THE NEW VOLVO DRIVe SUB-120g/km RANGE

* Efficiency enhancing features
* C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon break into Band B
* Widest range of premium cars with low environmental footprint

Volvo will be unveiling the new economical, sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. All three models are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environment properties. Production of these new models will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January.

The new 1.6D DRIVe models will offer outstanding fuel consumption of 64.2mpg on the C30 and 62.8mpg in the S40 and V50, with VED Band B CO2 figures of just 115g/km for the C30 and 118g/km for the S40 and V50. These new low emissions mean that the Volvo C30 and V50 offer best-in-class CO2 in their segments1.

"We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 with emission levels below 120g/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Holistic approach to eco-performance
The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four areas:

1. Reduced air resistance:

* Chassis height reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag
* A front spoiler on the S40 and V50 which is the same spoiler currently on T5 models.
* Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
* Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels to steer the airflow.
* Aerodynamically optimised wheels with a unique ‘Libra’ rim. The diamond cut finish adds to the unique design and the large unobstructed area that goes all the way out to the tyre makes the rim look considerable larger than it actually is. The total drag reduction of 10-15% is due to the design of the Libra rim.
* Underbody panels on the Volvo C30 for more efficient airflow under the car.
* A unique rear spoiler has been developed for the Volvo C30 which adds both to the aerodynamics and to the visual appearance. The Volvo S40 features the same ‘ducktail’ spoiler as found on the current T5 and D5 models.
* New rear bumper on the Volvo C30.

2. Lower rolling resistance:

* All the cars are equipped with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance.

3. Higher ratios:

* Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The longer gear ratios contribute to a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption without affecting the drivability of the car.

4. More efficient driveline:

* Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
* New transmission oil which creates much lower friction will be used in the gearbox.
* Gearchange indicator in the information display to tell the driver the ideal time to change gears.

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another 2 percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120g/km for all three cars, without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Volvo C30 best in the ECO test
Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the Euro NCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

Benefits for the environment and economy
Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's pocket. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in 13 European markets, including the UK, where CO2-based vehicle taxation systems, have been implemented; for instance a lower road tax, registration tax or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

Rising fuel prices also make the Volvo 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive as fuel consumption can reach 76.3mpg at motorway speeds.

Sold throughout Europe
"We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future," says Fredrik Arp.

Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales due to particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries. The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offer, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties. Prices, specifications and volume forecasts for the UK will be announced closer to the start of production.

"The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.

The most eco-friendly car range
Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town of Gothenburg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

[Source: Volvo]

Currently on sale is a set of Volvo C30 wheels from the next Fast and Furious movie, but the auction includes prototype Dodge Challenger pistol-grip shifters, original mid-engine Corvette sketches from the 70's, a BMW sculpture and a Bob Bondurant racing class. Further details can be had at The Garage Blog and you can check out the current auction over at eBay.

Press Release:
Volvo Debuts Limited Edition C30 R-Design for 2008

Unique Style and Exclusivity Await 400 Lucky Customers:

Volvo is introducing another dimension of fun and excitement for the award-winning C30. The Limited Edition C30 R-Design brings new levels of style and unique appointments to the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo's lineup. To celebrate the success of the C30's introductory year, only 400 C30 R-Design vehicles have been earmarked for 2008 model year production - that's just over one car for each Volvo retailer.

At first glance, the C30 R-Design catches the eye with its distinctive exterior enhancements. Premium touches include a matte-silver finish for the outside mirror housings, front grille surround and iconic Volvo grille "strap." To signify that this C30 is truly special, an R-Design badge has been affixed to the grille. Customers can select from four exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Titanium Grey, Orinoco Blue and Passion Red. Sport Body kit, tailgate spoiler, large diameter exhaust tips, etc. are additional exterior enhancements that add to the C30 R-Design's dynamic personality.

Stepping inside the cabin, the driver and three passengers are rewarded with sporty and premium cues befitting the stature of this truly special Volvo. Seats are swathed with off-black Flex-tech while the cushions and backrests are trimmed in contrasting crème-colored leather. The R-Design logo is embossed neatly into the front bucket seatbacks.

Inspired by Volvo's legendary high-performance R models, the C30 R-Design sports a blue-face instrument cluster. The C30's signature super-slim center console is finished with a unique inlay with subtle circular patterns that take the standard aluminum inlay to the next level. A special leather-wrapped steering with aluminum inlays proudly displays the R-Design logo. Additional features include sport pedals, sport shifter, and floor mats.

Like the regular production C30, the R-Design delivers an exhilarating driving experience with its turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Equipped as a complete package which includes 18" Atreus wheels and Sirius Satellite Radio with a 6 month introductory subscription as std. equipment, customers can select from an abbreviated list of options for the C30 R-Design including 5-speed Geartronic transmission, DVD-based navigation system with real time traffic, power driver's seat, Climate Package, power glass moonroof, bi-xenon headlights, Serapis alloy wheels and Dynaudio premium sound system.

Pricing for the Volvo Limited Edition C30 R-Design will be released closer to its introduction date in the second quarter of 2008.

A C30 wagon would provide some serious competition in the young-urban-professional-dog-owning-wine-tasting-small-condo-with-garage demo, which has been flocking to the Audi A3. No word yet on who and what gets the new wagon and whether it'll be a V-series wagon or just a larger C-series. [World Car Fans]

BMW 3-series
Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet Malibu
Infiniti G35/G37
Lotus Elise
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes-Benz S-class
Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Volkswagen GTI
Volvo C30
[Automobile Magazine]

Press Release:

Volvo S80 High Performance version flexes its muscles at SEMA in Las Vegas

German tuning and motor sport experts HEICO SPORTIV has developed a spectacular high-performance version of the Volvo S80. With a high-tech aluminium-look exterior and a 350 hp bioethanol engine,
the S80 High Performance Concept is destined to be a true attention-grabber at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

"We wanted to explore how far we could take a special high-performance version of the S80. HEICO SPORTIV's impressive track record in motor sports and Volvo tuning made them the perfect partner for the job," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars. He adds: "Personally, I think the result is absolutely stunning. Both when it comes to the exterior and interior design as well as the impressive muscle under the bonnet." The turbocharged T6 engine has been modified to run on E85 (85 percent bioethanol,15 percent petrol) - a biofuel that is becoming increasingly widely available throughout Europe.

The T6 engine in the HEICO S80 High Performance Concept boasts around 350 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a massive 550 Nm of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will take around 5.8 seconds. "The engine development is not yet finalized, so we hope to reach an even higher horsepower figure when the car is ready for SEMA," says HEICO SPORTIV's president Holger Hedtke.

All Wheel Drive and sports suspension
The HEICO S80 High Performance Concept features Volvo's electronically controlled All Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction. The car also has specially developed sport suspension. New shocks and springs lower the chassis by 40 millimetres.The 6-pot sport brake system has blue callipers featuring the Heico Sportiv logo, sports brake pads and 355x32 mm discs.
The specially developed 20-inch VOLUTION®X. forged alloy wheels are shod with 255/30R20 tyres from Continental. "When it comes to the driving experience, we aimed at tuning all the components so we get
a dynamic yet harmonious result. In other words, a true sports car experience without losing the luxurious and comfortable touch that is the hallmark of the S80," says Holger Hedtke.

Spectacular aluminium-colour effect
The exclusive aluminium metal-effect colour of the HEICO S80 High Performance Concept radiates a distinctive technical look.

"To bring out the shiny, "real metal" effect was a major challenge. This type of paint is normally not used to cover a whole car. All told, the bodywork features seven coats of paint. The coat that gives the aluminium effect doesn't allow any touch-ups afterwards, so you have to get it right from the beginning. The whole process takes two weeks," says Holger Hedtke. All other parts, such as the tailpipe trim, window mouldings, front grill and rub strips are coated with matte finish black chrome. All body parts are handcrafted. The car's body kit has redesigned wide skirts all round.

The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, integrated LED daytime running lights and an integrated sport grille with the Volvo iron mark. The exhaust system is made of stainless steel throughout and the exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the wide rear spoiler. There is also a rear deck spoiler.

Mystic Blue interior
The bespoke interior has full high-quality leather in Mystic Blue with matching blue stitching and HEICO SPORTIV logo, both on the sport-contoured front seats and the two individual "bucket" seats in the rear. The safety belts and floor-mats are also blue. There is a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather and a leather-trim gear lever with a silver carbon accent.

The extended floating centre stack is covered with silver carbon fibre. The centre stack also features integrated controls for the rear seat entertainment system and a storage space with a handmade blind. All decorative trim elements are made of silver carbon fibre. The illuminated entrance trim in stainless steal and glass features the HEICO SPORTIV logo.

Volvo dealer since 1989
The Hedtke Volvo dealership in Weiterstadt, Germany, opened in 1989. The company entered the motor sport scene in 1995 and over the years HEICO SPORTIV has developed one of the world's most exclusive tuning programmes based on Volvo cars.

"We are very pleased that Volvo Cars has given us the opportunity to design a concept car that profiles the sporty emotions of the brand and still remains true to the company's core values. Just like the C30 "Camo" we designed for SEMA last year, the S80 High Performance Concept represents the very best of our long experience of Volvo tuning and motor sports," says Holger Hedtke.

Special-version Volvo C30 surfs to Las Vegas and SEMA

A surf-pattern exterior, a stunning orange dream interior and 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The special-version Volvo C30 by HEICO SPORTIV is ready to go to Las Vegas and the SEMA show.

"We wanted to turn up the "visual volume" of the sporty Volvo C30. And this is not just a one-off prototype. All the parts used are available in our tuning product range," says Holger Hedtke, president of German tuning and motor sports company HEICO SPORTIV.

The white Volvo C30 has a special surf-pattern design kit and a body kit with redesigned, widened skirts all round. The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, integrated fog and cornering lights, and an integrated sport grille with the Volvo iron mark. The deeper and wider rear skirt features a quad-pipe exhaust system made of stainless steel.

The bespoke high-quality interior has orange leather with matching orange stitching and HEICO SPORTIV logos on the sport-contoured front seats. The safety belts and floor-mats are also orange.
The radiant interior also has a sports steering wheel in leather and a leather gear lever with a silver accent. The entrance trim in stainless steel features the HEICO SPORTIV logo.

Beefed-up T5 powerplant
An upgraded, turbocharged T5 engine powers the C30. Is produces 300 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to100 km/h takes 5.4 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/h (governed). The car also has a specially developed sport suspension. New shocks and springs lower the chassis by 40 millimetres. The 4-pot sport brake system has orange callipers featuring the HEICO SPORTIV logo, sport brake pads and 326x30 mm discs. The 19-inch VOLUTION® V. TITAN wheels are shod with 235/35R19 Continental tyres.

"The already sporty and distinctive personality of the C30 model makes it the perfect tuning product. Our car is a spectacular extension of the individualisation philosophy that is a part of the C30," says Holger Hedtke.

The SEMA (Speciality Equipment Manufacturers Association) show in Las Vegas is open between 30 October and 2 November 2007. SEMA is the biggest automotive specialty products trade event in the world.

• Volvo is looking at this car to hit the streets in 2015, but it won't be the first hybrid Volvo plans on releasing — but they're keeping what the first one will be a secret until later.
  
• There's four electric motors — one at each wheel.
  
• This emphasizes safety as they've moved the motors away from the front of the car and to the wheels. By not having the engine in the front, it allows for Volvo to use the front for more crash-protection.
  
• Also, despite having an engine, it has no driveshaft.
  
• Full recharge of the batteries will take three hours, but the car should be drivable on an hour or less.
  

Press Release:

Special version Volvo C30 below 4.5 l/100km

In parallel with Volvo Cars' focus on biofuels and hybrid technology, energy-effiency improvements are continuously being made to the company's conventional drivelines.

The special version of the Volvo C30 called Efficiency has a fuel consumption below 4.5l/100 km, and CO2 emission below 120 g/km.

Additionaly, Volvo Cars will introduce a Powershift gearbox that reduces fuel consumption by about 8 percent.

"We are firmly committed to lowering the fuel consumption of our conventional petrol and diesel engines. By doing this we will continuously reduce the overall CO2 emission level for our whole model range," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Cars.

In 2008 Volvo Cars will introduce a Volvo C30 with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel (105 hp) that has a fuel consumption of less than 4.5 l/100 km.

Volvo Cars' experts have succeeded in reducing fuel consumption by more than 0.4 l/100 km from 4.9 l/100 km which is the official figure for the C30 1.6D that is available on the market today. Translated into CO2 emissions, this is a reduction from 129 g/km to below 120 g.

"This is a science of small adjustments and gains. Many systems and details in a car model have been dimensioned to suit all engine variants, from the smallest diesel to the most powerful petrol unit. This gives possibilities for fine adjustments to individual engine variants, particularly the smallest alternatives," says Magnus Jonsson.

A range of measures within four main areas

The fuel consumption reduction has been achieved through measures within four main areas:

* Aerodynamics. The Efficiency has reduced chassis height, a new rear roof spoiler, a new rear bumper, underbody panels, optimised engine cooling and aerodynamically optimised 16-inch wheel rims.
* Rolling resistance is reduced with a new generation of low friction tyres
* Higher gearing. The unique gearbox variant has revised gearing on 3rd, 4th and 5th gears
* Powertrain efficiency increase. This includes new low-friction transmission oil, optimisation of steering servo assistance and engine management optimisation.

The special C30 will also get visual elements that enhance its unique character.

Cash-back in Sweden

In Sweden, a conventional car with carbon dioxide emissions of 120 g/km or less is classified as an environmental car. This entitles private new-car buyers to a state-provided cash-back of 10,000 kronor (SEK).

"These measures are positive both for the customer and for the environment. The car owner gets a Volvo C30 with the very same sporty feel and appearance, with the added benefit of even better fuel economy and, in some countries, tax incentives. At the same time, emissions of carbon dioxide are cut by about 8 percent," explains Magnus Jonsson.

Powershift reduces consumption by 8 percent

In early 2008 Volvo Cars will introduce a new gearbox with a so-called Powershift feature.

Powershift cuts fuel consumption by about 8 percent compared with today's automatic transmissions. It will be available in the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 with the 2-litre turbodiesel (2.0D) engine.

Put simply, one could say that Powershift consists of two manual gearboxes that work in parallel and are controlled by separate clutches. Since there is no disruption in torque delivery during the gearchanging process, gearshifts are instantaneous and the efficiency rating is higher.

Developments in petrol and diesel engines

The environment is in constant focus as Volvo Cars initiates continuous improvements in its other petrol and diesel engines.

For petrol engines, the company's experts are examining how direct-injection technology can be further refined and they are also looking at even more advanced control of both the air/fuel mixture and valve control.

"When it comes to diesel engines, it isn't fuel consumption that is the greatest challenge. Here the main challenge is to meet the increasingly tough demands on regulated emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulates without jeopardising the diesel engine's already low fuel consumption," says Magnus Jonsson.

Looks like if you want serious Swedish muscle, you'll have to contract with powerlifter Magnus Önerud. Volvo released details on its new R Design package and there's not a single performance upgrade in sight. Not that we'd expected anything, considering the company's abandoned its S60 R and V70 R models. It's all cosmetics, like satin matte-finish grille ad side mirrors; color-coordinated bumpers and lower side moldings; rear or roof spoilers, and five-spoke aluminum wheels in 17- or 18-inch outside, and blackish seats with contrasting cream-colored leather, leather-trimmed steering wheel with R-design logo, aluminum pedals, center stack and door inlays, and tufted dark sport floor mats on the inside. It'll be available by year's end on the C30, S40 and V50 models in Europe. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Spice up your Volvo with R-design - the choice for a refined taste

Volvo Cars is now introducing R-design - an exclusive factory-fitted options package for customers who want a car with refined attributes.

R-design will initially be available on the Volvo C30, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 as of autumn 2007.

"The possibility of tailoring one's car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars," says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

Customers can choose between 10 exterior colours, and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.

Exterior features include a satin matt-finish grille, colour co-ordinated bumpers and lower side mouldings, rear or roof spoiler, satin matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminium wheels (17 inches, 18 inches available as option). There is also a decotrim on the tailgate of the C30 and V50.

Contrasting seats

Inside the car there are seats in off-black Vulcaflex with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-coloured leather. The R-design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the seats' sporty appearance.

Other R-design interior details include the leather-trim steering wheel with its R-design logo, the unique combi instrument, aluminium pedals, specially designed aluminium centre stack and door inlays, gear selector with aluminium inlay and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting light leather seams.

A selection of R-design features will also be available as accessories.

Emotional and extrovert

"R-design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models," says Steve Mattin, Senior Vice President and Design Director at Volvo Cars..

Related:
Volvo to Call Cosmetic Package R-Design [internal]

According to Germany's Autobild, Volvo's working up a diesel hybrid version of its new C30 hatch, which the company will show off at Michelin's annual alternative energy fest, Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai later in 2007. It'll be a series hybrid, where the engine turns a generator that can either charge the batteries or power an electric motor that drives the transmission. But the internal combustion engine in this case will be a diesel, and the system may have plug-in capability. No word on whether the car will be a concept, or for series production, but company reps say Volvo is serious about bringing the car to market. But are they serious serious? – Mike Spinelli

Report: Volvo Working on a C30 Hybrid Concept [egmCarTech]

Related:
More on the Volvo C30 [internal]

Sadly, Volvo has dispensed with the teal suits that made their booth so rad at last year's show. But they did bring us the C30, which is apparently a car that's a "product of free will." They also compared it to the iPod, which theoretically begs the following experiment. Drive a C30 while listening to Rush via your iPod. See if Volvo's vaunted safety standards save you when the car collapses under the weight of its own metaness. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:Paris Auto Show Reveal: Volvo C30 Hatch! [internal]

With the US version of the new Volvo C30 hatch debuting at the Los Angeles Show this week, a Swede-lover's fancy can't but turn to thoughts of tuning the crap out of one. Down, boy. Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv is unveiling its HS3 D5 at the Essen show in Germany next week. The diesel-fired hatch isn't quite a screamer, but it can get from zero to 60 in 7.9 seconds, by way of the a five-cylinder oil burner, tweaked to produce 205 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. V-max is a respectable 143 mph. The slightly hotter hatch does look like a runner, with a full-body kit, fender flares shrouding 8.5x20" VOLUTION V. wheels, height-adjustable suspension kit, four-tip stainless steel exhaust, four-piston sports brake kit, and interior accouterments (aluminum pedal set, foot rest, hand-brake lever, and door pins, along with two-tone leather seats and door panels). If you were wondering, Essen is SEMA without the road trip to Cadillac Ranch. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Swedish Speedballs: Tuning Shops to Show C30 Concepts at SEMA [internal]

Volvo rolled out three dolled-up custom C30s at SEMA this year, ahead of the hatch's US debut next year. The three cars' mods were done, respectively, by IPD; Heico Sportiv with Burton Snowboards, and Evolve. It's all a matter of merging the New Hatchback school with the sport compact crowd, and seeing what transpires. Will Acker Bilk ever forgive us? [Gallery]

Related:
SEMA Show: Caresto Volvo V8 Speedster [internal]

Volvo designer, Canadian-born Simon Lamarre, has launched a blog to address his experience penning the new Volvo C30 hatch. Lamarre, who consensus says has a winner on his hands, discusses the pressures of designing a car for a major automaker in his first post.

For four years, I've been eating, sleeping and breathing this car. It's consumed all my time at work, plus too many sleepless nights and spare moments that I should've devoted to something else. But design is one of those things that doesn't respect the clock. It's in your head all the time, gnawing at you, poking you, making you second-guess yourself and generally making you nuts. You rocket back and forth between being miserable and being elated (and sometimes both).

Then he'll have no trouble being a blogger.

Volvo C30 Designer Blog [via Autoblog]

Related:
Paris Auto Show Reveal: Volvo C30 Hatch! [internal]

One of the cars most highly anticipated among Jalopniks, the production Volvo C30 hatch, was feted this morning in Paris. It'll be introduced in Europe, where the company expects to sell 3/4 of its target of 65,000 cars per year. Who's it for? "These are customers who move between their homes, the office, meetings, the gym, and to their favorite spots around town at a fast pace," H kan Abrahamsson, Project Director for the C30 said at the press conference. He added, "But don't let all those friggin' jerks stop you from buying it."

Press Release:

The new Volvo C30 - Young, dynamic people with intense lives get "a Volvo of their own"

A cool car for active people
Sporty four-seater with glass tailgate
Volume target 65 000 cars per year
75 percent of the buyers in Europe
Wide personalization possibilities with body kit and two-tone combinations

With the new C30, Volvo makes its debut in the segment for two-door premium cars.
The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, aims to give a young and dynamic group of customers "a Volvo of their own."
"The new C30 aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with a intense urban lifestyle. These people prioritise excitment in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars.
During the development phase of the C30 project, Volvo Car Corporation has organised customer clinics in a number of European countries. People living in urban areas with accelerating careers and an intensive lifestyle were invited to judge the car's design and technical content.

For an active life in urban areas
Volvo has focused primarily on singles, or couples without children who see the car as an entertaining tool for keeping up with their intense lives. When they buy clothing, home furnishings, or electronic devices, design and brand are very important factors - and they choose cars in the same way.
"These are customers who move between their homes, the office, meetings, the gym, and to their favourite spots around town at a fast pace. This group prioritises exciting design and exhilarating driving characteristics, and for the most part there are not more than two people in the car," explains H kan Abrahamsson, Project Director for the C30 project. He adds:
"It is important to point out that this is a question of lifestyle rather than age. When the children grow up and move out, you also have time and money for an active and fast-moving life. Therefore, we believe that next to the great part of younger customers, a considerable share of the C30's volume will be bought by so-called 'empty-nesters'. Another appealing possibility, of course, is that the C30 will be the second car for families with children."

Design Concept preview in Detroit
The international customer clinics confirmed that the project was on the right track - and at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2006, Volvo offered a glimpse of the coming production model by displaying the C30 Design Concept.
The concept car was subsequently put on display at numerous auto shows, and Volvo Cars has also organised international events with specially invited guests, in cities such as Milan.
"In one of the customer clinics, one of the participants said: 'Finally, a new exciting challenger in the segment, probably my first Volvo.' This was sweet music to our ears, the perfect expression of our ambitions for the C30-project. We must win new customers to make the C30 an important part of Volvo Cars' volume increase to 600,000 cars per year," says H kan Abrahamsson.

Dynamic front and fast silhouette
The design of the production-ready model is in tune with the Volvo C30 Design Concept. The front will retain its dynamic character, with the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille.
Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings in contrasting materials, and the sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the extreme boat-shape of the side windows. This is created by the narrowing roof and the wide shoulders.
The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps, and the glass tailgate. The spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate is available in two different versions.
"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognise the exclusive and convenient glass tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will ever be uncertain about which car they have in front of them," says Volvo Car's Design Director Steve Mattin.

Styling for individualists
The possibility of adapting the car to their personal taste is high on the wish list among the intended buyers.
A specially designed body kit with larger exhaust pipes is available fully colour coordinated or in dual tone. To further personalise the car, the body kit can be combined with a lowered sport chassis and 18" wheels.
The body kit is available in many colours to create a wide range of possibilities for exciting personal combinations.
Styling items available for the interior are a sport steering wheel and sport gear lever with aluminium inlays, brushed aluminium pedals, and specially designed C30 carpets.
The Volvo C30 will be introduced with, for example, an entirely new colour: Cosmic White Pearl. Equipped with the body kit in brown Java Pearl, the car will stongly recall the Volvo C30 Design Concept.

Room for four adults
The new C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seating positions in the rear seat, with generous head- and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier.
The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating centre stack clearly visible from the outside through the glass tailgate.
The centre stack is available in four different versions. Completely new is the Virtual White inlay, inspired by the modern, glossy surfaces of the worlds of sport and computers. The same material is also used in the doors.
A striking version with surf-patterned aluminium is also available as an accessory, and has been inspired by the C30 Design Concept.

Personal interior choices
The interior program has also been designed to meet the target group's expressed wishes for personal choices. Even the base program offers, for example, upholstery in red and blue. There are also black upholsteries that can be accentuated with contrasting red carpeting.
"With respect to practical details, we prefer the expression customised functionality. The Volvo C30 does not claim to be a full-sized family car. However, it is specially adapted to its target group," says Steve Mattin.

Target 65,000 cars a year
The Volvo C30 will be unveiled for the public at the Paris Motor Show in September, and production will begin at the end of 2006.
The volume target is 65,000 cars a year. Volvo expects that 75 percent of the buyers will be in Europe. The largest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, the USA, France, Sweden, and Holland.
The new C30 will make a firm impression in a segment that is new for Volvo - and the intention is that at least three out of four Volvo C30s will find customers who do not currently drive a Volvo.
"I am convinced that the new C30 will be a great success. Since we displayed the concept car in Detroit, it has become one of the market's most talked about and eagerly awaited newcomers. The C30 will be a tough nut to crack for our competitors in the segment," says Lex Kerssemakers.

Related:
More on the Volvo C30

A Swedespeed reader submitted this shot, capturing a Volvo C30 "near the delivery center" at the Volvo compound in Goteborg, Sweden. According to the submitter, there were two other models on scene, and rumor is the hatch will be FWD-turbo only. Additionally, initial production is rumored to be sold out due to European demand. The production model will reportedly be on the stand at the Paris show.

[via Swedespeed]

Related:
It's Official: 2007 Volvo C30 Hatch Revealed [internal]

At first we misread the press release, which stated, "Here are the first photos of one of the year's most talked about debutants." of course, there's no Harvest Ball cotillion for this Euro gal — Volvo's new C30 debutante is set for a Paris unveiling. Volvo calls the new C30 a "cool car" for young, urban types — and hopes to sell 65,000 of them, 75 percent of which it expects to move in Europe. Engines for the continent version will include a 100 hp, four-cylinder 1.6-liter gas engine; 109 hp, 1.6-liter diesel, and five-cylinder D5 (180 hp) and T5 (220 hp) turbocharged powerplants. Production will start later this year. Click through for the company's take.

Press Release:

First photos of the new Volvo C30

Here are the first photos of one of the year's most talked about debutants - the new Volvo C30. A sporty design, two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate give the C30 a unique character that will attract new Volvo buyers. The new Volvo C30 will be unveiled for the public at the Paris Motor Show in September, and production will begin at the end of 2006.

"The new C30 is a cool car. A car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with an intense urban lifestyle. These people prioritise excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The volume target is 65,000 cars per year. Volvo expects that 75 percent of the buyers will be in Europe and the largest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom.

Dynamic front and fast silhouette

The design of the production-ready model is in tune with the Volvo C30 Design Concept, which was presented at the Detroit Motor Show at the beginning of the year.

The front retains its dynamic character, with the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille.
Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings and sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the extreme boat-shape of the side windows.

The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps, and the glass tailgate. The spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate is available in two different versions.

"The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognise the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they have in front," says Volvo Car's Design Director
Steve Mattin.

Styling for individualists and room for four adults

The new C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate rear seats with generous head and leg room. The rear seats are slightly centred to provide a feeling of space and a good forward view.

The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating centre stack clearly visible through the glass tailgate.

The interior program has been designed to meet the target group's taste for personal choices. Even the base program offers, for example, upholstery in three attractive colours.

"The C30 is about "customised functionality". There are a lot of possibilities for personalisation and the car has all the right and cleverly designed solutions that the people who choose this type of car want," says H kan Abrahamsson, who heads the C30 project.

Range of engines from 100 to 220 hp

The new Volvo C30 has a wide selection of engines, ranging from a 100 hp, four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine, a clean and efficient four-cylinder, 1.6-litre diesel with 109 hp to the five-cylinder D5 and T5 turbo engines, providing 180 and 220 hp respectively.

At 425 centimetres (167 inches), the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo's model range - 22 centimetres (8,5 inches) shorter than the Volvo S40.

"A car that exudes muscular manoeuvrability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel. Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, regardless of whether you choose the 1.6-litre diesel or the T5 engine," says H kan Abrahamsson.
Even in the base model, the Volvo C30 offers a high-class audio system - and true audiophiles can choose the Premium Sound system, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine , Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish Dynaudio .

First class safety
When it comes to safety, the Volvo C30 is a true Volvo. Among other things, it is available with BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which helps the driver to identify another vehicle in the blind spot at the rear sides of the car.

The front has the same patented structure as the S40 and V50. Combined with airbags and safety belt tensioners, the C30 offers first class safety. The safety equipment naturally also includes the Whiplash Protection System, WHIPS, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC.

"The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible," says Fredrik Arp.

Related:
2007 Volvo C30 Hatchback Revealed [internal]

2007 Volvo C30 (production model) revealed [LLN]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the 2007 Volvo C30 [internal]

We'll have to wait until the Paris motor show to see all of the upcoming Volvo C30 hatch, but AutoExpress offers a quick, Tuesday-morning teaser. The spy shots were taken as the C30 — a coming rival to the VW Golf, Audi A3 and Mini Cooper — was getting flogged amidst the extreme cold of caribou country. AE reiterates that a 260-hp R version will handle hot-hatch duties, with Volvo's corporate 2.4-liter inline five (turbocharged, natch) under the hood.

New baby Volvo goes Golfing [AutoExpress]

Related:
More on the Volvo C30 [internal]

A tip from a reader has sparked some excitement and joyful self-injury in Jalopnik's day-room. According to a Volvo sales manager, the reader writes, the company is planning to build a hot-hatch version of its upcoming C30 sporting a "an engine derived from the S60 R's 2.5 L i5 high pressure turbo in the range of around 180 - 190kw" (that's in range of 250 hp). That would make the C30 a potent challenger to the VW GTI in the US, depending on how it'd be priced ultimately — and if such a Euro-focused car would even be available in the states. Trust that we'll be saving up our daily meds doled out by Nurse Ratchet for such a day. [Thanks to Oscar for the tip.]

Related:
Volvo C30: C'mon Get Happy! [internal]

Sure, the Volvo C30 concept looked all trick in Detroit under the lights, like the drama-club chick's prom date, in swank two-tone pearlescent paint job and alloys the size of pizzas. But what of the more pedestrian production version all alone up in the North Country at the hands of some engineer named Filiph, with a leather mask to obscure its identity? Spy photog Hans Lehmann caught the money shots, and MPH presented them to the world ahead of the hatchback's unveiling this September in Paris. Word is a four-cylinder, twin-cam mill, not Volvo's inline five, will power the base model.

New Volvo C30 Spied On Ice [MPH]

Related:
More on the Volvo C30 [internal]

According to AutoWeek, Volvo's got three choices in marketing a car like the C30 concept it showed in Detroit in the US: 1.) Make it an inexpensive path into a luxury brand's aegis, performance be dammed; 2) Give it a higher level of performance, say, with an inline five turbo, and up the price by about $2000, or 3) give it all-wheel drive and luxury options and boost the price by $7,000. Let's see, Volvo picked all three of those options when it marketed the S40, so we're going with "all of the above." Next question.

Hatching a Hatch [AutoWeek]

Related:
Volvo C30: C mon Get Happy! [internal]

According to the press release, this here C30 Design Concept contraption's real close to what the more compact compact Volvo will look like when the customized concepty stuff comes off in Paris at the end of September. If it were still legal to let kids ride in the boot, they'd have a swell view out the generous glass tailgate, surrounded by Volvo's now-traditional big-ass C-pillar-eating taillights.

Merry Christmas: Volvo's C30 Concept [Internal]

Looks like the cat's out of the bag, but the barn door is still open. Or something like that. Leftlane News has posted the rest of the press shots of the Volvo C30 concept that were leaked either intentionally or unintentionally ahead of the concept's unveiling at the Detroit show next month. As expected, the C30 — destined to be a new entry-level Volvo for 2007 — looks like a mashup of the 2001 Safety Concept Car (SCC), the current S40 and the old P1800, with an aggressively raked fascia. The interior is pure S40.

More official photos of Volvo s 2007 C30 Concept [Leftlane News]

Related:
Merry Christmas: Volvo's C30 Concept [internal]

We had to check our e-mail on Christmas morning, didn't we. Since we did, now we have to point toward a pic of what could be the new Volvo C30 concept destined for the Detroit and Paris shows. It's the first such shot we've seen (tho it was posted on one Spanish-language site a few days ago), but it could still be on press embargo, so you'll have to go there to see the whole shot. See you on Tuesday. [Thanks to Michael for the tip.] [Update: El Diferencial found the press release for the C30 concept's Los Angeles unveiling (dated January 4) on Volvo's Spanish-language press site. Looks like someone jumped the gun. Click through for full text.]

Volvo C30 Design Concept [El Diferencial via All Cars All the Time]

Related:
More on the Volvo C30 [internal]

From Volvo's Spanish-language press site (in English):

The Volvo C30 Project zeros in on dynamic customers with active, diverse lifestyles

With the new Volvo C30 Design Concept, Volvo Car Corporation gives the world a taste of the upcoming C30 which has its sights set on giving a young, dynamic customer group its own Volvo.
Los Angeles, California (January 4, 2006) - We know there are large numbers of fairly young, successful people who are attracted by our brand, but who still cannot find a model in our range that exactly matches their taste and lifestyle. The Volvo C30 Design Concept was developed precisely for this group, said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

From its inception, the Volvo C30 Project was focused on one primary demographic group: Young urbanites with accelerating careers and intensive, active lifestyles. Customer clinics allowed these people to voice their opinions and give their views on the car s design and technical content.

For an active lifestyle, wherever you live
Volvo focused primarily on singles and on couples without children, who regard the car as a tool for pursuing their hectic lifestyles. When they buy clothes, decorate their homes or purchase home electronics, design and brand name are particularly important factors and they choose their cars according to the same criteria.

These customers move in a fast paced world between their homes, work, meetings, the gym and their favorite restaurants and nightclubs in town. Many of them describe their ideal mode of transport as nimble car designed to get them where they want to go. They focus on attractive design and entertaining driving properties and rarely have more than two people in the car, explains H kan Abrahamsson, C30 Project Director.

Design inspiration from the SCC

An athletic, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and lines inspired by the Volvo Safety Concept Car, makes the forthcoming production model a keen contender in a segment where competition for customers is razor-sharp.

The Safety Concept Car (SCC) heralded a bold design language for Volvo. Its roots could be found in the classic proportions of the P1800 ES, but there was no denying that it was also a Volvo of the future. As it turned out, the SCC is an excellent reflection of our ambition for the C30 project, said H kan Abrahamsson.

Unveiling in Paris in 2006

The Volvo C30 Design Concept, which will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show, offers a taste of what s to come in the forthcoming production model. The wraps will come off the all-new Volvo C30 at the Paris motor show in September 2006, and the car will be successively introduced throughout the world starting at the end of the year. The car is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the summer of 2007.

The all-new Volvo C30 plays an important role in the hunt for sales growth to 600,000 cars a year. It is vital that we broaden our model range so that customers with an active urban lifestyle can choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible, commented Arp.

Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The 2005 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan including the award-winning performance sedan S60 R and the performance wagon version V70 R; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and, the C70 convertible.

VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Those ungrateful dates over at Volvo are starting to dangle their goods in front of our greediest of anatomicals (our eyes; whaddya think, we're sickos?). They've launched somewhat of an online teaser campaign, which Leftlane News got hip to yesterday. Today, Volvo's added a new graphic (pictured) showing what's likely the new C30, partially obscured by a bank of tar-like soot (at least we know it's been seen in New Jersey. Oh, c'mon, we kid). We know the three-door hatch will be the smallest of Volvo's line, that it'll share similarities with the company's 3CC and SCC concepts, and that we'll probably see a design concept of it in Detroit.

Volvo teases fans with new C30 details [Leftlane News]

Related:
Spy Photos: Volvo C30, Entry-Level Hatch [internal]

With its US unveiling set for the Detroit Auto Show, the newest, smallest Volvo — the C30 hatchback — will be the latest troop in a squad of premium hatchbacks hitting US shores, hoping to extend the market cracked by BMW's Mini Cooper. Hatchbacks' return is one of the surest of bets car watchers could make, with the C30 providing the all-important "third competitor" to the Mini and new Audi A3 (not to mention the enduring VW Golf), which some consider the tipping point for a car genre. Of course, in the spy photos, the disguised hatch makes it look like the erstwhile Golf cabrio, or an Isuzu Amigo.

Volvo C30 spotted in Ye Olde England [MPH]

Related:
More on the Audi A3 Convertible; Volvo s New Product Soon-to-Bes; Ford Motor Company: Badges? We Engineer Some Stinkin' Badges [internal]