For immediate release
FRANKFURT (September 12, 2005) – Volvo Car Corporation today introduced its second-generation convertible, the all new 2006 Volvo C70, with classic proportions, four comfortable seats and a retractable hardtop that folds away into the trunk.
“We wanted to create two cars in one, without compromise,” says C70 Project Manager Patrik Widerstrand. “We have succeeded in creating a car that is both an elegant convertible and a sporty coupe.”
“It’s a very special experience to see half the car open up and swallow the other,” says Fedde Talsma, head of design for the new Volvo C70. “One simple press of a button and the transformation takes place automatically and the whole process takes just thirty seconds.”
Apart from the flexibility offered by the retractable hardtop, it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The normal-sized glass rear window offers good visibility to the rear and the hardtop provides extra rigidity for the body.
Rounded shapes and a powerful profile
The new Volvo C70 is slightly shorter, sits lower than its predecessor but is just as wide. With a slightly shorter front overhang, its dimensions give the car a powerful profile. The corners, in true modern Volvo style, are gently rounded.
The shoulder line, or catwalk, glides up towards the rear to give an impression of dynamism and reinforces the feeling of a protective collar around those traveling in the back. The slope is balanced visually by the wave-shaped sill line.
“Achieving harmonious lines both with and without a roof is not an easy task,” says Talsma. “We opted to first design the new Volvo C70 as a coupe. Once we were satisfied with the result we made the necessary convertible adaptations. In our experience, this is the best approach.”
The rear section is cut away sharply and has the characteristic Volvo rear lights. On the new Volvo C70 they have a lower profile than on the sedan models to highlight the coupe body style.
Interior with a Scandinavian feel
The interior of the new Volvo C70 is marked by Volvo’s modern, innovative design features, inspired by Scandinavian tradition with clean surfaces, genuine materials and good functionality.
“We have chosen to give the new Volvo C70 a youthful, technology-inspired feel,” says Talsma. “Inspiration has been drawn more from Scandinavian product design than pure car design.”
The super-thin, “floating” centre stack, introduced in the Volvo S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon has also been included in the new Volvo C70. Special upholstery has been developed for the new Volvo C70. Vulcaflex is a synthetic material with a skin-like surface structure and a high-tech feeling. Vulcaflex is used both in combination with textile and with soft leather. Full leather upholstery is an option.
Good comfort for four adults
The new Volvo C70 is designed to accommodate up to four adults. The two rear seats have comfortably angled backrests and generous hip room while the front seats are ergonomically shaped and offer plenty of leg room. With a practical control on the backrest they can be moved forwards easily to facilitate entry to the rear seat. The optional electrically operated seats move forwards twice as quickly as in the previous C70 model.
Flexible, carefully considered design
The passenger compartment offers spacious storage areas beside each seat. Several of them are linked to the car’s central locking system through the remote control.
The trunk has been designed to provide spacious storage for a convertible of this size. It has a 400-litre capacity with the roof up and 200 litres with the roof down. A practical trunk divider makes it easy to assess how much can be loaded with the roof down. To facilitate loading and unloading when the roof is down, the whole roof package is lifted approximately 200 mm with the aid of an electric motor and a control button.
A ‘ski hatch’ in the backrest of the rear seat also makes it possible to transport long objects inside the car.
“We really have tried to make use of every centimetre in the car to enhance passenger comfort,” says Talsma. “Despite the compact dimensions of the car there is ample space and room for personal effects.”
Facts about the retractable hardtop on the new Volvo C70
Dimensions of the new Volvo C70 (compared with the previous C70 model)
Length 4580 mm (4716 mm)
Width 1820 mm (1820 mm)
Height 1410 mm (1429 mm)
Wheelbase 2640 mm (2664 mm)
Track, front 1550 mm (1521 mm)
Track, rear 1560 mm (1521 mm)
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 43 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company’s product range includes the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon, the S60 sports sedan, and the completely redesigned S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon. For buyers looking for more rugged versatility, the Volvo XC-line of vehicles that includes the XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle.
- 30 -
Contact:
Doug Mepham
1-877-975-1572 office
613-922-6097 mobile
doug.mepham@bellnet.ca
Chad Heard
416-540-4229
chadheard@rogers.com
Media website:
