Volvo ACC2

Volvo Provides a Glimpse into the Future of Extreme Winter Transportation.

5 March 2002

The ACC2 challenged Volvo designers to push Cross Country boundaries - to be extreme. The Volvo ACC2 (Adventure Concept Car) is a concept study that combines high-performance engineering with functionality of a sports activity vehicle - the ultimate, hard core outdoor winter adventure project. The unique "machine silver" color slashes boldly across snow bound roads seeking places where others fear to travel. The ACC2 offers a glimpse of Volvo future technology with the integration of state-of-the-art Information Technology solutions.

Flared wheel arches boast jet turbine inspired alloy wheels with a wider track that hints at its on and off road do-all capabilities. And just in case the road less traveled is the venue of the day, lower body sides are protected by plastic door moldings.

With 18 inch studded tires developed by Michelin, these run-flat winter shoes hug the road and help maintain control should a sudden loss of air pressure occur. The headlamps are connected with the vehicles GPS package. Depending on where the vehicle is, it can adjust the headlamps for left or right hand traffic conditions.

Cold, Warm and Smart
The interior of the Volvo ACC2 is inspired by the Swedish Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi and the famous Swiss Army Knife, a blend of cold surfaces, warm materials and smart functionality. "The exposed steel and aluminium surfaces emphasize the feeling of a capable driving machine, while soft, natural materials are used to create a cosy, comfortable feeling," says interior designer Jonathan Dale.

Perhaps the ACC2's most eye-catching feature is the 2 + 2 seat configuration and its new seat design. The thin profile of the seat is inspired by both the rounded classic design of Scandinavian chairs and the dynamic shape of racing car seats. The fixed angle between the seat cushion, together with saddle-inspired natural leather and generous lumbar support, provides maximum comfort. The backrests in the rear can move forward to the front seats to create a flat, efficient loading area.

The warm woollen floor carpets are made of the same material as the Swedish Ice Hotel ice bed cover! It's water resistant, yet still soft to touch. The center-console is flush with orange to increase the feeling of a warm, cosy environment. With colourful functionality and visible safety features, Orange is used to highlight the interaction between the car and its occupants. This includes the touch buttons throughout the car, the door handles and important safety features like the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) indicator and the Side Impact Protection

System (SIPS) bar in each seat
In the ACC2, the criss-cross safety belt, which was introduced in the Safety Concept Car (SCC) last year, is by no means the only detectable safety feature. Emphasizing Volvo's state-of-the-art technology in this field, the safety features on board have been made highly visible. In addition, the doors' safety bars are actually hand grips that promote the safety cage. The airbag in the steering wheel is visible through frosted glass as are the first-aid and toolbox kits, integrated into the front doors.

The center console - a "utility belt"
The center console of the ACC2 also houses a whole range of high-tech features. Best described as a "utility belt," the vehicle provides docking facilities for a range of electronics, including a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), camera and digital video camcorder.

The smart, portable PDA, which has been developed in co-operation with Hewlett Packard, includes a telephone and a GPS "On" system, which can be used On foot and On road.

A technology power wagon
When outside of the car, the PDA uses wireless technology to send and receive information. The technology opens up a wide range of exciting opportunities for the future. Use the voice control to say "give me powder" and the PDA will surf the web to obtain information about where the best, untouched snow is.

Point at a mountain and you will receive information about the slopes, weather conditions and snow quality. If you are caught in bad weather or an avalanche, the PDA will send an SOS via Volvo On Call. The GPS will supply the rescue team with your exact position. The system will also help you to find your way back to the car if the weather conditions get tough. It can also pre-warm the car for you.

Safely back in the car again, you can hook up your camcorder and watch your adventures on the rear-seat facing screen in the console. The "utility belt" also includes MP3 and DVD players, a thermos for hot drink, four glasses and, of course, orange sunglasses.

A Swedish snowmobile with 300 horsepower
Under the hood of the Volvo ACC2, there is a potent version of the Volvo five-cylinder, 2435 cc engine, producing 300 hp and no less than 295 ft. lbs. of torque, mated to a six-speed, compact, four-shaft semi-automatic gearbox developed. The "Up" and "Down" gear-shift buttons are integrated in the steering wheel, while the reverse button is positioned on the center console.

As an Innovative concept study, Volvo designers have come up with a product that is altogether cold, warm, and smart. With Quad seating, an array of Visible safety features, and State-of-the-art IT integration, the Volvo ACC2 is very much the Extreme Winter Transport for the future - very much, a Volvo.

---