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Volvo C30 Ties the Knot with International Product Development (IPD) at 2006 SEMA Show

31 October 2006

Las Vegas, Nevada (October 31, 2006) – Whether it’s shock, awe or envy, the Volvo C30 "SC" concept by International Product Development (IPD) elicits raw emotion – like a Vegas skydiving wedding. In this case it’s a marriage of a street-smart Swedish-bred sport compact united with a versatile globally recognized Volvo tuner. The result is a match made in heaven: A head-turning, jaw-dropping, show car ready to capture the hearts and minds of all that embrace it.

This highly modified C30 was built for an enthusiast with a passion for the ultimate show-stopping, technology-laden performance machine. Instead of ordinary, every facet is extraordinary – inside, outside and under the hood. A drive around the block turns into an event. Car power equals star power on the show circuit. The more electronics the better on this ride. Self-expressive, one-of-a-kind magnetism sends the senses soaring for the clouds.

The IPD C30 doesn’t fly – but it looks like it could take wing. Fully articulating gull-wing doors generate double and triple takes. This exquisite feat of engineering catapults IPD’s show car into the league of ultra-exotic, mega-buck masterpieces. The wild front-end treatment, widened fender flares and rear diffuser is frosting on an already tasty wedding cake. A Swedish flag-theme paint scheme in Brilliant Blue and Sun Yellow pays homage to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

But IPD didn’t stop there. The C30’s cockpit is trimmed with several yards of Vibrant Blue and Screaming Yellow Alcantra ultra suede adorning the seats and dash. Volvo’s signature slim center control panel has been extended, flowing all the way to the base of the windshield. And the C30’s sound system has been morphed into a mobile entertainment and information nerve center that’s out of this world.

Built around Alpine’s V-HUB Pro system that allows for factory integration of serious aftermarket hardware. The user interface is an 8-inch LCD Alpine touch screen that provides a safe and intuitive way to manage all the sources available to the driver. The system employs Alpine’s latest digital amplifiers and component level speakers for sonic clarity that brings tears to the eyes faster than a Vegas honeymoon. Key features include a DVD/CD/MP3 player, Alpine’s full speed iPOD™ integration, Sirius Satellite Radio with "Live Traffic" and Alpine touch-screen navigation with voice control.

All show and no go simply doesn’t cut it in this exclusive neighborhood. So the IPD C30 is bristling with the latest in aftermarket performance and handling upgrades. Under the hood, K&N’s latest Typhoon air intake system feeds a KKK turbo with compressor upgrade and a Swedish built Lysholm supercharger. The primary function of the supercharger in combination with the turbo is to provide "big block" performance from a small displacement powerplant. In stock form, the Euro C30’s 2.5-liter turbo engine puts out a respectable 218 horses at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm. With IPD’s enhancements, output is estimated at a whopping 384 ponies at 7,200 rpm and a mind-bending 408 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 2,200 rpm. The gearbox of choice for this application is Volvo’s slick-shifting 6-speed manual.

Spent exhaust gases find an easy exit through the IPD 3-inch stainless down pipe with Race Kat and custom exhaust terminated with twin titanium racing mufflers. All the action is managed by a custom software tune from IPD’s Swedish partners at MTE. Got boost? You bet! The supercharger provides a 6-psi boost from just 2,000-rpm producing a strong kick that builds smoothly and climbs way beyond the point where the turbo takes over. Getting to the wedding on time is no problem with this ride.

The fully adjustable KW coil-over suspension provides 2 inches of ride height adjustment and 12-way rebound damping adjustment allowing a wide range of setup options for varying conditions. A rear anti-sway bar from IPD enhances the C30’s crisp handling balance with just a bit more oversteer on tap for extra fun in the twisties and on the track.

Super deep-dish Pentasport alloy wheels portray a classic Euro tuner appearance while Pirelli’s famous P-Zero tires and a Qualife limited-slip differential provide plenty of grip. 

Stopping the action is made easier via an enhanced braking system. Up front are jumbo-size 13-inch rotors with IPD’s exclusive cross-dimpled pattern giving enthusiasts the look they desire while eliminating the potential for rotor cracking. The massive calipers improve rigidity and brake feel for superior modulation.

Eligible bachelors and bachelorettes take note: The IPD C30 is based on a European spec version of Volvo’s new sport compact. This exciting addition to the Volvo lineup made its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. As a new segment entry for Volvo, the C30 is expected to reach the U.S. market during the 2008 model year.

BRING ON THE BLING - YET SAFETY’S MY THING

Las Vegas, Nevada (October 31, 2006) – Big wheels, wild doors and a screaming yellow interior capture the essence of the exotic Volvo C30 show car by International Product Development (IPD). So how does this concept play with Volvo’s penchant for safety? The answer is – beautifully.

Before the first wrench was turned, Volvo laid down the law that all of the C30’s standard safety systems remain intact and function. IPD accepted the challenge and went to work creating one of the most outrageous customized Volvos imaginable.

The defining element that sets this car apart from its peers is the fully articulating gull-wing doors. In addition to looking fantastic, the doors open up the interior to show off its stunning style and memorable modifications. While Volvo has no plans to offer such a door configuration on the production C30, that didn’t deter IPD from bringing the dream to life. In a technological tour de force, IPD engineered the setup to retain the C30’s IC (Inflatable Curtain) safety system.

A standard feature of all Volvo cars, the IC inflates in 25 thousandths of a second across the front and rear side windows. It can absorb as much as 75 percent of the energy exerted by the head when it is thrown to the side. In the event of multiple collisions, the IC offers additional protection by remaining inflated for about three seconds before deflation occurs. It thus reduces the risk of being partially thrown through a side window as well as the possibility of intrusion of external objects.

Dual-stage airbags, safety belt pretensioners in all four seating positions, force limiters on the front belts and collapsible pedals help protect the occupants of the car in a frontal collision. The steering column deforms in a controlled manner in a horizontal movement to interact with the airbag as effectively as possible.

Outstanding outward visibility, a hallmark of Volvo design, continues with the smallest Volvo. The C30’s unique shape, with its vast expanse of side glass, creates a panoramic view from all four seats. The inwardly curving rear side windows and the unique glass tailgate provide excellent rearward visibility. Well placed rear seats, with their theater style layout gives passengers in the back a good view through the front side windows.

Volvo continues to pioneer new driver support systems. To make it easier for the driver to detect other vehicles in the blind spot at the side of the car, Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) will be available as on option on the production C30. The system uses cameras mounted in the side door mirrors to register if another vehicle is in the blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, a lamp located at the base of the A-pillar illuminates to alert the driver of the situation.

To help reduce the risk of the driver being distracted by untimely information in critical situations, Volvo’s Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) is standard on the C30. IDIS is an electronic information system that continuously monitors certain functions in the car such as steering wheel movements, accelerator pedal movement, the direction indicator controls and braking. In demanding driving situations information that is not crucial to safety, such as text messages from the instrument panel, is delayed until the situation requires less of the driver’s attention.

Even though the C30 is 8.5 inches shorter than its sedan sibling, the S40, the body structure is engineered to contribute to controlled deformation. The front structure is divided into zones that are constructed of different grades of steel with different deformation characteristics, to distribute and absorb collision forces in a controlled and effective manner. The lower side members are designed to help prevent the front wheels from being forced into the cabin in a collision.

Founded in 1963, IPD provides Volvo enthusiasts around the world with performance parts for models from 1958 to 2006. Product development and R&D evolved through 15 years of amateur and professional sports car racing (including winning Volvo’s first professional race in America in 1982). Today IPD is a recognized leader in Volvo performance with over 40 years of providing Volvo owners with legendary customer service, helpful tech tips, full color catalogs and webside. IPD serves customers worldwide from its headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Point your browser to www.ipdusa.com for more information.

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