The new Volvo C70 soon to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the C70 delivers an “I want” aura of absolute world class.
The gorgeous new C70 will hit South African shores in the first quarter of 2010.
The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. But above all, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. It’s designed for people who reward themselves with the best in life.
“The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today’s and tomorrow’s Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car,” explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.
Modernised, assertive front
The new Volvo C70’s redesigned front reveals clear traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. As a result, the C70 is now more closely aligned with the larger models in the Volvo line-up.
Bodywork details such as the front wings have been redesigned, giving the C70 an edgier appearance than before. The nose on the new Volvo C70 is distinctly wedge-shaped and its three-dimensional depth has been increased by adding more pronounced longitudinal and vertical lines along the front. The new headlamps and the foglamp surrounds are angled upward drawing attention to the refreshed grille.
The C70’s new headlights form a pronounced ‘V’ while the enlarged iron mark and air-intake give the vehicle a much more assertive stance. And if you’re in the mood to really stand out from the crowd, the colour Flamenco Red Pearl is certainly the way to go.
“The new C70 has a clearer, more pronounced face. The car’s natural elegance has been modernised so it blends seamlessly with the most up-to-date and sophisticated backdrops,” says Fedde Talsma.
Exclusive new rear design
The C70’s new high-tech LED lights, similar to those on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable change to the rear end. The entire lamp unit is seamlessly integrated into the oval which frames the new C70’s rear panel.
Small design changes and extra detail to the rear bumper emphasise the depth and dynamism of the C70’s striking new design language.
Interior that rewards the driver
The interior has been updated in several areas to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, creating a wider, sleeker look and the panel surface is textured to enhance the feeling of quality.
Exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, add to the convertible’s premium image and unique sense of style.
“We’ve focused the new interior features around the driver to give the owner a stronger perception of being rewarded behind the wheel. The seats are upholstered in a new type of soft hide and there is even better detail finish to make driving a more pleasurable experience than ever before,” continues Fedde Talsma.
World-leading safety among convertibles
In keeping with Volvo tradition, the new C70 is built to be one of the safest convertibles on the market, both in terms of preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and the lack of a fixed roof is compensated for by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
Protection in roll-over accidents
The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that shoot up behind the rear seat passengers to create a protective space should the car roll over. These hoops, which are part of Volvo’s Rollover Protection System (ROPS), are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a proper glass rear window, the hoops will shoot up through the glass if the roof is up. The hoops are fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass in order to best protect the occupants if the vehicle does roll.
Unique door-mounted inflatable curtain
One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the door as there is no roof rail in which to fit it. The curtain has an extra-stiff design featuring twin rows of panels that are offset somewhat in relation to one another. As a result, the curtain can remain upright and help protect the occupant’s head effectively even if the window is open. The curtain also deflates slowly, which provides added protection should the car roll over.
Side-impact airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners for all seats
In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags to shield both the chest and hips. The inflatable curtain also interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to enhance protection for front seat occupants in a side impact or rollover situation. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.
Elegant three-part steel roof
Through the press of a button the Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a cosy coupe into an open convertible – the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot.
Facts about the roof of the Volvo C70:
- The car has to be at standstill when the roof is raised or lowered
- The car only needs 2 metres of free vertical space when the roof is raised or lowered
- There is no need for extra space behind the car while the roof is being raised or lowered
- The roof takes about 30 seconds to open/shut (irrespective of climate)
- An electric motor, hydraulic pump and computer are used to open and shut the roof
- The boot has two operating modes: one when the roof is up and the other for when it is down. This ensures easy access to the boot is still possible even when the roof is stowed.
- The roof is divided into three sections and the roof panels are made of steel
- The side windows slide up against the roof rail after the roof closes
- The boot lid is made of aluminium and steel
- The body’s torsional rigidity improves by about 15 percent when the roof is raised
Engine range, Volvo C70
Advanced engine and exhaust filtration technology means Volvo’s engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 will locally be available with the T5 engine.