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2007 Volvo C70 Preview

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

The new 2006 C70 takes Volvo in an entirely new direction with its innovative new three-piece folding hardtop roof. (Photo: Volvo of America)

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

The windshield is much more curved to flow into the raked roofline, promoting a sleeker shape. (Photo: Volvo of America)

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

The C70 will feature a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five that will produce 218-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Volvo of America)

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

"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. (Photo: Volvo of America)

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

The C70 is much more curved at the windshield compared to the S40 and V50, to flow into the raked roofline, promoting a sleeker shape. (Photo: Volvo of America)

10 to 15 percent higher than in its open-air state.

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