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Automotive Crystal Ball: New Volvo C70 Convertible to feature Retractable Hardtop

New C70 to Move Volvo Convertible Further Up-Market

Believe it or not, some of the most sought-after models from the safety-conscious Swedish firm Volvo arent its all-conquering wagons or wild turbocharged sedans, but its coupes and convertibles. With lukewarm memories of the C70 Convertible, a droptop version of the previous generation S70/V70, still lingering, its time to introduce a new member of the Volvo family. All eyes are looking forward to a new Volvo sports coupe, which is slated to make its debut this autumn at the IAA in Frankfurt, Germany.

It seems whenever Volvo makes a coupe or convertible, they team up with some sort of engineering, consulting or coachworks firm. The original sports Volvo, the beautiful cow horned Ghia/Frua-styled P1800 coupe, is a prime example, and more recently, Volvo called upon Bertone to style

Some of the most sought-after models from the safety-conscious Swedish firm Volvo, arent its all-conquering wagons or wild turbocharged sedans, but its coupes and convertibles. (Photo: Artists Rendering)

several generations of 700-series midsize coupes. Even the now defunct C70 was aided in design and development by British firm AutoNova, a subsidiary of Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), which owned a portion of the Uddevalla factory in Sweden.

The upcoming Volvo sports coupe wont buck this trend of outsourced help. After scouting a variety of different firms, Volvo selected Italian partner Pininfarina and announced that it would help design and build the vehicle. Under the venture name of Pininfarina Sverige AB,

Volvo selected Italian partner Pininfarina and then announced that it would help design and build the vehicle. (Photo: Artists Rendering)

the prestigious Italian firm entered the deal with a stake of 60 percent. Its duty, aside from managing Volvos Uddevalla factory, includes development and research on the car. The venture will also mark the first vehicle that Pininfarina has built outside of Italy.

Since this information was released publicly, late in 2003, theres been little news about the Volvo convertible.... that is, until now. From winter testing spy shots and computer-generated photos, we were able to learn that the upcoming car will be smaller than the existing C70, and that it will ride on a strengthened version of Fords "C1" compact platform, the same chassis used to underpin the S40 and V50. Despite

The upcoming car will be smaller than the existing C70, and ride on a strengthened version of Fords "C1" compact platform, the same chassis used to underpin the S40 and V50. (Photo: Artists Rendering)

its smaller exterior dimensions and its relation to the small-chassis Volvos, Volvo reports that the car will continued to be designated C70, as opposed to the rumored "C50" nameplate that has been circulating in message groups. Power for the C70 will be provided by the S40/V50s five-cylinder turbocharged engine range.

Just recently, several finished units were spied in Florida, on set for press photography, unearthing many details about the cars physical appearance. The photos confirm the new cars relation to the compact sedan and wagon, featuring the handsome corporate nose, with recessed headlamps. A progressive beltline which stretches from nose to tail helps to form an adapted version of the shoulder, forming the unique "coke-bottle shape of the tail. Minor changes, including fenders

The new C70 will utilize a folding hardtop roof, similar to those used by Mercedes-Benz in the SLK and SL models, and by Cadillac in its XLR. (Photo: Artists Rendering)

with slightly more rolled arches, tail lamps with different wavy patterning and new air dams, will help distinguish the new C70 from its siblings.

As suggested by its oversized trunk lid, the new C70 will utilize a folding hardtop roof, similar to those used by Mercedes-Benz in the SLK and SL models, and by Cadillac in its XLR. The system will most likely feature a combination of a metal frame with glass roof and rear window panels to promote the sensation of a light, airy interior. While retractable hardtops arent new for four-seater compact cars in European and Asian markets, its a new phenomenon for North Americans. Provided that there are no surprise entries prior to its arrival, the C70 will hold the prestigious title of the only four-seater convertible with a folding hardtop roof, and the least expensive vehicle to feature one.

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