BEIJING: Those Chinese model builders are at it again, this time letting a preview of the 2016 Volvo S90 sedan in 1:43 scale slip through the net.
The model shows the exterior styling for Volvo’s S80 replacement, ahead of an expected unveiling before the end of the year.
The S90 appears to draw on Volvo’s Coupe concept from 2013, along with the Concept Estate from last year.
Styling from Volvo’s new XC90 SUV is also prevalent, and the model suggests the XC90’s look may provide the basis for a future V90 wagon.
At the front, Volvo’s corporate ‘face’ tones down the styling from both the Coupe and Concept Estate but maintain the slender headlights, long bonnet and upright grille.
The rear shows a new taillight design from the Swedish carmaker, along with a sloping rear windscreen in keeping with the ‘four-door coupe’ look.
Power for the S90 and V90 is likely to come solely from Volvo’s four-cylinder Drive-E turbocharged engine range, with the Yamaha-tuned V8 and any other engines from the S80 sporting more than four cylinders not believed to be under consideration at this stage.
As for three-cylinder engines, Volvo’s Lars Lagström told TMR earlier this month that the ’90 cluster’ of models would stick to four-cylinder power only.
The latest ‘model before the model’ comes three weeks after the Bentley Bentayga was revealed in 1:43 scale ahead of its official launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Stay tuned for more on the Volvo S90 and V90.