Looking to drum up some enthusiasm for its impending debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, Volvo has released two teaser shots of the Volvo S60 Concept.
Designed by Swedish glassworkers, Orrefors Crystal, the center stack pictured above is composed of actual crystal and runs the entire center length of the vehicle’s interior, from the navigation system clear to the rear-passenger armrests. Mounted on rubber pads to “float” above the center controls, “invisible light sources” were installed that can adjust the tint of the crystal panel’s iridescent shimmer according to the driver’s mood. Explained Volvo design director Steve Mattin, “If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden’s glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency.” says Steve Mattin.
Although the crystalline center stack is a feature that will be unique only to the Volvo S60 Concept, Mattin hints that it could translate into smaller, similar features for the production model. “We’ll have to see how our customers respond,” Mattin explained simply.