Volvo recently showed off some of the new concept cars that they have been working on at an event in Gothenburg, and they look quite good.  These 40.1 and 40.2 concepts are part of a plan to actually bring Volvo back on the road after the brand was purchased by a Chinese automaking company a while ago.  Volvo's concept cars are the preview for the XC40 and S40, and this is what is known about the Volvo XC40 and S40 release date and specs.

The 40 series are some new compacts that are the final piece of a $11 billion strategy Volvo embarked on several years ago.  Back then, Chinese automaker Geely bought the Swedish brand from Ford during the recession, and this new massive engineering program has included developing two new vehicle architectures, new engines, hybrids and electric cars. 

The designs are no longer the box looks that the brand has been known for, and they are no longer boring.  According to USA Today, this Compact Modular Architecture, which is different than the Scalable Product Architecture that is like the XC90 and Volvo's other larger vehicles.  The sedan version will have a fast rear window and short rear deck; they will also have the "Thor's Hammer" LED front running lights that have become part of Volvo's signature look. 

It's pretty clear that this new XC40 and S40 are supposed to set the new standard for Volvo when it comes to their look.  The way the cars were even presented was odd, comparing the models with shoes.  Showing how one shoe designed for business can look very elegant. 

The XC40 and other concept Volvos are going to go into production at the Volvo plant in Ghent, Belguim sometime in 2017.   As far as what is under the hood, they will feature a three-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.  It will also feature turbo and supercharge to maximize output as well as fuel efficiency.  The standard engine will be a 1.5 liter, producing up to 200 bhp and driving on the front wheels, with an option of a four-cylinder diesel unit.

The XC40 will be the SUV model, and there will be an S40 sedan as well.  There will also be a hatchback, and it is quite possible that Volvo could create a station wagon model as well.  According to Slash Gear, Volvo's CEO Hakan Samuelson told the company that he was banking that these cars will account for roughly a third of Volvo's volume, which would help the company grow from more than a half-million sales. 

These new Volvo models will probably not hit the United States until 2018, and yes, that will be a long wait for what is coming.  However, for Volvo to burst into the scene, it is a short time to prepare.