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THE ALL-NEW
2006 VOLVO C70
DESIGNED TO
OFFER THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
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The second-generation convertible from Volvo Cars
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Power-operated retractable hardtop
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Scandinavian inspired interior
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Space and comfort for four adults
Anaheim, California (October 5, 2005)
– Volvo Cars of North America, LLC today unveiled the all-new 2006
Volvo C70 to the automotive press at the 2005 California
International Auto Show. Offering the best of both worlds, the
all-new Volvo C70 is a modern convertible with classic proportions,
four comfortable seats and a three-piece retractable hardtop.
“We wanted to create two cars in one –
combining the best of both worlds,” says project manager Patrik
Widerstrand. “We have succeeded in creating a car that is both an
elegant convertible and a sporty coupe.” The all-new Volvo C70 can
be transformed seamlessly from a coupe into a convertible; the
retractable hardtop folding away quickly and smoothly into the
trunk.
“It’s a very special experience to see
half the car open up and swallow the other,” says Fedde Talsma,
head of design for the all-new Volvo C70. “One simple press of a
button and the transformation takes place automatically in just 30
seconds.” Apart from the flexibility offered by the retractable
hardtop it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The
large rear window glass offers outstanding outward visibility and
improves body rigidity.
ROUNDED SHAPES AND A POWERFUL PROFILE
The all-new Volvo C70 is slightly
shorter and lower than its predecessor and overall width is slightly
wider. Combined with its slightly shorter nose, this gives the car a
powerful, athletic stance. The gently rounded corners and minimal
front overhang are Volvo design hallmarks.
A
strong shoulder is another Volvo design cue, and the C70 carries the
tradition in fine form. From the swept headlamps the shoulder line
swings up towards the rear, giving the impression that the car is
sitting low on its hindquarters. The higher beltline around back
reinforces the feeling of a protective collar around those traveling
in the backseat. The slope is balanced visually by the wave-shaped
sill line.
“Achieving
harmonious lines both with and without a roof is not an easy
task,” says Talsma. “We opted to first design the all-new Volvo
C70 as a coupe. Once we were satisfied with the result, the
convertible's lines fell cleanly into place.”
In profile, the trunk line falls away sharply
and has the characteristic Volvo rear lights. On the all-new Volvo
C70 they have a lower profile than on the sedan models, creating
visual width and a powerful stance.
SCANDINAVIAN INFLUENCED INTERIOR
The interior of the all-new Volvo C70 is
marked by Volvo’s modern and innovative design features, inspired
by Scandinavian tradition with clean surfaces, genuine materials and
good functionality. “We have chosen to give the all-new Volvo C70
an elegant, modern feel,” says Talsma. “Inspiration has been
drawn more from Scandinavian product design than pure car design.”
The
super-thin center stack, introduced in the Volvo S40 sport sedan and
V50 sport wagon can also be found in the all-new Volvo C70.
Adding to the all-new C70's individuality,
special upholstery has been developed. The standard Vulcaflex
interior is a synthetic material with a skin-like surface and a
high-tech feel. Full leather upholstery is an option.
COMFORT FOR FOUR ADULTS
The all-new Volvo C70 is designed to
accommodate four adults. The two rear seats have comfortably angled
backrests and generous width across the supportive cushions. Like
all Volvo cars, the front seats are ergonomically shaped. With a
push of a button on the backrest, the front seats move quickly
forward to facilitate entry to the rear seat. The (standard on
driver's side optional for passenger seat) electrically operated
seats move forward twice as quickly as the previous C70.
FLEXIBLE, CAREFULLY CONSIDERED DESIGN
In the passenger compartment there are
spacious storage areas beside each seat. Several of the storage bins
are linked to the car’s central locking system for convenient
locking when using the remote control. The locking feature is
particularly useful when the car is parked with the top down.
Additionally, a completely new system is being launched in the C70:
Private Locking. The system allows certain compartments to be locked
with the key from the glove compartment when leaving the car with a
parking attendant.
As
with all Volvos, functionality is very important. In the all-new C70
the trunk is unusually spacious for a convertible of this size. It
has a 12.8 cubic-foot capacity with the roof up and 6.0 cubic feet
with the top stowed. A divider located inside the trunk makes it
easy to assess how much can be loaded with the top down. To assist
in loading and unloading with the top down, the entire roof
mechanism can be lifted approximately 7.9 inches with the aid of an
electric motor and a control button located in the trunk
compartment. A ‘ski hatch’ in the backrest of the rear seat also
makes it possible to transport long objects inside the car and is
locked with the central locking function described above.
“We
really have tried to make use of every square inch in the car to
enhance passenger comfort,” said Talsma. “Despite the compact
dimensions of the all-new C70 there is ample space and room for
personal effects.”
Facts about the retractable hardtop on
the all-new Volvo C70:
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The roof panels are steel
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It is a three-piece top
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The joints between the sections have rubber seals
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An electric motor, hydraulic pump and computer are
used to open and close the roof
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The roof is opened/closed in approximately 30 seconds
(regardless of the weather)
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The car should be at a standstill when the roof is
opened/closed
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The side windows fit into the roof after it has been
raised
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The rigidity of the body is improved by approximately
15 percent when the roof is up
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The trunk lid is made of aluminum and is dual hinged,
for operation of the roof or for access to the luggage compartment.
CRITICAL DIMENSIONS:
All-new 2006 Volvo C70
Length:
180.3 inches
Width:
71.7 inches
Height:
55.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Track, front:
61.0 inches
Track, rear:
61.4 inches
Previous C70
Length:
185.7 inches
Width:
71.7 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.9 inches
Track, front:
59.9 inches
Track, rear:
59.9 inches
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