2007 Volvo C70 hardtop convertible spy shots & photochops
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Believe it or not, some of the most sought-after models from the safety-conscious Swedish firm Volvo aren't its all-conquering wagons or wild turbocharged sedans, but its coupes and convertibles. With lukewarm memories of the C70 Convertible, a droptop version of the previous generation S70/V70, still lingering, it's time to introduce a new member of the Volvo family. All eyes are looking forward to a new Volvo sports coupe, which is slated to make its debut this autumn at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany.
It seems whenever Volvo makes a coupe or convertible, they team up with some sort of engineering, consulting or coachworks firm. The original sports Volvo, the beautiful 'cow horned' Ghia/Frua-styled P1800 coupe, is a prime example, and more recently, Volvo called upon Bertone to style several generations of 700-series midsize coupes. Even the now defunct C70 was aided in design and development by British firm AutoNova, a subsidiary of Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), which owned a portion of the Uddevalla factory in Sweden.
The upcoming Volvo sports coupe won't buck this trend of outsourced help. After scouting a variety of different firms, Volvo selected Italian partner Pininfarina and announced that it would help design and build the vehicle. Under the venture name of Pininfarina Sverige AB, the prestigious Italian firm entered the deal with a stake of 60 percent. Its duty, aside from managing Volvo's Uddevalla factory, includes development and research on the car. The venture will also mark the first vehicle that Pininfarina has built outside of Italy.
Since this information was released publicly, late in 2003, there's been little news about the Volvo convertible.... that is, until now. From winter testing spy shots and computer-generated photos, we were able to learn that the upcoming car will be smaller than the existing C70, and that it will ride on a strengthened version of Ford's "C1" compact platform, the same chassis used to underpin the S40 and V50. Despite its smaller exterior dimensions and its relation to the small-chassis Volvos, Volvo reports that the car will continued to be designated C70, as opposed to the rumoured "C50" nameplate that has been circulating in message groups. Power for the C70 will be provided by the S40/V50's five-cylinder turbocharged engine range.
Just recently, several finished units were spied in Florida, on set for press photography, unearthing many details about the car's physical appearance. The photos confirm the new car's relation to the compact sedan and wagon, featuring the handsome corporate nose, with recessed headlamps. A progressive beltline which stretches from nose to tail helps to form an adapted version of the 'shoulder,' forming the unique "coke-bottle' shape of the tail. Minor changes, including fenders with slightly more rolled arches, tail lamps with different 'wavy' patterning and new air dams, will help distinguish the new C70 from its siblings.
As suggested by its oversized trunk lid, the new C70 will utilize a folding hardtop roof, similar to those used by Mercedes-Benz in the SLK and SL models, and by Cadillac in its XLR. The system will most likely feature a combination of a metal frame with glass roof and rear window panels to promote the sensation of a light, airy interior. While retractable hardtops aren't new for four-seater compact cars in European and Asian markets, it's a new phenomenon for North Americans. Provided that there are no surprise entries prior to its arrival, the C70 will hold the prestigious title of the only four-seater convertible with a folding hardtop roof, and the least expensive vehicle to feature one.
The target audience that Volvo hopes to reach with the upcoming C70 is the youthful and up-and-coming customer - the same type of person who purchases Audi A4 Cabriolets, BMW 3-Series Convertibles and Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolets. However, with the advantage of being based on a less expensive platform, with smaller dimensions, Volvo will have the edge on pricing. Expect the C70 to undercut its main rivals by several thousand dollars, in much the same way that it has been doing with the S40/V50. Comparatively speaking, the new C70 is shorter than its rivals, yet longer than its siblings, with an extended rear overhang to accommodate the folding hardtop roof and electric motors.
While the fiery turbocharged engines on the previous generation C70 Convertible were hot, the chassis certainly wasn't. Figures on torsional rigidity haven't been released, but expect them to be amongst the best in class. Volvo learned a hard lesson from enthusiasts and members of the media, who criticized the convertible for having excessive chassis flex, scuttle shake, torque steer and sloppy handling. The advantages of a stiffer chassis should also help boost the C70 in other areas, helping to maintain Volvo's golden reputation for building some of the safest cars on the planet. Expect a full airbag count, including side airbags that feature head and torso protection as standard. Also, look for strengthened A-pillars, as well as a pop-up style rollover protection system to be standard.
Now that the final touches are being added to the next-generation C70 project, it's rumored that Volvo will be bringing a second, larger, luxury coupe off the back burners. Insiders suggest that the car will be based on the largest version of the next-generation S60/V70/S80 platform, and will be similar in appearance to the SCC "Safety Concept Car", with interior inspiration from the YCC "Your Concept Car" shown at last year's Geneva Motor Show.
Project development will take place at Volvo's Southern California studios (responsible for the V70-based ACC2 concept). In terms of drivetrain, it's rumoured that the car could very well be equipped with the 300-horsepower turbocharged I-6 and Haldex-based AWD system rumored to be used in the next-generation European-market Focus RS. The "C80" isn't expected to make an appearance any time soon, though - look for a first glimpse close to the end of the decade.
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