Volvo Lifts the Lid on the New C70
The Volvo C70 has been given a new look, a richer interior and even higher levels of safety. Although it will not be officially shown until the Frankfurt Motor Show, images of the new convertible have already been released by its proud manufacturer.
'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 harmonise 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.'
The clever three-piece steel roof remains as a trademark element. Naturally, the new C70 still provides practical and luxurious seating for four adults as well as world-leading convertible safety.
Modernised, self-assured front
At the Detroit Motor Show in January this year, Volvo displayed its S60 Concept which foreshadowed the frontal theme adopted on the redesigned C70. The front wings have been redesigned and attention has been paid to the lower section of the grille. Volvo's new design language favours a sharper wedge and a three-dimensional depth which has been achieved by careful attention to detail.
'The new C70 has a clearer, more pronounced face', says Mr Talsma. 'The car's natural elegance has been modernised so it blends seamlessly with the most up-to-date, the most sophisticated backdrops'.
From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting 'V'. The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance. Owners who are not worried by being the centre of attention can specify the dramatic new fashion colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.
New rear design
The high-tech LED lamps - the same type as found on the Volvo XC60 - are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.
As at the front, new lines and details in the bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasise 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 new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car's premium feel has been emphasised still 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 Fedde Talsma.
World-leading safety among convertibles
The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, as regards both active and passive safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique in the world of open-top cars. The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
Protection in roll-over accidents
The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that shoot up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective space should the car roll over. These hoops, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System (ROPS), are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a proper glass rear window, the hoops shoot up through the glass if the roof is up. They have therefore been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to guarantee proper protective function.
Unique door-mounted inflatable curtain
One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, which is installed in the door since there is no roof rail in which to fit it. The curtain has an extra-stiff design featuring twin rows of panels that are offset somewhat in relation to one another. As a result, the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head in an effective way even if the window is open. What is more, the curtain deflates 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 size of these bags is designed 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.
The updated Volvo C70 is due for arrival in Australia next March (2010).
