Volvo to Cancel S60 Frankfurt Debut?

Volvo has recently announced that it will display the production version of the S60 model at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but it appears that the Swedish manufacturer plans to cancel the first public appearance of the car. The reason isn't quite clear but according to a report by the Autotelegraaf, the company is still working on the new model and several testing sessions on the Nurburgring are projected to take place in the near future.

Still, the company will display the car in early 2010, with Detroit or Geneva likely to host the world premiere of the production S60. Things are still uncertain at this point, so everybody is expecting for an official statement from the Swedish manufacturer.

The S60 was revealed for the first time in concept form at the Detroit Motor Show and was powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 180 horsepower. The model is projected to go on sale in 2010, shortly after the public release of the production flavor.

"The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you here and now that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car's technology will help you to be a better and safer driver," said Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell at the time of the first unveiling.

Just as expected from a model released during recession times, the S60 comes equipped with fuel consumption reduction systems, namely the GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) which also contributes to reducing the level of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.

"GTDi technology is an important CO2-cutting technology for petrol engines. In the S60 Concept we have also added a number of other developments that further reduce fuel consumption. Several of these features will make their way into our production models in the coming years," stated Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain at Volvo Cars.