2011 Volvo Universe Concept

Volvo has come to the Shanghai Auto Show with an elegantly wacky concept sedan that makes us cock our head to one side and say, "Hmmm." At first glance, their new concept looks to be sleek, elegant, and modern, all of the ingredients for a phenomenal new sedan. Once you take closer look, one element of the new design stands out like a sore thumb: that crazy front grill.

The Volvo Universe Concept previews a large, luxurious sedan with "a new human-centric design language that honors the beautiful lines of classic Volvo models." We don’t know exactly where this hypnotic type grill fits in, but the idea behind the design of the Universe is to combine contemporary design elements like the coupe-like roofline and the solid rear with design cues from classic models of the past. Again, where that insane grill comes in is simply beyond our imagination.

On the interior, the new Universe concept was designed to combine a driver-oriented dashboard with comfort and luxury for the rear passengers. This was accomplished by intuitive controls and a touch-screen that actually comes forward to greet the hand of the driver as he approaches it. The rear of the Universe Concept gets ultra-comfortable seats, classic forms, materials, and textures.

"Just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time," says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation. "We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication."