With scant information on the Volvo Concept Universe technical details, we take a closer look at the Concept Universe design in these videos released by the company. The only figure we actually get is the apparently 8,000 hours of work it took to build the concept. Apart from the new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), this is Volvo’s vision of a future luxury sedan model.

The video affords us a very good look at the Volvo Concept Universe style and the front end has a much longer nose than we had first expected. While the coupé rear is now virtually ubiquitous on all sedan models, Volvo’s attempt is elegant and refined which is what you’d expect for the luxury label it’s set to carry.

Without an engine or gearbox, and as the documentary-style video points out you can neither sit in this or drive it, we assume the Concept Universe is well away from production. The thing Volvo wants us to concentrate on right now is the exclusivity of the model - it’s hand-built entirely from scratch. We get the impression it will have been an expensive investment for Volvo so far and we’ll be interested in seeing where they take this concept in the future.

Continue reading: Volvo Concept Universe videos

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The Volvo Concept Universe is at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show as a prototype of Volvo’s new top-model sedan. The recognition of the Chinese car market comes not just in its debut in Shanghai, but also the Concept Universe design which has a totally new front end which should create some discussion. The sloping roof line and rear keeps the concept in the coupé-sedan trend.

The Concept Universe is based on a totally new SPA structure - Scalable Platform Arhictecture. As its name suggests, it will be used on other mid-size models in the models, and the production version of the Universe (hoping it changes its name…), will be the first to use the new SPA.

Despite that small detail, no powertrain information has been released so we can’t be sure what kind of set-up this will use. The Volvo Concept Universe uses the minimalist interior of Volvos of late, with extra high-tech features including iPad integration for rear passengers. It looks like Volvo is also trying to develop its interior to be more competitive with new colours and materials to wear the luxury label. Despite exterior design developments and changes, the interior is really where luxury is at in cars these days.

Continue reading: Volvo Universe Concept official pics

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