may put customers off from buying higher-end Volvos, feeling that the product they are buying is not significantly different enough from lower-spec models to warrant the extra cost.
Left: Coming soon - Volvo's teeny-tiny turbo triple. Right: Come and gone - the XC90 'First Edition' sold out in 47 hours.
This new engine lineup accompanies Volvo's long-term plan to introduce a nine-model lineup is entering fruition and sits on SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) modular underpinnings, marking another step away from its tumultuous last decade and Ford. This
is much the same system employed by Volkswagen in its ubiquitous MQB platform, and if Volvo can mimic the MQB's success with this platform, their plans for global growth will be fully and thoroughly realised. Another lineup change to expect is the arrival of a spate of coupé models. The three concepts featured on Volvo's glossy website all embody a different coupé variant; the Concept Estate - more akin to a three-door shooting brake than an estate; the Concept XC Coupe - Volvo's answer to the BMW X6; and the Concept Coupe - a handsome coupé which would fill the dormant boots of the C70.
This new, 9-model lineup, based around '40, 60, 90' nomenclature, with the existing system of 'S' badges for 'sedan' cars, 'V' badges for 'versatile' estates, and 'XC' for 'cross-country' models. This means a new flagship S90 sedan at the top of the Volvo lineup, with a V90 estate variant - a first for the segment which has notably always been devoid of estate cars. So perhaps the future for Volvo is to fire the starting pistol on the race to built estate cars in the luxury car segment - meaning we can expect cars such as the Audi A8 Avant, BMW 7-Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate to shortly follow the V90. Couple this with the aforementioned coupé concepts, and it's easy to make out the shapely silhouettes of a C40, C60 and C90 on the horizon, providing Volvo's current plans for growth under Geely are accomplished.
Above: Coming soon? Volvo's lineup is lacking in coupés. Could the hugely popular Concept Estate be the answer?
Geely's ownership of Volvo is not without its skeptics. Industry critics fear that should Volvo not deliver upon the highly ambitious targets set for it, it could be unceremoniously dropped by Geely, such is the ruthless reputation of chairman of Zhejiang Holding Group Co, Li Shufu. Some publications even refer to Volvo's parent group as its "Chinese overlords". This is unfair though. Martin Bayntun, Volvo's Media Relations Manager, when asked for comment stated that "New ownership has brought independence, allowing us to move more quickly in the marketplace to meet customer needs, and introduce new technologies. With it has also come investment in next generation platforms and drivetrains, and new opportunities in the Chinese market - all of which will help us double global sales in the next decade."
What, then, can we expect from Volvo? After the cruel pruning of the C70 coupe/cabriolet and the charming C30 hatchback and the announcement and promise of the second-generation XC90, it's safe to say we can expect growth. And lots of it. More growth than a beanstalk in a grow-bag full of MiracleGro. It may still be finding its feet with some models dynamics-wise, but that hasn't stopped Volvo from bringing in 2015 with a whole bag of promise and anticipation. It's a fairly safe bet that before much longer that hallowed nine-model lineup will be upon us, and Volvo will be back to its former glory.
http://www.economist.com/news/business-and-finance/21615677-volvo
http://www.gizmag.com/volvo-scalable-product-architecture-spa-xc90/33377/
http://blog.caranddriver.com/swede-plan-bro-volvo-plans-new-compact-crossover-and-sedan-luxe-90-series-models/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewdepaula/2014/12/30/mighty-mite-new-three-cylinder-engine-has-big-role-in-volvos-future-with-v40-s60-s40/
http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/future-volvo
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1094175_volvo-high-mpg-three-cylinder-engine-headed-to-future-s60
http://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/concept-cars
Interview material: original content obtained via email interview with M. Bayntun
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