Automotive Crystal Ball: New Volvo C70 Convertible to feature Retractable Hardtop

The target audience that Volvo hopes to reach with the upcoming C70 is the youthful and up-and-coming customer - the same

The target audience that Volvo hopes to reach with the new C70 is the youthful and up-and-coming customer. (Photo: Artist's Rendering)

type of person who purchases Audi A4 Cabriolets, BMW 3-Series Convertibles and Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolets. However, with the advantage of being based on a less expensive platform, with smaller dimensions, Volvo will have the edge on pricing. Expect the C70 to undercut its main rivals by several thousand dollars, in much the same way that it has been doing with the S40/V50. Comparatively speaking, the new C70 is shorter than its rivals, yet longer than its siblings, with an extended rear overhang to accommodate the folding hardtop roof and electric motors.

While the fiery turbocharged engines on the previous generation C70 Convertible were hot, the chassis certainly wasn't. Figures on torsional rigidity haven't been released, but expect them to be amongst the best in class. Volvo learned a hard lesson from enthusiasts and members of the media, who criticized the convertible for having excessive chassis flex, scuttle shake, torque steer and sloppy handling. The advantages of a stiffer chassis should also help boost the C70 in other areas, helping to maintain Volvo's golden reputation for building some of the safest cars on the planet. Expect a full airbag count, including side airbags that feature head and torso protection as standard. Also, look for strengthened A-pillars, as well as a pop-up style rollover protection system to be standard.

Now that the final touches are being added to the next-generation C70 project, it's rumored that Volvo

While the fiery turbocharged engines on the previous generation C70 Convertible (shown here) were hot, the chassis certainly wasn't. (Photo: Volvo Cars of America)

will be bringing a second, larger, luxury coupe off the back burners. Insiders suggest that the car will be based on the largest version of the next-generation S60/V70/S80 platform, and will be similar in appearance to the SCC "Safety Concept Car", with interior inspiration from the YCC "Your Concept Car" shown at last year's Geneva Motor Show.

Project development will take place at Volvo's Southern California studios (responsible for the V70-based ACC2 concept). In terms of drivetrain, it's rumored that the car could very well be equipped with the 300-horsepower turbocharged I-6 and Haldex-based AWD system rumored to be used in the next-generation European-market Focus RS. The "C80" isn't expected to make an appearance any time soon, though - look for a first glimpse close to the end of the decade.