• Multi-dimensional driving experience
• Stable, compliant chassis control for sporty driving and comfortable ride
• Reinforced body structure with improved rigidity
• Five-cylinder engines producing impressive torque
• High-performance turbocharged T5 model

The new Volvo C70 is two cars in one - and not just visually. The driving experience is also multi-dimensional.

Volvo's new convertible is designed to offer a lively driving experience without sacrificing comfort. It shares its basic technology with other Volvo models, including front-wheel drive and an extremely stable, compliant chassis. The C70 employs a coil-over strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension.

The individual wheel suspension with a number of links is designed to provide a combination of comfortable suspension and fast, exact steering response. A broad track and a long wheelbase give the C70 stability. The chassis height has been lowered by 10mm at the front and 15mm at the rear (compared with a standard chassis), which further improves C70's on-road stability and positive driving characteristics.

DSTC (Dynamic Stability & Traction Control system) is standard and offers extra stability when driving on a slippery road surface.

The steering is electro-hydraulic with a light, distinct, controlled feeling.

Body with very high rigidity

The new C70 has Volvo's modern, advanced front structure while the side members, doors and sills have been reinforced in various ways to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof. The body structure, in the form of an ingeniously designed member system, not only contributes to the high level of safety in the car, it also gives the body very high torsional rigidity - twice as high as the earlier C70 model.

"A rigid body is important for the car's driving characteristics," says project manager Patrik Widerstrand. "It makes the car stable and easier to control, thus enhancing driving pleasure."

Five-cylinder, transverse engines

The new Volvo C70 is being launched with a choice of two petrol engines in Australia. They are extremely compact in-line engines and, in accordance with Volvo's engine concept, are mounted transversely. The compact format in combination with the transverse mounting contributes to excellent crash safety by creating a generous crumple zone in the engine compartment.

Both petrol engines are five-cylinder units. The base engine is Volvo's naturally aspirated, 2.4-litre inline five producing 125kW. The five cylinders, large displacement and long stroke ensure high torque output even at low engine speeds - and rapid acceleration. The five-cylinder, long-stroke engine also has an agreeable nature with a low vibration level and gentle running.

The 2.4-litre engine features four-valve technology with double overhead camshafts that contribute to the high power output and rapid response. The variable camshaft control (CVVT) offers high output and high torque in combination with reduced petrol consumption and reduced emissions.

Volvo C70 T5 - with power and temperament

Then there is the exciting C70 T5. With a T5 engine, driving pleasure takes on another dimension. A 2.5-litre petrol engine with a light-pressure turbo charger, it offers maximum power output of 162kW and 320Nm of torque. High, evenly spread torque from low to high engine speeds makes the car highly responsive and offers excellent acceleration.

The T5 engine is extremely energy efficient. As the manifold and turbo unit have been cast as one in high-alloy steel which is extremely resistant to heat (emission temperatures are permitted to reach 1,050 degrees C), the need for cooling using petrol has been minimised. The engine can therefore be run on a leaner air/fuel mix with lower fuel consumption and emissions as a result, particularly when driving at high speed or with a heavy load.

The T5 engine is fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox originally developed for the Volvo S60 R and V70 R. The gearing spread of the six-speed gearbox is calculated to combine rapid acceleration with a high top speed. The gearbox has triple synchronisation and a very distinct, positive gear change.

"The all new Volvo C70 has a great deal of temperament, particularly the T5 model," says Widerstrand. "But for Volvo temperament is never the same as unpredictability."

The driving pleasure is to be found in the harmonious interplay between the responsive driveline and the compliant chassis.

The wide choice of aluminium wheels and low-profile tyres enhances both the appearance and the driving experience. The C70 can be equipped with:

• 7.5x16-inch aluminium wheels with 215/55 tyres
• Choice of two 7.5x17-inch aluminium wheel designs (one polished) with 215/50 or 235/45 tyres
• Choice of two 8.0x18-inch aluminium wheel designs with 235/40 tyres

Engine range (at launch in Australia)

Later during 2006, a 2.4-litre, five-cylinder diesel engine, producing 132kW will be available in Europe.

Issued by:
Todd Hallenbeck
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
65 Epping Road
North Ryde, NSW 2113
(02) 9020-1613
0412-259-635
Thallen2@volvocars.com