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Spyshots: 2015 Volvo XC90 Wears Production Body

Sweden is, as Volvo puts it in one of their recent commercials, the home of "mountains, vast forests, long distances, sun, rain, darkness, snow and ice. This inspires and challenges us when we develop our cars." As a result, the cars they design look tough and try to span the greatest distances possible on a single tank.
2015 Volvo XC90 11 photos
Photo: CarPix
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So while Mercedes designs the S-Class for the German towns and autobahn highways, Volvo's flagship is the XC90, a tough, spacious SUV. Even though the current generation is pretty old, it still managed to receive the IIHS's Top Safety Pick recommendation last year. However, a new generation is under development, and it will be packed with every technology the Swedish company can muster, from advanced materials to complicated systems that scan the road for dangers.

In terms of design, this test vehicle spotted in Sweden tells us precious little. But Volvo did let us know three concept cars are going to preview the XC90's design, two of which have already been revealed: the XC Coupe from Detroit and Coupe Concept shown in 2013.

So what about the engines? Well, various sources suggest that through a weight reduction of about 150 kg, the XC90 will become light enough to be powered only by four-cylinder engines. As strange as that might sound, Volvo has already revealed a new 2-liter twincharger engine capable of an amazing 305 hp, which went into their mid-size vehicles. Of course, plug-in hybrid version of this SUV are a give, since Swedish prides itself on offering low-emissions mobility.

When the XC90 is revealed later this year, it might be the safest vehicle ever to be put on the road. As part of the Swedish company's initiative to reduce fatalities in their new cars to zero, three amazing technologies have already been announced:

• Pedestrian Detection in darkness. A world first that makes the detection and auto brake technology work effectively also when driving in darkness. The technology includes detection and auto brake for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Road edge and barrier detection with steer assist. A feature that detects if the car is about to drive off the road and autonomously applies steering torque to bring the vehicle back on track. Being able to monitor where the physical road ends is a world first. This means that the technology also works on roads without side markings.
Adaptive Cruise Control with steer assist. A technology that helps the driver stay in the lane and follow the rhythm of the traffic. The new system automatically follows the vehicle ahead.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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