Concept You Previews Volvo’s

True to its word, Volvo hosted the world premiere of its new concept model at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The oddly named Concept You was created not only to give us a glimpse of the Swedish firm's evolving design DNA and showcase its new platform architecture, but it also hints at Volvo's next generation large sedan.

“Concept You gives you a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan," said Volvo CEO, Stephen Jacoby,. "The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world," he added.

Volvo’s head of design Peter Horbury says that the study adopted a more coupe-like profile and a fastback rear end after gathering feedback from the Concept Universe, which was displayed in Geneva this past March.

“The most valuable input has been used in the development of Concept You," says Horbury. "This car features a more daring profile, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look.”

The cabin features a clean and minimal design with the control center comprising of four main areas: a digital Driver Information Monitor, a HUD (head-up display) on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the center console and another one between the two rear seats.

"We used a number of touch screens to replace buttons and controls," says Horbuury. "Smart phones and pads have brought mobile infotainment into the new era. The technology helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior.”

Another innovation is the Alpine sound system which features the “FreshAir” subwoofer, a technology not yet in production that uses air outside the car to optimize the car's occupants' listening experience.

The Concept You also demonstrates the carmaker’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) that will be used on a variety of vehicles together with a new range of downsized engines.

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Spicy VW Beetle R Concept Makes its U.S

Officially, it’s just a concept, but the wording on VW’s press release hints at a production version of the Beetle R that was first shown at the 64th IAA in Frankfurt before it made its North American debut today at the LA Auto Show.

Developed by Volkswagen R GmbH - that is, the same people responsible for the Scirocco R and Golf R models, the Beetle R is said to show “the potential for an ever sportier version of the Beetle”.

The company also claims that the 200HP turbocharged 2.0-liter of the Beetle Turbo “could offer even more performance, similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R”.

Even though VW won’t say what’s under the hood, the 2.0-liter TFSI can easily pump out an extra 60-70 horses compared to the standard Beetle Turbo, as evidenced by the R GmbH-fettled Golf and Scirocco.

Building on the third-gen Beetle’s more muscular looks, VW’s designers added a completely new, 30 mm wider front bumper, along with beefier wheel arches widened by 15 mm to make room for the 20-inch “Talladega” five-spoke alloys and bigger brakes with blue “R” calipers. And in case you missed it, they also put a Porsche-like rear wing, a diffuser and four tail pipes at the rear end.

Inside there are bucket sport seats trimmed in Nappa-leather, glossy black accents on the dashboard, redesigned instruments and aluminum pedals.

When it was first displayed in September, we were willing to bet that VW was gauging reactions for a production version that is probably already waiting for the green light in Wolfsburg. Could it be that crossing the Atlantic means that the company is testing the waters to decide if it should bring it to the U.S. as well? Only time will tell.