Volvo Continues Teasing XC40 Concept, Hybrid Powertrain Revealed

Volvo continues to tease its XC40 Concept with new photos via Snapchat. This time around, the automaker has revealed one of the car’s key components, a plug-in hybrid setup that will be used on cars riding on its CMA modular platform.

The first photo highlights the XC40’s rear, which, right away is clearly reminiscent of the Concept XC Coupe that was shown at the 2014 Detroit auto show and the Concept Estate from the 2014 Geneva auto show. Like the XC90 SUV and V90 wagon, the XC40 Concept features the same signature taillight design that starts from the roof and flows down to nearly the rear bumper. The rear window also looks raked much more than the XC90’s while the roof spoiler appears larger.

Like the SPA-based cars, the CMA-based XC40’s battery is placed centrally, and low, where it doesn’t eat up interior space for cargo and passengers. However, based on the second photo Volvo released on Snapchat, it doesn’t look like the electric motor powers the rear wheels, meaning it’s possible that the hybrid powertrain in the 40 Series cars are only front-wheel drive.

The upcoming Volvo XC40 will be the first model from the Swedish automaker to use its new CMA platform, which was co-developed with Chinese parent company Geely. Slotting under the next-generation XC60, the XC40 will be Volvo’s new entry-level crossover and will compete against the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. After the XC40, a new S40 sedan and V40 wagon will follow and will also ride on the CMA platform. All three 40 Series models are expected to reach the U.S. starting with the XC40, which should debut in production form for the 2018 model year.

Source: Volvo

The post Volvo Continues Teasing XC40 Concept, Hybrid Powertrain Revealed appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1ss196t