2014 Volvo S80

Volvo is one of those automakers that rarely makes a splash in the auto scene. Unless it comes out with a concept - a feat in itself - it’s usually content with just sitting out of the spotlight and producing cars that are known for their fuel efficiency and safety.

That being said, we still have to give due attention to the automaker, especially when it decided to roll out a bevy of new models for nearly its entire product line.

One of these models is the new S80, the Swedish automaker’s luxury sedan. Previous versions didn’t really inspire a whole lot of interest from the market, but that doesn’t mean that the new S80 doesn’t come with some interesting new features about it that could make it a safe choice for a luxury model.

We certainly see some merits on the new S80. Sure, there are some things we don’t like about it too, but with a brand like Volvo, the case is always the customer taking what he can get.

Updated 08/02/2013: Volvo announced today that the 2014 S80 luxury sedan starts at $39,900. Click past the jump to see all of the pricing details.

Find out more about the 2013 Volvo S80 after the jump

Exterior

When you’re describing the exterior of the S80, you’re not going to expect any sort of award-winning designs. Volvo has never been the type to wow with aesthetics. Having said that, the new S80 does come with a host of exterior upgrades that makes the sedan look a little more appealing.

Volvo fitted the S80 with new front and rear bumpers that exude a more stretched look that makes the car look wider. We’re not sure what that accomplishes apart from being a little more difficult to park in smaller spaces.

Volvo describes the changes as adding a more sophisticated elegance to the car but we struggle to see where the sophistication is, especially when the automaker retained the old Volvo lights on the rear.

Ultimately, judging the look of a Volvo is like telling a giraffe it’s got a long neck. There are no surprises and nothing that will make you stand up and take attention.

2013 Volvo V60 "Pure Tension" Pavilion Concept

When its sitting idly by, the Volvo V60 isn’t exactly the type of car that titillates our senses. That’s not a knock on it; it’s just a prevailing thought in the industry.

But this particular V60 is different than pretty any other you’ve ever seen, or most likely, will ever see. Pop open the trunk and you’ll watch the magic happen.

The model is called the V60 "Pure Tension" Pavilion Concept, named aptly so because you can erect an actual pavilion just by opening its trunk. Confusing as that may sound, there’s some method to this head-scratcher of a concept.

Volvo Italy commissioned a contest called the Pure Volvo Pavilion Design Competition and this bad boy here, developed by Synthesis Design + Architecture, Buro Happold and Fabric Images, was chosen as the winner.

Using a standard V60, the winning crew installed a fully-functioning, energy-absorbing pavilion made from a flexible mesh structure that’s held in place by rods made from carbon fiber. Sounds pretty simple, right?

Well, there’s more. The aforementioned mesh structure is actually embedded with photovotaic cells that absorbs energy, natural and artificial, thus creating a unique setup wherein the pavilion itself can be used as an enormous charging station, and in some cases, as an actual pavilion that you can hold parties under.

Once you’re done with it, the whole contraption can be folded and stowed back inside the trunk of the V60, leaving little indication of the massive pavilion that was built into it.

It’s an odd setup, but one that shows the kind of innovation that makes the auto industry so special. If you want to learn more about the V60 "Pure Tension" Pavilion Concept, you can see it in Rome in a few month’s time make its debut.

Click past the jump to read about the Volvo V60 R-Design

The Volvo V60 R-Design is a unique trim from the Swedish automaker that proudly displays a few style changes from the standard V60. Chief among them is the new front fascia, complete with a redesigned nose, a Tech Matte Black grille with high-gloss black stripes, R-Design emblems and a silk metal diagonal.

Power comes with a choice of powertrain options, including a D2 diesel version that nets 115 horsepower and a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder T6 gas engine that produces 304 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque.