Shanghai’s emerging luxury car market is proving full of potential for the world’s premium automakers-- and it’s to little surprise that Sweden’s Chinese-owned Volvo brand chose the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show to launch their latest concept. Dubbed the ‘Universe’, the automaker’s latest work hints at their next top-line sedan which was originally designed for the Chinese market.
The Universe is penned with an eye for understanding and caring for its drivers, while attempting to ignite a level of passion and desire. Volvo says the model delivers a comfortable and cultivated interior environment that’s refreshingly organized, uncluttered and free of excessive controls. This strategy builds on the brand’s extensive studies of human/vehicle interaction to create an interior that encourages relaxation and tranquility.
Design officials say it’s important that the Universe is experienced as both ‘large’ and ‘luxurious’. Like today’s production Volvo models, the cabin boasts comfortable seating, high-quality materials and an overall solid and robust feel. Futuristic interior touches include a touch screen that moves outwards as the driver’s hand approaches it, and rear seats molded directly into the cabin’s visual structure.
"Just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time," says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation. "We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication."
Outside, designers worked to apply unique visual touches to many of the Universe’s surfaces that stand out on closer visual inspection. Co-designer Jonathan Disley says the sculpture-inspired body isn’t intended to convey a retro appearance, but rather an all-new model that’s true to its roots.
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| Photo: Volvo |
The Universe is penned with an eye for understanding and caring for its drivers, while attempting to ignite a level of passion and desire. Volvo says the model delivers a comfortable and cultivated interior environment that’s refreshingly organized, uncluttered and free of excessive controls. This strategy builds on the brand’s extensive studies of human/vehicle interaction to create an interior that encourages relaxation and tranquility.
Design officials say it’s important that the Universe is experienced as both ‘large’ and ‘luxurious’. Like today’s production Volvo models, the cabin boasts comfortable seating, high-quality materials and an overall solid and robust feel. Futuristic interior touches include a touch screen that moves outwards as the driver’s hand approaches it, and rear seats molded directly into the cabin’s visual structure.
"Just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time," says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation. "We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication."
Outside, designers worked to apply unique visual touches to many of the Universe’s surfaces that stand out on closer visual inspection. Co-designer Jonathan Disley says the sculpture-inspired body isn’t intended to convey a retro appearance, but rather an all-new model that’s true to its roots.
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| Photo: Volvo |