Volvo 240R Concept: 510 HP EV Echoes Classic Brick

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Designer Jordan Rubinstein-Towler's Volvo 240R concept reimagines the iconic "brick" as a high-performance EV with 510 hp dual motors and a 111 kWh battery.

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The retro-futuristic 240R marries '80s boxy charm with modern Thor's Hammer LEDs, a sealed grille, and that eye-catching ducktail spoiler.

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While automotive media praises the concept's blue bucket seats and tactile buttons, questions remain about how this boxed beauty would perform in modern crash tests.

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Could the 240R fill the market gap left by the discontinued S60/V60 and challenge the BMW i3 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV?

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The concept appears amid Volvo's rocky EV journey – the company recently recalled 73,000 plug-in hybrids due to battery thermal-runaway risk affecting safety credibility.

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A class-action lawsuit filed April 8 alleges defective battery modules in 2020-2022 Volvo plug-in hybrids pose a serious fire hazard – context that most 240R coverage ignores.

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The 240R's assumed SPA2 platform would enable 800V fast-charging capability, potentially delivering 10-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes.

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Automotive design experts note retro aesthetics have become "a powerful tool" for heritage brands seeking distinction in an increasingly homogenized EV market.

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A production 240R would likely command a €60,000-75,000 price tag based on SPA2 platform costs and comparable Polestar models.

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Volvo's recent reappointment of former CEO Håkan Samuelsson amid recalls and slowing EV demand signals a renewed focus on safety and strategic execution.

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The original Volvo 200 Series (1974-1993) sold an impressive 2.8 million units worldwide and cemented Volvo's reputation for safety and utilitarian style.

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What sustainability credentials would a production 240R offer beyond its electric drivetrain – recycled materials, vegan leather, or innovative lifecycle carbon footprint analysis?

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