The new Volvo C70 started life as a coupe. A significant
beginning because as a design approach, the C70 design team, headed
by Fredde Talsma, ran contrary to norm.
Generally speaking, a convertible normally begins the design
process as an open car. The roof is added as an afterthought and
often as a design compromise.
At Volvo Cars, the C70 design team did the opposite. The team
first created the C70 as a sporty coupe before removing the roof to
create an attractive convertible with the end goal being a
beautiful car - top up or top down.
Volvo Car's first-generation C70 convertible was launched in
1997. Its enduring design carried it successfully through an
eight-year production cycle. First-generation C70 convertible
production ceased in March 2005 with total production reaching
nearly 50,000 cars.
Interestingly, the C70 convertible's last full year of
production was also its best sales year with 8000 units. Consistent
sales volume clearly proves first-generation C70 was a well
executed design.
During those eight years, Volvo did learn a critical lesson - be
patient. Time is needed to establish the C70 in the premium
convertible segment. With the second-generation C70's introduction
this year, time is a welcomed luxury. Volvo decided, with
experience of time, to retain the C70 designation for the new
car.
The reasons why:
- it is the replacement for the former series
- its dimensions are largely the same
- it is a full four-seater
- its position established in premium market segment
A strong profile with an innovative
interior
The new C70 convertible is shorter and overall lower than its
predecessor but retains the same width. This in combination with
the relatively short front overhang gives the car a powerful stance
and proportion that becomes very apparent when the C70 is viewed on
profile.
Its stance is enhanced by the prominent shoulder line which
reinforces the C70's high level of occupant protection.
The interior is marked by modern, innovative design features
inspired by Scandinavian tradition with clean surfaces, genuine
materials and logical function. Inspiration for Volvo's most recent
interior design is drawn more from Scandinavian product design than
pure car design.
The thin visually floating centre console, revealed in Volvo S40,
also features in the new C70 interior.
Retractable hardtop …
The new generation of Volvo C70 convertibles has a retractable
steel hardtop rather than a soft hood. The reasons for choosing a
steel roof were:
- to give the true impression of two cars in one
- to provide an improved "year round feel"
- to achieve a lower noise level and more comfort
- to improve the profile and the overall look
- to provide a greater feeling of safety and security
… developed by Pininfarina
Designing
and developing a three-piece retractable hardtop, a small
mechanical wonder in itself, is no easy task. The solution had to
be durable and reliable, convert between coupe and convertible in
less than 30 seconds, and fit perfectly in place.
After a thorough investigation of industry expertise,
development of the C70's three-piece steel roof mechanism was
entrusted to Italian master coachbuilder Pininfarina. Not only did
Pininfarina develop a roof mechanism that is a technical
masterpiece, the company is also responsible for the production of
the car in the jointly-owned - Pininfarina with 60 percent and
Volvo Cars with 40 percent - Pininfarina Sverige AB plant in
Uddevalla, Sweden.
Doubled sales
After some nine years experience as an established player in the
premium convertible segment and having built up a considerable body
of knowledge, Volvo Cars' expectations are to double sales of new
C70 compared with the first-generation C70's best year result.
The annual sales target for the new C70 is estimated at some
16,000 cars. The US market will account for about half that volume.
The UK and Germany are expected to share 30 percent between them.
The remaining 20 percent will be distributed amongst a number of
other markets.
According to research, every second C70 convertible will be owned
by a woman.
Contact for more information:
Laurissa Mirabelli
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
(02) 9020 1600
Lmirabel@volvocars.com