ALL AUTOCARS

Volvo has released details and images for a new concept vehicle previewing its next-generation S60 saloon due in 2010. The concept car will make its world debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show and reveals the latest evolution of Volvo’s current design theme. These safety elements include the aforementioned Blind Spot warning system, as well as a Collision Warning system with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection features that use radar devices mounted behind the car’s grille and a camera behind the rear-view mirror.

Inside, the cabin is predictably heavy on the typical concept stuff -- modern-looking seats, light colors and crystalline accents -- while still hinting at the next S60's instrumentation layout. Interesting features include a shifter that's left horizontal when the car is cruising in automatic mode, but can be flipped up for a better grip when the driver wants to select gears manually. The S60 Concept has no B-pillar and features truck rear doors that open outward and slide back out of the way so that showgoers can better ogle the fancy interior. Don't expect anything of the sort to make it to production.

Some interesting performance elements include a retractable diffuser that adjusts with vehicle speed to give better aerodynamic properties, as well as an advanced compact petrol engine with direct-injection and turbocharging technologies. The tiny mill displaces just 1.6L but develops a peak output of 180hp (134kW). Fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 47mpg (5.0L/100km) and emissions levels are a correspondingly low 119g/km. Driving the front wheels is Volvo's PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission.