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Performance Concept Car II explores the future of Volvo wagons

 

For immediate release

Performance Concept Car II explores the future

 

of Volvo wagons

 

The Volvo Performance Concept Car II, a stunning high performance wagon based on the popular Volvo V70, will make its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show, Volvo Cars of Canada has announced.

 

A platform to explore a number of new technologies that could one day find their way into future production Volvo cars, the Performance Concept Car II (PCC2) includes one of the world's most advanced dynamically controlled suspension systems, electronically managed four-wheel-drive and 300 bhp of power on tap.

 

The PCC2 is painted a dynamic laser blue, an exclusive livery that shimmers and changes with changing lighting conditions. A satin silver finish highlights the pronounced grilles on the new front spoiler and the rear bumper's centre panel that separates the dual inset rectangular tailpipes.

 

The deeply contoured seats are upholstered in soft leather with a metallic effect as well as inlay panels in nubuck suede; the pedals are made of ribbed aluminium and gauges are an exclusive shade of blue.

 

In keeping with the sleek look of the PCC2 is the addition of sporty wheels that come straight from the racetrack. The 19" BBS magnesium wheels used on the British Touring Car Championship's Volvo S40 are shod with 245/35-19 tires.

 

Under the hood is a potent version of the Volvo 5-cylinder

 

2435 cc engine that produces 300 bhp and no less than 400 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed compact four-shaft manual gearbox developed by the company.

 

A highlight of the PCC2 is Volvo Cars' innovative FOUR-C suspension (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept). The electronically controlled system collects information about how the car moves and responds instantly by adjusting the shock absorber characteristics. The system's microprocessor monitors the precise position of each wheel 500 times per second, assessing its degree of grip altering the damping characteristics of each individual wheel accordingly.

 

Height sensors and body-mounted accelerometers that measure the position and movements of each wheel and the car's body, send data to the system's microprocessor via the car's Multiplex system. The Multiplex system also sends data from other on-board systems that allow the computer to anticipate events before they occur.

 

For example, if the driver brakes firmly, this information reaches the shock absorbers a few milliseconds before the brake pads actually grab the discs.

 

In this tiny time gap, the FOUR-C microprocessor will have calculated just how much the car will want to pitch once the brakes are applied. Using this information, the computer will instantly reset and prepare the shocks to maximize control and roadholding before the body has time to alter its pitch.

 

If braking is so harsh that the ABS system is activated, the shock absorbers are set to optimize tire grip. The effects of abrupt acceleration and quick steering input are also considered by the FOUR-C system.

 

The FOUR-C concept was developed with the long-term cooperation of Öhlins Racing AB, one of the world's foremost manufacturers and developers of advanced high-technology shock absorber systems.

 

FOUR-C offers three chassis modes that can be selected by the driver via a button set into the instrument panel:

 

1. Comfort

 

2. Sport

 

3. Advanced Sport

 

The normal mode, Sport, is optimised for normal driving, with a balance between comfort and driving enjoyment. The Comfort mode optimizes the body's isolation from irregularities in the road. The Advanced Sport mode totally alters the character of the car, with a firmer ride to promote better handling and performance.

 

The Volvo PCC2 is equipped with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control). The choice of chassis mode influences just how early or late in a skid the DSTC system steps in to recover the car's poise.

 

The concept vehicle is also fitted with electronically managed four-wheel drive (AWD), developed with Haldex of Sweden. The unique interaction between AWD, DSTC and FOUR-C gives the car exactly the intended ride and roadholding characteristics, anywhere between comfort and advanced performance.

 

The electronically controlled AWD system is characterised by extremely rapid engagement and disengagement. Since the AWD system responds so swiftly, it is possible to balance and control oversteering and understeering tendencies with immense precision. A version of the Haldex system is currently offered in the new Volvo S60 AWD sedan.

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Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars's international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.