Judging by this test mule's evil-looking camouflage, Volvo is taking the security of its new XC70 very seriously. Despite a costume that includes a twin kidney-shaped grille cover, we're not falling for their camouflage artist's distracting pastiche of BMW/Pontiac cues.

Spy shooter Chris Doane snagged this (hockey) masked prototype undergoing testing for Brenda Priddy & Company. The spy shooteress herself reports that the all-new Cross Country wagon is slated to arrive as a 2008 model, along with a new V70, and a sub XC90 crossover that's a bit larger than Toyota's new RAV4.

Despite the armor-like cover-up, the mule clearly takes many of the new S80's styling cues, albeit pumped up with a tougher-looking front end, thanks to its enlarged egg-crate grille. In profile, the XC70 appears to have some nicely bulging fenders, along with those oh-so-trendy side mirror turn signals. Despite the cladding designed to project a much more rakish D-pillar, the rear hatch indeed tapers more gently than the current model.

We can't wait to see the interior of the new XC70, but something tells us that the guy in the NOS hoodie and matching cap doesn't feel like sharing with our sharpshooter.

Winding Road: Volvo Archive
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