Skip to main content

Volvo’s 2017 S90 flagship sedan leaks online as a die-cast model

Volvo S90 model front
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Instead of waiting on spy shots to capture glimpses of Volvo’s all-new S90 flagship sedan, which just lead to speculation about its design cues, here’s a die-cast model of the actual car that shows precisely what styling will make it to production.

A Chinese website has revealed 1:43 scale models of the 2017 S90 which have been confirmed as accurate designs of the production car by a Swedish website, Teknikens Varld. While the images don’t show every nook and cranny of the sedan’s exterior, we can at least tell that the S90 will borrow the face from recent Volvo concepts like the 2013 Concept Coupe and 2014 Concept Estate.

Recommended Videos

The prominent grille and T-shaped headlights (called “Thor’s Hammer” by Volvo) add a sleek, upscale look to the reborn sedan that will rival the Jaguar XF, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6.

volvo-s90-model-car-rear
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Other styling cues include narrow pillars, C-shaped taillights (also borrowed from the Concept Coupe), and unique wheel designs. Volvo has made it clear that it aims to directly compete with premium German, U.K. and Japanese automakers. Its 2016 XC90 SUV is off to a great start, with demand exceeding initial production. The XC90’s styling, interior technology, and innovative engines have validated its higher price point and Volvo will undoubtedly incorporate similar refinement to its new S90 sedan.

Engine options will include a turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder and a hybrid option, with power to match a traditional V6 and V8, respectively.

Die-cast models have leaked long before actual vehicle reveals before, including the Land Rover Discovery and Dodge Viper most recently, and even way back in 1968 when the C3 Corvette was developed as a Hot Wheels toy before GM revealed the production sports car.

Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Tesla and Elon Musk sued over use of AI image at Cybercab event
tesla and spacex CEO elon musk stylized image

Tesla’s recent We, Robot presentation has run into trouble, with one of the production companies behind Blade Runner 2049 suing Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, for alleged copyright infringement.

Tesla used the glitzy October 10 event to unveil its Cybercab and Robovan, and also to showcase the latest version of its Optimus humanoid robot.

Read more
Qualcomm wants to power your next car with the Snapdragon Cockpit and Ride Elite platforms
Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Ride Elite automotive platforms

It’s been a big year for Qualcomm. Alongside its massive launch into laptop chips through the Snapdragon X Elite series, Qualcomm is now entering the automotive space. The company has announced the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Elite and Snapdragon Ride Elite platforms at its annual Snapdragon Summit, which it flew me out to attend.

The two platforms are designed for different purposes, and can be used togetheror separately. The Snapdragon Cockpit Elite is built for in-vehicle infotainment systems and services, while the Snapdragon Ride Elite is built to power autonomous vehicle systems, including all the cameras and sensors that go into those systems.

Read more
Scout Traveler and Scout Terra forge a new path for EVs
Scout Traveler and Scout Terra.

Electric vehicles are inseparable from newness, whether it’s new tech, new designs, or new companies like Rivian, Lucid, and Tesla. But the Volkswagen Group’s new EV-only brand also relies heavily on the past.

Unveiled Thursday, the Scout Traveler electric SUV and Scout Terra electric pickup truck are modern interpretations of the classic International Harvester Scout. Manufactured from 1961 to 1980, the original Scout helped popularize the idea of the rugged, off-road-capable utility vehicle, setting the stage for modern SUVs.

Read more