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.

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…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more