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A Volvo with a difference
V70 R Concept improves on successful formula
By Tom Mack
Thursday, February 19, 2004
A modified 2004 Volvo V70 R sport wagon is a highlight of the Swedish automaker's display at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, running until Feb. 22. It is being called a concept car with a difference. "The difference is most concept cars start as design ideas and take the form of a vehicle that may or may not be produced," says Bill Buchka, manager of vehicle special sales for Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA). "In this case, we've taken a popular car we already built and looked at how it might evolve in the future."
The sport wagon concept was built by Volvo Special Vehicles in Sweden to look at ways to capitalize on the success of the current capable and commodious V70 R, producing a wagon that delivers the safety and comfort of classic Volvo models along with enhancements to expand its credentials as a purebred sporting performer.
The recently introduced V70 R is already well equipped to perform like a true sports car with its 300 horsepower, 2.5-litre, turbocharged engine, semi-active suspension with three dynamic chassis modes, electronically controlled all-wheel drive system, 6-speed manual transmission and Brembo brakes, front and rear.
The most obvious modifications to the concept car include ultra-light, 19-inch BBS magnesium wheels with centre-nut design, aerodynamic front and rear bumpers with sill spoilers, a V70 roof spoiler, Bi-Xenon headlamps and an Eibach lowered suspension.
The interior of the V70 R concept is trimmed in Atacama soft leather and is equipped with a Volvo Rear Seat Entertainment system that includes twin screens, wireless headphones and re-mote control, plus a 13-speaker Dolby Pro- Logic sound system with RSE DVD player.
"It's not easy to improve on what is already a successful formula," Buchka concedes, "and there's no commitment to including any of these changes in future models. But it's always a good idea to challenge our imaginations to see what it takes to make a great car even better."
With its custom PPG Laser Blue paint scheme, the V70 R concept car was displayed at the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas in November. It is part of the Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. display in Toronto, and shares the spotlight with the new 2005 Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon.
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