Spyshots: 2010 Volvo S60

Volvo is already preparing to display the company's latest contraptions and facelifted models at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week but, leaving these vehicles aside, it is also working on models to be rolled out in the next few years. One of them is the future S60 flavor which currently undergoes heavy testing in various regions of the world.

As you can see in the adjacent spyshots, the car is wearing a lot of camo, so we should expect major changes from the current model. Redesigned front and rear, new bumpers, restyled headlights and reshaped tailights are probably the most important differences between the current and the future S60.

Details are still unknown for the time being but it might seem like the production model will pretty much look like the concept version displayed at the 2009 North American International Auto Show earlier this year. It will follow the same design line and will share basically the same features - except for the suicide doors of course.

Rumors are pointing to a high-efficiency gasoline turbocharged direct injection 1.6-liter engine to be fitted on the car. The powerplant would be especially tweaked for reduced emissions and fuel consumption, with preliminary figures pointing to a 5 liters per 100 kilometers (47 mpg) rating in combined cycle. It would be mated to a twin-clutch transmission.

Other features would include new technology for the S60, including a collision warning system with full auto braking and pedestrian detection. The auto show to host the official introduction of the new S60 is yet to be announced but the first quarter of 2010 is the most likely to witness the public debut.