2009 Detroit Auto Show

Judging by Volvo's heavy use of the terms "coupe-like" and "coupe-inspired," we can surmise that the Volvo S60 concept is a sedan following the growing trend of coupe imitators. The front end of the S60 concept has been drawn back and smoothed out in a design that Volvo says was inspired by the cliffs and seas of the Swedish coastline. Design language aside, we can't help but notice how much it looks like the stylish Jaguar XF.

This concept introduces a technology Volvo calls Powershift. The automaker describes it succinctly as "two manual gearboxes working in parallel, each regulated by its own clutch." Powershift is a name Ford has tossed around for its coming dual-clutch gearbox, and by the looks of it, the transmission will make its debut in the S60 concept. However the transmission is configured, it will receive power from a 1.6L GTDi four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline engine making 180 hp and emitting only 0.42 lbs of CO2 per mile.

The XFR receives a new, direct-injected 5.0L V-8 (also available for the 2010 XF). But the XFR's mill receives pressurization from a Roots-type, twin-intercooled supercharger. Despite a mighty output of 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, the new engine comes sans weight or fuel mileage penalty -- its 15/23-mpg rating is the same as the outgoing supercharged 4.2L. Jaguar attributes this to a variety of new and altered components, including a direct-injection system, a variable-length intake manifold, and variable camshaft timing.

The new cam timing system relies on forces generated by the valves, rather than by oil pressure. The oil pump has been decreased in size and relocated as a result, reducing engine length by 0.94-in. These new technologies allow Jaguar to raise the compression of the engine to 9.5:1 (up from 9.1:1 on the 4.2L). Service intervals have been lengthened to 15,000 miles as well