Volvo C70 Coupe

Volvo's 850-Series-particularly the hot turbo variants-has done much to pump the Swedish automaker's international performance image. This spring, the firm will make its boldest statement yet with the worldwide introduction of the C 70 Coupe. Although this early-'98 model uses the engine, transmission, and floor stampings from the existing 850-Series, everything else is all-new or significantly modified.

Developed under the watchful eyes of Project Leader Hkan Abrahamsson and Design Director Peter Horbury, the C 70 came to fruition in a mere 30 months. Primary engineering work was done in England by Tom Walkinshaw's TWR organization, but under the direct supervision and direction of Volvo. AutoNova, a new joint operation co-owned by TWR and Volvo (in a 51/49-percent split) will assemble the car in Sweden at Volvo's modern Uddevalla facility, which was refurbished specifically for this project.

Horbury, who joined Volvo in 1991 just as the 850 line was being launched, imbued the new C 70 with a sporty yet elegant appearance that melds the past with the future. Several of its "new look" cues were foreshadowed in the firm's ECC (Environmental Concept Car) vehicle, which was first seen at the Paris Auto Salon in 1992. The C 70 also retains many classic Volvo functional elements, notably generous interior room and a dedication to safety. Front and rear crush structures are equal to an 850's, and the standard driver and front-passenger airbags will be supplemented by seat-mounted side-impact bags. While it may appear smaller than the current 850 sedan, the new C 70 is, in fact, slightly longer. Built on the same 104.9-inch wheelbase, it's expected to weigh about 2660 pounds but it will have nearly 40 percent more body rigidity than an 850 four-door.

Under the C 70's hood resides the same 2.4-liter DOHC inline-five intercooled turbo engine found in the 850 R. Making 236 horsepower at 5100 rpm and cranking out 243 pound-feet of torque from 2700 revs all the way up to 5100, Volvo predicts it will propel the C 70 from zero to 60 mph in less than seven seconds when matched with the standard five-speed manual gearbox, about a half tick more when paired with the optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic. Top speed for both is limited to 155 mph. Volvo's low-speed traction control will be standard, though future possibilities include both a full-speed-range anti-slip system and all-wheel drive.

The C 70's suspension design also is culled from the 850: MacPherson struts up front paired with Volvo's interconnected semitrailing-arm Delta-Link rear setup. However, the car's rear track has been widened by nearly an inch, and now equals the 59.8-inch front specification. The improved structural integrity coupled with a comprehensive suspension retune promises to upgrade both handling and ride compliance over the current 850 R. Cars for sale in the United States will offer a choice of base and full-sport modes, both getting four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and Z-rated tires.

Unlike many coupes, the C 70 is a true four-passenger vehicle. While the basic look remains Volvo, its interior contours are considerably softer. The redesigned front seats provide more comfort as well as additional lateral support, while the rear semi-buckets have their centers moved inboard to allow better sightlines for the occupants and to improve ventilation to the aft quarters. Several interior treatments will be offered, and all will match leather upholstery with a generous helping of wood accent trim, the latter item missing from the early prototype car seen here. The C 70 standards list has yet to be finalized, but expect it to include power windows/locks/mirrors, a moonroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, keyless remote entry, a tilt/telescoping steering column, and a premium 10-speaker, 4x100-watt AM/FM/CD/cassette (with room for three CDs in the headpiece) sound system.