The new 2011 Volvo C70 that will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 15 will reveal a new front end, rear end and minor changes to the interior design. The vehicle will continue to offer a three-piece retractable hardtop, seating for four and world-class safety. With the mid-cycle refresh, Volvo Car Corporation intends to heighten the desirability factor of the vehicle.
"The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars. "What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonize 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."
As with the current model, the refreshed C70 will be powered by a 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder engine delivering 227 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle will be available in Canada in the first half of 2010 and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Modernized, self-assured front
With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals design traits from the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2009 and will more closely resemble the design language of the larger vehicles in the Volvo Cars model range
Bodywork details such as the front fenders have been redesigned. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given three-dimensional depth by moving some elements both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the fog lamps, for instance, have been offset, angled up and rearward, at the same time, the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.
From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting "V". The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the more aggressive stance.
Exclusive new rear design
High-tech LED lamps, of the same type found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit highlights the oval design cue that frames the new C70's rear panel.
Similar to the front, new lines and details in the bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasize the depth and dynamism of the design language.
Interior that rewards the driver
The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.
The exclusive new instrument panel, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car's premium feel has been emphasized further.
"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 Talsma.
World-leading safety among convertibles
The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, providing both preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several features that are unique in the convertible segment. For collision protection, the lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
Protection in a roll-over
The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that extend behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective survival space should the car roll over. These hoops, which are part of the Volvo Rollover Protection System (ROPS) are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a glass rear window, the hoops have small spikes that will break the glass to guarantee proper protective function if the roof is up.
Unique door-mounted inflatable curtain
One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, which are installed in the doors. The curtain has an extra-stiff design featuring twin rows of offset panels that help it remain upright and protect the head if the windows are open. What is more, the curtains deflate slowly, helping to provide 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. The side airbags are large enough to shield both the chest and hips. What is more, the inflatable curtain interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to contribute to the best possible protection for front seat occupants in a side impact or rollover situation. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.
Facts about the roof of the Volvo C70:
Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 41 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company's product range includes the stylish and sporty C30, the elegant C70 hardtop convertible, the compact S40 sedan, the S80 flagship sedan and the versatile V50 and V70 wagons. For customers looking for a Volvo vehicle with all-road capability, the company offers the versatile XC60 crossover - equipped with City Safety as standard equipment - as well as the XC70 and XC90.
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Contact:
Chad Heard
Marshall Fenn Communications
Office: 416-962-3366 x267
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E-mail: chadh@marshall-fenn.com
Erin Farquharson
Marshall Fenn Communications
Office: 416-962-3366 x254
E-mail: erinf@marshall-fenn.com
