Volvo will finally be replacing the aging XC90 SUV sometime in 2014. This will be the first of four, all-new, top-of-the-line models to be replaced beginning in 2014. It will then be followed by a new S80 saloon, a V80 estate car, and a new shorter wheelbase 2+2 coupe that will probably be named C80. All of these cars use the new, home-grown, Scaleable Platform Architecture (SPA) by Volvo. These models will be available with Volvo’s new lineup of VCA four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. Buyers can also choose from two manual transmissions and an eight-speed auto. The new four-cylinder petrol engines generate an output of between 140 and 280bhp while the diesels deliver between 120 and 230bhp. In the future, Volvo won’t offer V6 or V8 engines. The automaker also said that an optional hybrid transmission, which features an electric motor that drives the rear axle, will offer additional performance and all-wheel drive.
There will also be a conventional mechanical all-wheel drive system as part of the SPA plan. The S80 and V80 are slated to be released in 2015. Sister models such as the S and V60 will also arrive. While the new coupe will be shorter than the 80-series cars, it will have the same bigger cabin. The XC90 will not deviate too much from the current car but just like its future sister cars, it will have a characteristically tall and bluff front end design and very short front and rear overhangs.
The SPA architecture will use the same engine bay, bulkhead and pedal position but there may be variations with the front overhang, rear overhang and passenger cell. In addition, SPA makes it possible to have various wheel track widths. But then, SPA will just cover future models from the S60 replacement to a future long wheelbase S80. Volvo sources said that a later replacement for the current V40 (which features a Ford-derived platform) will use a platform shared with another automaker.
