New Volvo S60

Concept car previewing 2010 S60 saloon replacement

Volvo has revealed pictures of its S60 saloon concept. The car which will appear at the January 2009 Detroit motor show and give major hints as to what to expect from the 2010 S60, which is only the second version of the saloon - the outgoing car will be a decade old by the time it is superceded.

It has remained on sale virtually unchanged thanks to its well proportioned looks but also due to Volvo pushing funds towards developing a more expansive range - including a new S40, V70, the C30 hatchback/coupe and the all-new XC60 SUV. The bigger XC90 will also be over ten years old by the time it is replaced as the brand concentrates on developing the new S60.

If it looks anything like this concept, Volvo will be onto a winner. Although the suicide rear doors are destined to be lost, the four-door coupe looks, in the same vein as the VW Passat CC, would be sure to stand out alongside more traditional saloon rivals such as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4.

The lines that sweep from the headlights to the back of the car are inspired by Swedish coastlines, apparently, while Volvo says the car will deliver a sporty drive like no other Volvo before. Fingers crossed...

Subaru Legacy

Hard pressed car maker Subaru will unveil its brand new Legacy at this year’s Detroit Motor Show.


Hard pressed car maker Subaru will unveil its brand new Legacy at this year’s Detroit Motor Show.

Following the announcement of its immediate and total withdrawal from the World Rally Championship, the Japanese firm moved quickly to prove it has ambitious plans for its road cars by releasing this single teaser image of the new model, expected to hit the road in 2010.

Though exact details remain scarce, it’s believed that the Legacy gets an updated chassis, and a development of Subaru’s trademarked symmetrical all wheel drive system.

Under the bonnet, there’s a new 3.6-litre flat six-cylinder engine, plus an advanced six speed gearbox.

For launch, it’s expected that the 3.6-litre unit could be joined by smaller, more fuel efficient engines. Both 2.5-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six cylinder boxer engines will be offered, as will the company’s first diesel, a 2.0-litre turbo, that’s also the world’s only oil burning boxer.

The Legacy concept makes its debut almost 20 years to the day of the lunch of the original Legacy model, and builds on that car’s instantly recognisable design.

With a new look nose, and wide track, the sporty looking saloon is aimed at the likes of the BMW 5-Series and new Mercedes E-Class, which will also debut at Detroit.