In addition to helping with basic development and suspension tuning-all of which was directly overseen by Volvo-TWR holds a 51/49-percent majority position in AutoNova, a joint-venture firm that will build C70s at a completely refurbished Volvo plant in Uddevalla, Sweden.The car's bounteous roster of standards will include, among other items, leather upholstery, wood accent trim, a tilt/telescoping steering column, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, keyless remote entry with anti-theft system, eight-way power seats, dual-zone auto climate-control system, power moonroof, dual front airbags plus dual side-impact bags, and a 400-watt, 10-speaker AM/FM/cassette with three-disc in-dash CD changer.
Volvo plans to use the first batch of C70s as "showcase vehicles," also equipping them with the Premium Option Package (a Dolby Pro-Logic digital sound processor, heated seats, low-speed traction control, headlight washers, outside temperature gauge, and enhanced leather interior trim) plus an 18-inch wheel/tire upgrade. Those extras should push the car's bottom line to about $45,000.
A 13.1-cubic-foot trunk suitably complements the C70's roomy interior. Volvo's well-proven MacPherson strut front/Delta-link rear bolstered by a specially calibrated sport suspension package (stiffer gas-pressure shocks and larger-diameter anti-roll bars)-keep the 3325-pound C70 well planted, whether on the optional 225/40ZR18 tires or the standard 225/45ZR17 rubber fitted to our test vehicle. The saintly new Volvo C70 is just loaded with excitement.
Review
Sheetmetal forward of the windshield is shared with the Volvo C70 sedan and V70 wagon, but aft of the front glass the C70 is all curvy coupe or weatherproof drop-top.
Well-equipped coupes start at $39,500; convertibles go for a few grand more. Buyers can add traction control, huge 18-inch alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, and heated front seats. This car is rock solid. A strengthened steel safety cage surrounds the convertible's passenger compartment and a Rollover Protection System (ROPS) designed to deploy when sensors determine that the car may flip prevents crushed skulls.
It will also change the way people think about Volvo, and should fare well in the battle against existing luxury coupes and convertibles.