2007 Volvo C70 Review

Specifications

Sexy Swede Could Be Hot Item Come Spring 2006

Think Volvo and most people conger up images of new models such as the S40, V50 and XC90 V8… even a few of Volvos older products may come to mind, like the recently freshened S80 and XC70. But one product that seems to have simply vanished without a trace is the sporty C70. A child of the 90s, it was Volvos return to the two-door market, a segment it hadnt occupied since the 80s rear-wheel drive Bertone-designed 780. While sales of the C70 were never as brisk or plentiful as Volvo had imagined, a convertible soon followed, carrying the old-shape 70 series platform well into the new millennium.

Having merely dipped its toes into the sports coupe industry the first time around, Volvo is now returning to the scene with the backing of a much invigorated model lineup, and with that a much sportier and stronger brand image. The new 2006 C70 takes Volvo in an entirely new direction with its innovative new three-piece folding hardtop roof, allowing the second generation C70 to be both a coupe and a convertible. When the roof is stowed away, the C70 offers passengers the sunny skies and wind-in-the-hair fun, however, when the sleek and rakish profile of the metal folding roof is raised, it seals out the elements and bad weather. A first for North American premium segment convertibles equipped with seating for four adults, the C70 is a no compromises convertible for all reasons and all seasons.

Though its name may say 70, the new convertible should have been called the C50 being that its based off the compact S40 sedan/V50wagon, two models that ride on a variation of Fords C1 platform which also underpin the Mazda3, Mazda5, and the European Ford Focus.

Essentially, from the base of the windshield forward its the junior-sized Volvos with only minor modifications. Things start to get a little different at the windshield, which is much more curved to flow into the raked roofline, promoting a sleeker shape. As with all Volvos since the S80, the front fenders extend from nose to tail, creating shoulders at the cars waistline. At its rearmost end, the C70 is differentiated from the 40 and 50 series cars by uniquely shaped tail lamps and a rear bumper with a longer overhang.

While it may not have been designed by TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), the previous generation was developed and built in cooperation with the renowned British motorsport cum custom fabrication company off of S70/V70 architecture, or penned by Jaguars Ian Callum, also like the old C70, the new model is fantastic to look at from all angles.

“Weve succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the mere touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupe. The customergets two cars in one. Both with space for four adults,” says Volvo Cars chairman Hans-Olov Olsson.

To adapt the C1 platform for convertible use, Volvos engineers carefully studied both the chassis and body in order to make the car as rigid as possible. Having learned a lesson from the extremely flexy first generation C70, and when it comes to convertibles being flexible is not a good thing, Volvos engineers put torsional rigidity as a high priority, by using carefully positioned braces and beams to improve the vehicles strength. Impressively, Volvo claims that the new C70 is twice as rigid as the old model. As well, when the metal roof is raised, rigidity is approximately 10 to 15 percent higher than in its open-air state.

“A torsionally rigid body is important to the cars ride and handling traits,” says C70 project manager Patrik Widerstrand. “It makes the car more stable and easier to control. It also makes the car more dynamic and fun to drive,” not to mention cutting back on torque-steer, a problem which plagued first-gen C70 convertibles.

When the C70 arrives in dealerships, it will feature a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five that will produce 218-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine that Volvo uses to power the S40/V50 T5, and is a detuned version of the hot 300-horsepower powerplant found in the R-series S60 and V70. The car will be available with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox, or 5-speed automatic with Geartronic manual mode driving the front wheels.

Elsewhere in the world, the C70 will be available with two other powerplants, the 170-horsepower 2.4-liter I-5 found in mid-level S40/V50/S60 models, which will be followed by Volvos 180-horsepower aluminum-intensive D5 common-rail turbodiesel. While its unlikely that the North American market will receive the D5 diesel, Volvo may eventually offer the 2.4 as an entry-level option to attract more buyers. Theres no word yet on whether Volvo will offer all-wheel drive with the C70 either, a feature that could potentially help Volvos new retractable hardtop target Audis A4 Cabriolet Quattro.

As makers of some of the worlds safest motor vehicles, the C70 wouldnt be a true Volvo if it didnt offer some sort of new safety feature - and it does. The C70 offers an inflatable curtain, a first amongst convertibles. Normally, a head-protection system for side impacts like an inflatable curtain requires a roof and pillars, however, Volvos innovative inflatable curtain is mounted in the door. In the event of a side impact, the airbag inflates upwards to protect the drivers head and torso. Unlike a conventional airbag, mind you, it remains upright and inflated for longer in order to offer better protection, and deflates at a slower rate to protect the driver and passenger in a rollover. This is, of course, in addition to a retractable roll bar.

As was predicted in an earlier news story (see the automotive news section for: June 22, 2005: Automotive Crystal Ball: Volvo C70 Convertible to feature Retractable Hardtop), the C70 was developed in conjunction with Italian coachworks firm Pininfarina who is experienced with engineering, designing and building convertibles. While the name may be associated with Ferraris and other high-price exotics, the C70 is built in the same factory as its predecessor in Uddevalla, Sweden. Being the only convertible in the premium segment to have the combination of a steel roof as well as room for four full size adults, Volvo has great hopes for the new car. In 2004, the C70 Convertible sold just over 8,000 units - Volvo aims to double previous sales in its first year.

Sales for the all-new C70 are to begin in North America during the first quarter of 2006, which means that this beauty will be available just in time for spring and summer. As strange as it sounds, this sexy Swedish convertible could very well be next years must-have item.