2006 Volvo C30 Design Concept Pictures, Specifications, Information

Volvo Car Corporation unveiled the Volvo C30 Design Concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car represents a glimpse into the Swedish manufacturer's future as the C30 Design Concept is a close representation of what the production version of the C30 will look like when it's officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris auto show.

The Volvo C30 Design Concept features taut lines and an aggressive stance promoting its sporty image. The two-door, four-passenger C30 Design Concept is powered by a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower. The sleek, modern design clearly reflects several elements from the Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC) and the glass tailgate is reminiscent of the classic Volvo P1800 ES.

“Our aim was to give the Volvo C30 Design Concept a hefty dose of muscles in a sporty and compact package,” explains Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. To that end, the car's wheels have pushed to the outer corners, making the front and rear overhangs extremely short. The broad shoulders are Volvo design hallmarks and add to the C30 Design Concept's forceful presence.

Large car safety in a small car

Volvo's legendary safety is well represented in the Volvo C30 Design Concept, utilizing the structure and safety solutions found in the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. Hence, the Volvo C30 matches the same safety levels as found in today's larger Volvo S60 and Volvo S80.

A modern twist on a classic shape

From nearly any angle the Volvo C30 Design Concept combines the classic good looks of the P1800 ES and the modern Safety Concept Car. The dynamic front clip is characterised by the angled headlamps and the low, wide grille.

The muscular wheel arches and the sloping roofline of the C30 Design Concept give the car a striking silhouette, which is emphasized by the extreme teardrop shape of the glasshouse. The curvature of the rear shoulders is very pronounced and further enhanced by the horseshoe-shaped tail light pattern and the glass tailgate.

“This unique glass tailgate is inspired both by the classic Volvo P1800 ES and the SCC concept car. The unusual light pattern ensures that you’ll never doubt what car is in front of you,” said Mattin. Highlighting the Volvo C30 Design Concept are two new colors: Quite White and Very Bronze.

Room for four and more

The interior reinforces the sporty character of the Volvo C30 Design Concept. The individual rear seats with generous legroom make the car a full four-seater. The rear seats are slightly centred, which gives the passengers an aura of space along with good visibility to the front. Behind the rear seats, passengers have room for the things their active lifestyles require. The glass hatch allows easy loading access and excellent rearward visibility.

“The space between the seats also showcases Volvo’s super-thin, visually floating centre stack, bringing it into full view from behind through the glass tailgate," noted Mattin.

Cargo capacity for the fast paced

The Volvo C30 Design Concept was designed for a customer category that primarily uses the front seats. The luggage space behind the glass tailgate is designed for everyday loads such as briefcases and sports equipment – with the ability to swallow far larger loads if one or both rear seats are folded flat.

World-class audio system

A first-class audio system is an important part of the lives of the C30's target demographic. That is why the Volvo C30 Design Concept has Volvo’s Premium Sound system, with 5x130-watt digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine®, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 10 loudspeakers from Dynaudio® of Denmark.

Five-cylinder turbo engine with 260 horsepower

Measuring 166.9 inches front to rear, the Volvo C30 Design Concept is 9 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan. At 70 inches in width, it's slightly wider than its sedan stable mate (.30 inches).

Under the sculpted hood of the Volvo C30 Design Concept is an in-line five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Producing an impressive 260 horsepower at 5,500 rpm the double overhead cam engine generates 268 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,100 and 5,000 rpm. The car is fitted with a smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels.

The Volvo C30 Design Concept accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Housed beneath the meaty fenders are 19-inch aluminium wheels shrouded in Pirelli Corsa 225/35-R19 tires. There are four-piston, aluminium calliper Brembo brakes front and rear from Brembo with 13-inch ventilated disc brakes at each corner.

“Sporty driving characteristics are a must to attract this customer category. A car that radiates muscular agility has to live up to its appearance once you slip behind the steering wheel,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, the C30 Project Director.