June 1 - 7, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 47
Volvo C70 hardtop convertible reflects new design direction Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS Volvo has redesigned its signature C70 hardtop convertible for 2011 and added even more standard luxury features. The C70 has a sleek new look and a more aggressive appearance with a new front fascia and grille that reflect the design influence of the popular Volvo XC60 and the upcoming next generation S60. The front fenders also have been redesigned to make the nose more wedge-shaped and threedimensional, while the new headlights and décor around the fog lights have been angled upward and toward the rear. High-tech LED taillights similar to those on the XC60 are the most obvious update to the rear. The entire light unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the enhanced C70’s rear fascia. New color choices are Flamenco Red and Ember Black. On the inside, the changes continue,
including a redesigned instrument panel for a wider, sleeker look with new instruments and gauges. The panel surface has a new luxurious texture that enhances the overall quality of the interior. The standard equipment roster is even longer for 2011 with the addition of a fivespeed Geartronic automatic transmission, Sovereign Hide leather, Sirius Satellite Radio and 17-inch Sirona diamond-cut alloy wheels. Cranberry leather is another new item that may be specified as a nocharge option. But, the primary ingredient of the C70’s charm is the three-piece retractable hardtop. With the touch of a button, the top folds quickly into the trunk. With the top up, the large rear glass window offers excellent visibility and improves body rigidity. Under the hood the C70 is powered by a standard 2.5-liter light-pressure T5 turbocharged engine that makes 227 hp at 5,000 rpm with 236 pounds-feet of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. The flat torque curve allows power to the front wheels evenly and makes the car highly responsive. As with all Volvos, the C70 has an impressive list of safety features including
Volvo C70 has a new front fascia, grille and redesigned front fenders to make the nose more wedge-shaped and three-dimensional. -–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
side impact and rollover protection with an Inflatable Curtain (IC). The curtain has an extra stiff construction with double rows of slats slightly offset from each other to allow them to remain upright for effective head protection even with the window open. The curtain deflates slowly to provide protection in the event of a rollover. Volvo claims this is a unique solution and a first for a
four-passenger convertible. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price on the 2011 Volvo C70 T5 is $39,950.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.