This year’s North American International Auto Show saw the introduction of numerous concept cars, from the high-performance Toyota FT-1 and Kia GT-4 Stinger to the exotic Nissan Sport Sedan Concept. The annual EyesOn Design judges selected one of the more subtle concepts as this year’s Best Concept Car, however. Volvo’s Concept XC Coupe took home top honors for 2014.
The Concept XC Coupe’s lines look very much like a production car’s, and there’s a reason for that. This follow up to the Volvo Coupe Concept, revealed earlier this year, is said to be the direction that Volvo’s future styling will be moving in. The Concept XC Coupe’s upright grille and sleek lines point the direction for Volvo’s future. The Concept XC Coupe is also built on a new scalable platform architecture that will underpin the next generation of Volvos. In addition to looking great, this car could theoretically be put into production.
“I’m honored and very happy of course,” said Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president of design at Volvo. “This is very encouraging and it shows that Volvo’s new design direction is appreciated not only by the general public and the press, but also by the leading people in the car design business. And Volvo Cars has only just started its exciting new journey with a brand new design language.”
