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The all new Volvo C70 – both a convertible and a coupe

12 September 2005

• A second-generation convertible from Volvo Cars
• Electrically-operated retractable hardtop
• Youthful, technology-inspired interior
• Space and comfort for four adultsv

The all new Volvo C70 is about to be launched; the second-generation convertible from Volvo Cars. It is a modern convertible with classic proportions, four comfortable seats and a retractable hardtop in three sections. "We wanted to create two cars in one – without compromising," 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 smoothly from a coupe into a convertible. The retractable hardtop folds away quickly and smoothly into the boot. "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 and the whole process takes just thirty seconds." Apart from the flexibility offered by the retractable hardtop it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The normal-sized rear window, made of real glass, offers good visibility to the rear and extra rigidity for the body.

Rounded shapes and a powerful profile
The all new Volvo C70 is slightly shorter and lower than its predecessor but just as wide. In combination with the slightly shorter nose section, this gives the car a powerful profile. The corners, in true modern Volvo style, are gently rounded. The shoulder line swings up towards the rear to give an impression of dynamism and reinforces the feeling of a protective collar around those travelling in the back. 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 Fedde Talsma. "We opted to first design the all new Volvo C70 as a coupe. Once we were satisfied with the result we made the necessary convertible adaptations. In our experience this is the best approach." The rear section is cut 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 to highlight the 'C factor'.

Interior with a Scandinavian feel
The interior of the all new Volvo C70 is marked by Volvo's modern, 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 a youthful, technology-inspired feel," says Fedde Talsma. "Inspiration has been drawn more from Scandinavian product design than pure car design." The super-thin, apparently floating centre 'stack', introduced in the Volvo S40 and V50 has also been included in the all new Volvo C70. The decor panel can be varied according to the customer's wishes with four different appearances: Aluminium, Wood effect, Ivory Tan and Bauxite.

Special upholstery has been developed for the all new Volvo C70. Vulcaflex is a synthetic material with a skin-like surface structure and a high-tech feeling. Vulcaflex is used both in combination with textile and with soft leather. Full leather upholstery is a third option.

Good 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 space to the side. The front seats are ergonomically shaped. With a practical control on the backrest they can be moved forwards easily to facilitate entry to the rear seat. The electrically operated seats (option) move forwards twice as quickly as in the previous C70 model. Leg room in the front seat is very generous.

Flexible, carefully considered design
In the passenger compartment there are spacious storage areas beside each seat. Several of them are linked to the car's central locking system for convenient locking using the remote control. In addition, a completely new system is being launched – Private Locking – whereby certain areas can be locked with the key from the glove compartment. Private Locking is particularly useful in a convertible parked with the roof down. The boot is unusually spacious for a convertible of this size. It has a 400-litre capacity with the roof up and 200 litres with the roof down. A practical boot divider makes it easy to assess how much can be loaded with the roof down. To facilitate loading and unloading when the roof is down, the whole roof package is lifted approximately 200 mm with the aid of an electric motor and a control button. A 'ski hatch' in the backrest of the rear seat also makes it possible to transport long objects inside the car.

"We really have tried to make use of every centimetre in the car to enhance passenger comfort," says Fedde Talsma. "Despite the compact dimensions of the car there is ample space and room for personal effects."

Facts about the retractable hardtop on the all new Volvo C70

• Roof panels made of steel
• Divided into three sections
• The joints between the sections have rubber seals
• An electric motor, hydraulic pump and computer are used to open and close the roof
• The roof is opened/closed in approximately 30 seconds (regardless of the weather)
• The car should be at a standstill when the roof is opened/closed
• The side windows fit into the roof after it has been raised
• The rigidity of the body is improved by around 15 per cent when the roof is up
• The boot lid is made of aluminium and opens in two different ways, for operation of the roof or for access to the luggage compartment.

The all new Volvo C70 – dimensions (compared with the previous C70 model)
Length 4580 mm (4716 mm)
Width 1820 mm (1820 mm)
Height 1410 mm (1429 mm)
Wheelbase 2640 mm (2664 mm)
Track, front 1550 mm (1521 mm)
Track, rear 1560 mm (1521 mm)

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