For immediate release
GÖTEBORG (September 22, 2005) – The new Volvo C70 has an extremely advanced body structure for a convertible, with all the systems and components interacting to distribute and absorb incoming collision forces as effectively as possible – thus contributing to reduced injury risk for the occupants. Compensation for the lack of a fixed roof has been achieved through structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
The new Volvo C70 was developed to provide the same safety level as a sedan model of the same size. What differentiates a convertible from a sedan is that in the open-top car, collision forces cannot be diverted up into the body structure.
“The lack of a fixed roof means that the incoming forces must instead be diverted along the body sides in a frontal or offset collision,” says Ingrid Skogsmo, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
This imposes stricter demands on the doors, which have been reinforced with a robust longitudinal aluminium beam at the upper edge. Its purpose is to help keep the passenger compartment intact by leading the impact forces further back into the body structure. What is more, the doors are designed to hook into the B-posts and remain shut in a collision. At floor level, the collision forces are led backward via sturdy still beams.
Advanced front structure with separate zones
In a smaller vehicle, the preconditions for effective deformation differ from those of a larger one.
“The deformation has to be retarded in a shorter distance than in a larger car,” explains Ingrid Skogsmo. “And in order to absorb as much as possible of the incoming energy, we have to exploit the material’s properties to the maximum.”
The front body structure of the new Volvo C70 has been divided into several zones, each with a different deformation role with the outer zones handling most of the deformation. The closer collision forces come to the passenger compartment, the less the material is deformed. In order to give each such zone the appropriate characteristics, the type of steel used varies. Four different steel grades are employed. In addition to conventional body steel, three different grades of high-strength steel are found in the body panels: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel.
With this zone system, incoming collision forces are absorbed in a very effective way:
Zone for deformation at low speeds
The front bumper features a very stiff cross-member made of Ultra High Strength Steel. Its attachment in the body’s longitudinal beams consists of collapsible “crash boxes” that help absorb low-speed impact forces without damaging the remainder of the body’s network of beams.
Zone for deformation at high speeds
The straight sections of the longitudinal beams are made of High Strength Steel and accounts for most of the deformation. The new Volvo C70 is also equipped with upper side-beams that contribute to enhanced passenger protection in a collision with an object such as a truck’s cargo bed or a loading-bay platform.
Backup zone
The beam that curves out towards the A-posts serves as a barrier for the passenger compartment and as a backup to help reduce deformation. Made of Extra High Strength Steel, its design also helps minimize the risk of the front wheel penetrating into the passenger compartment. Instead, the wheel helps absorb the collision forces.
Three-way attachment
A cross-member links the A-posts and the lower side-members so they form an extremely stiff three-point attachment on each side. This construction plays a vital role in maintaining the passenger compartment’s integrity in a severe collision.
Compact engine and efficient packaging
The engine also boosts protective safety in the new Volvo C70, thanks to compact design and efficient packaging under the hood. Since the engine is installed transversely, the compact dimensions create generous space between the engine and passenger compartment. In a collision, the engine can be pushed approximately 150 mm rearward before the crankshaft comes into contact with a cross-member alongside the bulkhead.
The steering column can deform up to 140 mm. During deformation, it moves horizontally so that the airbag can deploy in the most effective position for this particular car model.
Rear-end impacts
The new Volvo C70 is also designed to offer effective protection in a rear-end collision.
The rear longitudinal beams deform in a controlled manner. They link to the sill beams to distribute impact forces forward into the body structure. At the top, the horseshoe-shaped beam behind the rear seat and a double steel bulkhead behind the backrests help reduce the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment.
“The retractable hardtop is also part of the collision protection system,” says Ingrid Skogsmo. “When it is opened and stored in the luggage compartment, it works together with the double wall to absorb collision forces.”
What is more, the robust ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System) bars come up in a collision from the rear. The aim is to reduce the risk of the passengers being struck by loose objects from the rear-impacting car.
Volvo WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) is one of the most effective systems on the market for whiplash protection and is standard in the new Volvo C70. In the event of a severe impact from behind, the backrest and head restraint accompany the passenger’s body as it responds to the force of the impact.
The seats and backrest have a very sturdy construction to withstand high loads. At the same time, they are designed to move in a severe impact, where the balance between strength and flexibility is vital to occupant safety.
“Our seats are far stronger than is usual in this type of car,” relates Ingrid Skogsmo.
Protection for other road users
The body’s rounded shapes and smooth surfaces help reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users in an accident. What is more, the front has a soft, energy-absorbing structure in front of the bumper to counter the risk of leg injuries. The hood and front fenders are also designed to absorb energy and reduce the risk of injury.
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:
