Reply With QuoteSlap a Yamaha V8 in that baby- and you've got one serious mode of transportation. It sounds like a winner
I'm new to sweedespeed but I've worked for a Volvo dealership for 6 years. The owner of this dealership just got back from a Volvo meeting and told me he watched a video of the new C50 coupe running around a race track with the hard top up. It then showed it passing the competition on the track (Audi, BMW, etc...) the retractable hardtop down. He told me it's going to be a knockout. So I've spent all day on the net trying to find photos of this car. I know the car exists and Volvo has confirmed to dealers that it is coming but no one seems to have photos. Has anyone seen anything? Let me know. Thanks, -Tom
Slap a Yamaha V8 in that baby- and you've got one serious mode of transportation. It sounds like a winner
Glad to know that the car is for real. Can't wait to see the beast!
1998 Volvo S70 2.5T
It did some testlaps at Ford Genk already
Volvo hasn't released pics of it yet and no one has gotten spy photos of it either. Sorry.Welcome to Swedespeed.
I hope that it will be a REAR-wheel drive though, because FWD is fine for wagons and sedans but not for a coupe.
1998 Volvo S70 2.5T
I have grilled my Volvo rep and he might try to get me some photos of the car. He did tell me to look for the same line-up of motors and tranny's that they are currently using the 60/70 series. Volvo wants a base model coupe/convertible that comes in $10,000 less than the old C70 convertible. The good news is that we might see the full underpinnings of an R model. They might not call it an R but the top of the line C series will have 300hp, AWD and a 6 speed manual. No. that's not RWD but here in New England I'll take mine with AWD anyday.
I just hope it's big enough to hold non-Japanese sized people. As it is/was, the original C70 coupe was a tad tight for taller people without having to get the seat in an awkward position (ala the G35c). Personally, the closer it is in size to the current S60R would be enough for me to give it serious consideration. Also, are we talking '05? '06?
Hate to tell you but there's more headroom in a C70 than in a new R
JRL
Quote, originally posted by JRL » Hate to tell you but there's more headroom in a C70 than in a new R
JRLesp the convertible!
that could well be true, but what I seem to recall from my investigation of the pre-production 'gold' C70 that was making the rounds in December of '97 and a production model I got into in January of '98 was that although there was plenty of headroom, the same couldn't be said of the legroom. I had to position the drivers seat in a configuration that I wouldn't want to have to sit in for extended periods of time because the seat didn't go back far enough on it's sliders from the firewall. I seem to recall that this entailed the front of the seat being a whole lot higher than the back (effectively a reverse rake) in order to provide enough room for my legs/feet, but unfortunately this brought the steering wheel/knees into to close of a proximity. I haven't noted the same feeling with my test drives of the R yet. I guess I should have been more specific, as headroom isn't always the true mark of interior roominess.
I have a '03 c70 coupe. I am 6 feet tall and can assure you that, at least the later models, seemed to have rectified that issue. I have plenty of room to stretch my legs and the front seat goes a good ways back. Personally I think there is more room in the c70 front than the s60 (definitly a leader in space when compared to the other coupes I have driven like the bmw 330xi and the MB clk320).
6'6'' i got you all beat.. i push the seat all the way back .. and lean it all the way down .. and im fine
So ok, the top of the line coupe will have "awd" similiar to that in the 60/70 series R cars. These both employ the Haldex system right? So 95% of the power is at the front wheels until slippage occurs, giving the car handling characteritics similiar to a fwd car. This appears to be a problem to me. This is why the Audi TT is not considered competitive in the coupe market! It also employs the Haldex system and while it is Audi's closest thing to a sports car, it's Audi's performance sedans that are associated with performance. The S4, RS6 etc. all employ the more convential (true quattro) AWD system, and thus outperform the TT all over the place(I know they also have a lot more power too, so the comparison may be lacking). But the fact of the matter is, that in terms of performance the TT can't compete with the Boxster, S2000, or the Z4. It's lucky its got that cliche-market styling.
It seems like if Volvo is going to market this new "c70r" as a sports car competitive with BMW's etc. they are going to have to employ a more sportscar-like awd system. However, I have not driven any cars with this Haldex AWD system and so I am just relying on reviews I have read.
It just seems to me that Volvo continues to dissapoint in the performance market. I remember drooling over the pictures and specs pertaining to the pcc concept a while back. And while the s60R is undeniably an incredible car for what it is, it is not an M3/S4 beater as promised. Maybe I am missing the mark, and being unfair to the company that I have felt so loyal to. However, it just seems that in this new market of STI's and EVO's a really sporty volvo could do wonders to boost the image of this often overlooked company.
I am not trying to start any fights, and I will be the first to admit that I am somewhat talking out of my butt pertaining to the Haldex, as I have not driven a car with this system. So, anyone who has, give me your impressions.
Quote, originally posted by stumy » It seems like if Volvo is going to market this new "c70r" as a sports car competitive with BMW's etc. they are going to have to employ a more sportscar-like awd system. However, I have not driven any cars with this Haldex AWD system and so I am just relying on reviews I have read. It just seems to me that Volvo continues to dissapoint in the performance market. I remember drooling over the pictures and specs pertaining to the pcc concept a while back. And while the s60R is undeniably an incredible car for what it is, it is not an M3/S4 beater as promised. Maybe I am missing the mark, and being unfair to the company that I have felt so loyal to. However, it just seems that in this new market of STI's and EVO's a really sporty volvo could do wonders to boost the image of this often overlooked company.
First- you really need to experience the Volvo R AWD system first hand. It works much better than you suggest. Under full throttle in advanced mode it handles much like your loved performance cars. The power in the R can transfer 100% to the rear under certain conditions.
My S60 R was never considered to be in the same class as the M series, but I can tell you it does very well against them.
I’m not saying I can whip their collective butt, but they do take notice. This goes for the Audi crowd as well. How do I know? I run with the BMW CCA. I‘ve had many club members drive my R in a 'spirited matter' at events. Everyone commented that Volvo did a great job with the R.
I don’t even know where to go with the EVO and STI comments. Do you really think they are in the same class? I’ve driven both and they are fun to drive—at driving events. I wouldn’t be happy driving them everyday. I love to drive the R! I received more positive comments (performance & styling) on my R than any other car I’ve owned.
Do yourself a favor and test driver an R. Then report back on how impressed you are with the developments of the company you’re loyal to. I predict you will rediscover why that loyalty is well placed.
Modified by BigDog at 6:52 AM 2-11-2004
I will be the first to admit that I need to go out and test drive an R before I can comment on it. However, here is my problem with Volvo's new "c50." Volvo is essenitally saying the convertible car market "Hi, we are going to offer you a convertible sports car for a base price of around $30-33,000(based on the $10,000 less than the c70 convertible estimate), and a performance one will follow falling somewhere in the $38,000 range." Now, let's say I am the average "sporty-car" consumer that reads Car and Driver sometimes. I'm going to think, wow $38,000? That's getting into serious Boxster territory. Oh wait, that's 2,000 more than a 350Z convertible. Even worse, its more than the other niche-car, the Audi TT, which, similarly boasts AWD, but somehow that hasn't helped it in any comparison test against the boxster, s2000, z4, 350Z, etc.Look, the STI reference was used to justify my proposal that there is a performance car market out there. In fact, right now, more than any other time I've been aware of, it is pretty huge. Thus, if Volvo were to succesfully offer a sports car version of this c50 it could do wonders for the company. A cheap, (RWD is actually cheaper than AWD!), soft top version, that weighed relatively less, and had that same great t5 motor and gearbox would be just the ticket. They are so close.
Have you driven the s2000? Would you drive that everyday? I realize it's ride is somewhat harsh but I think the s2000 is an incredible car that I would drive everyday, if I 1) could actually afford one
, and 2) was a person in the market for a convertible to begin with. However, if you are looking for a convertible that is confortable and easy to live with, but isn't too sport...buy a sebring!
Why can't Volvo get raving reviews from Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson too? There is no reason it can't!
Earlier thread with pictures:http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=16867
Quote » I have a '03 c70 coupe Ash, 2002 was the last modelyear for the coupé...
It's unfortuneate for Volvo to be working so hard at competing in the mainstream $30k price bracket. It's a tough sell. I currently own a Volvo and a Subaru, and can say with all honesty...despite it's performance, the Subaru will never be a Volvo. For that matter, the Volvo will never be a BMW or an Audi. Volvo has had, and will always have, a very niche market. They seem to always take the middle road, which places them at a disadvantage to other brands in specific areas. Comparing the new C50 to the rest of the market is a natural thing, in general. But getting hung up on specifics is a bit silly. I would love to see the C50 beat the Audi TT as much as the next guy, or a Z4, or a 350Z. Probably won't happen though. The end result will be a car that is sporty, just not too much. A bit luxury. Good looking, though a smidge odd. And priced to be affordable, but so much so that you see them in every parking lot. In essence, everything that Volvo has always done! So let's at least take a moment and admire them for daring to do what we've always wanted to.....chainsaw the top off a P1800, drop in a sport suspension and have a good time!Vive la differance!!
I just can't wait to see a Volvo with a retractable hardtop. I'll call it the Volvo CLK! Just kidding. I may have to pass on the R and wait until the '06 MY for this. I think by then there should be a chip out for the S40 T5 and you could pop that into a C50 and be right there with the R. It's going to be close.
Hi,I was just perusing The Car Connection and saw this....
http://www.thecarconnection.co...n=158
Just a little information w. a pic.
Haldex is a FWD based AWD system, that much I'll agree with. But I guess competitiveness with either RWD and 50/50 systems such as Audi's Torsen based quattro cars is somewhat subjective. In a recent all-out handling comparison test by CAR in the UK, the Volkswagen R32 (also Haldex based) placed very well ahead of many RWD and 50/50 AWD cars. Not all cars are equal, but we know Haldex can be engineered to be pretty damn good.I'm confused though. If this new C50 is a 4-seater and has a retractable hard top, to me that smacks of a GT (grand touring) and not an all-out sports car. Generally, the more hardcore sports cars wouldn't have something such as a heavy retractable hard-top and at the most would be a 2+2. While I think a C50R would be cool, I still think Volvo should focus on an S40R to slate in as a higher quality alternative to the WRX STi and EVO, which both make do using a 4-door sedan setup. Today's generation of young buyers are much less coupe/convertible oriented, opting for more practical and utilitarian sedans, wagons and 5-doors.
I pretty much agree with you there. I like GTs and I hope they make it. But it will probably always remain more of a flagship model because it can't sell in very big quantities.
1998 Volvo S70 2.5T
Ohhh, LOOK WHAT PAPJAKK HAS FOR ALL VOVO PEEPLE!!!
http://www.channel4.co.uk/4car...ially, the yellow one!No, no, no- thank me later!
we seen those before, and the yellow one is a photoshop
Pininfarina - well they are an interesting company. They are the ones in charge of designing and possibly building the new C70. To be honest the company have had much more success with the Ferrari partnership. Just look at the 360 or even the 550.
The S60, along with the rest of the current line, is an attractive car with power - some think less than the top C70 (Auto car - UK mag test results, that is only on the 0-100 mph (apparantly more important) dash not 0-60) or quite close. It is hard to think that the new company (Pininfarina and Volvo collaboration (40/60 ownership) - http://www.pininfarina.it/eng/....html) will make giant leaps backwards
. Specifying on the S60, it has many features that may be carried over (pure speculation on my behalf) e.g. the rear air vents but obviously not in the B column, or the 4C's
The way I see it is that the car could be an all out luxury car lacking the ostentatious feeling of its competitors (possibly BMW 6, Jag XK8 judging on size of the current C70 - instead of the A4?
check out http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/n...0&y=7). This would make it an ideal car for many including current Volvo followers, possibly poaching customers from the cheaper brands as well as the more expensive brands. The car could alternatively be a 2+2 sports car rivalling the 6, XK8, etc on performance. As I have said before it can't go backwards especially in terms of design.
I predict a car that will be an exciting replacement but nothing too radical to scare away Volvo enthusiasts. The brick design is now more or less finished with
Specifically to reply to "But the fact of the matter is, that in terms of performance the TT can't compete with the Boxster, S2000, or the Z4". From what I understood it seems that you are not confident that the replacement will not outperform the likes of BMW, Porsche, etc. I think we will have to wait and see. But, for a moment let’s just look at the XC90. Such an amazing car selling quite nicely now, being compared to the BMW X5 frequently and possibly for the moment more popular. This might show that performance is not everything. Sales, however, are all important. If the replacement car is not outperforming its rivals just wait for a bit whilst Evolve cars tinker with stuff and produce a truly worthy opponent
Sorry I do go on a bit - I'm also new here probably nerves.
Modified by heatnrg at 4:35 PM 5-9-2004
Modified by heatnrg at 4:42 PM 5-9-2004
Modified by heatnrg at 4:43 PM 5-9-2004
I'm also not really sure what to expect from Pininfarina. They're capable of the best and worst. As you rightly say, the Ferraris are usually nice, except the latest one, the 6-hundred-something Scaglietti, which I find revoltingly ugly. In fact, I think that all of their latest productions are very disappointing compared to what they had deseigned in the past. On the other hand, Volvo design has never disappointed me, so I hope Pininfarina doesn't meddle too much with Volvo!
1998 Volvo S70 2.5T
Acording to a UK magazine (Auto Car and Auto Express) it should be autum (fall) of 2005. But then again Volvo did slate them all for publishing unaccurate artists impressions of the car and getting the name wrong.
Modified by heatnrg at 8:11 PM 5-11-2004
Hello,Here ar some pics of the new car. According to my dealer, it looks near the real one. First two pics are a testdrive, the others are computer animated.
Greetzzzz
VolvoMafia
Yes, these pictures have been around for a few months now...Yannis
2001 Volvo V70 T5 M SR, Classic Red/Graphite L, TME Stage II ECU, 3" Downpipe w/ Cat-back exhaust from MTE, Volvo Roadholding & Lowering Kit w/ Nivomats, 17" PEGASUS, Rear Spoiler, Dolby Surround Sound
Current company car: 2011 Volvo C70 T5, Electric Silver/ Black Sovereign Hide, Climate, Multimedia & Dynamic packages
Volvo certainly does a good job at keeping things secret. The new CLK pics hit the web a while before release. Even, the test CLK on ice like the C70 you could tell it was the new CLK and make out the shape.
I think that the photoshop pics are the ones that Volvo were refering to in their press release."A few publications have even gone so far as to offer some highly inaccurate "artist renderings" of the new car and, while no official photos have been released for the premium drop-top, you can bet that - just like original - the new C70 will be drop-dead gorgeous."
Take a good look at this.
If it's gonna look anything nearby this wow.
source:autotelegraaf/autoscoops.be
If what I am looking at is official company documents then wow. It could be that the replacement C70 will be small probably variying between S40 and S60 size. Then these photos show a possible larger coupéIt would be good to get an official satement from Volvo on this.
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