Sure many remember the Volvo C70. This model was presented in September 1996 and therefore just turned 20 years. It has a special importance within the Swedish brand because it was the first coupe ‘authentic’ from the mark of the Volvo 1800 in 1972. There were developments in its manufacturing process and was also the first time that we had the collaboration of the engineering company TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing).
The idea of Volvo in the early 90’s was to expand its range with a model coupe and one cabrio. For the development of both is taken as a basis the Volvo 850. The working group was formed in 1994 and gave them carte blanche to do its design. There came on the scene Ian Callum, current head of Jaguar design, that would give life to the C70. We worked at a frenetic pace and in just 30 months, they started to manufacture the first units.
The result was a vehicle with the same wheelbase than the Volvo 850, but with a line-more dynamic and elegant. From the beginning we sought a design that would work both with ceiling without him. One of their hallmarks was the great customization that is offered, with 17 colors for the body and up to 40 combinations interiors. Was presented in Hall of Paris, 1996 and for the first time was able to follow its launch on the internet.
In its beginnings it was offered with two engines five-cylinder turbo, one of 2.5-liter 193 HP and the other butt-end of 2.3-liter and 240 HP. It was able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. In countries where it mattered most, the front, was launched a 2.0 with 180 or 225 HP. The generational change came in 2002, but the first generation managed to sell 76.809 units, 27.014 coupes and 49.795 rafters.
Source – Volvo
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