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Volvo introduced its latest concept car this week at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, revealing another look at the company's future design intent. As Volvo seeks to nudge its product portfolio further upscale, the You sedan concept illustrates how touch-screens can be adapted to streamline the interior appearance.
The controls take inspiration from the increasing ubiquitous tablet computers and smart phones. By using touch-screens to replace buttons, the cabin has a clean, futuristic appearance. Volvo claims this will enable more intuitive controls and deeper connectivity than their current, production vehicles. One interesting feature is that an infrared camera monitors eye movements, and it can activate screens when looked at. The displays can then go into a sleep mode when not being used.
Volvo does cite that some of the more potentially distracting activities, such as accessing the Internet, can only be done from the passenger side when the car is in motion.
Another teased technology is an air-powered audio system from Alpine that uses outside air to enhance sound. Volvo is decidedly vague on how this works, noting that this is a future technology and claiming that the stereo can producing "better" sound than current audio systems.
Together with the Concept Universe concept sedan shown last spring in China, the You highlights where Volvo may be directing its upcoming, high-end models
namely the next-generation S80. As with most concept cars, it appears to be far reaching, but what is most notable is that Volvo is reaching further beyond strictly safety concepts these days.
Related:
Land Rover Defender concepts blaze a 21st-century trail
Video: Volvo Concept Universe luxury sedan bows in China
—Jeff Bartlett
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