A couple of years ago, it was rumored that Volvo would be expanding its 30 family with a new crossover version called the XC30. This may still be the case, but it looks like we’ll be getting another addition before the XC30 ever makes it to the table. These recent spy shots show a new V30 model that is being considered a 4 door version of the current C30. The vehicle was caught testing in Holland for its first time and, strangely enough, it was driving around in Amsterdam where it was seen at McDonalds during a break. Hey, the drivers need to eat too.
The XC30 prototype caught testing was wearing heavy camo, but you can easily notice that the front end is sleeker and more like the S60 then the current C30. Rear lights also look very sculptured.
As for the engine line-up, it is rumored that the V30 will be the first car to get Volvo’s new range of modular four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engines, but with capacities no bigger than 2.0 liter.
Expect the V30 to debut in late 2012 or early 2013 as a competitor for models like the Volkswagen Golf.
Swedish automaker Volvo has never been one to promote performance over style. Actually, they have never been one for flashiness either. What the company takes seriously, though, is automotive safety. On this end, few can question their standing as one of the world’s safest cars.
But every so often, Volvo goes a different route - ’naughty’, as they once called it. This time, though, they’ve decided to give one of their models - the C30 - a more up-scale treatment.
Called the "Black Design" edition, this limited run C30 only has 600 units and is only available in Italy. It’s got enough exterior upgrades to drive up the car’s overall design, which if we’re honest, is actually one of the nicer ones in its class.
But before people start drooling over what appears to be plenty of carbon fiber used on the Black Design, you guys need to know that the material isn’t exactly carbon fiber.
What is it? Well, head over after the jump and find out.
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Volvo will be entering the World Touring Car Championship with a C30 DRIVe model in 2011. The company will participate in all races with one Volvo C30 DRIVe racer driven by Robert Dahlgren. However, the 2011 season will just be an evaluation, as the official entry will be made in 2012.
"We are very happy and proud for this vote of confidence. This will be a challenge for us but we have prepared for this for several years. Our organization is in place and we have already started with preparations" says Christian Dahl, Managing Director for Polestar Racing. "Volvo has a solid touring car racing tradition and we see a potential now for converting this into a global commercial tool from 2012 through WTCC. It is vital the technical and commercial aspects of the series align with our ambitions and this is what Polestar is out to confirm for us in 2011."
Press release after the jump.
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Volvo and safety have gone hand in hand for years, but the Swedish automaker has announced a big recall. It will cover three model lines, including the C30, the S40, and the V50. All three of these models being recalled are from the 2010 model year.
According to Volvo, the recall only included the C30, V50, and S40 models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Putting a manual in the V50 and S40 seems a bit odd and, as you would imagine, not many Volvo owners have one. We would imagine that there are more C30 manuals than the other two combined. The total number of cars recalled is around 536.
The gearshift level stub assembly may not have been properly tightened at the factory. This could cause the gearshift level cable or stud to come loose. If this happens while driving, it may not be possible to shift gears. As you could imagine, this would not be good. On the plus side, the problem shouldn’t cause any accidents.
Dealers will fix the affected vehicles by tightening the gearshift level stud assembly, hopefully free of charge. Owners will be notified by the end of the month. No accidents or injuries have occurred because of the problem.
Volvo announced today that the C30 Electric is ready for delivery and that the first deliveries will be made this autumn. This is a fleet of ten experimental cars that are equipped with advanced measuring instruments. The selected users of this test fleet will drive the vehicles for a two year period to provide Volvo with the details of their driving experience. This is the next step in Volvo’s ongoing attempt for a production version of the Recharge Concept that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.
The Volvo C30 Electric is powered by a lithium-ion battery that is charged from a regular mains power socket. A completely depleted battery takes about eight hours to recharge. With the batteries topped off, the Electric C30 can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in 11 seconds while the BEV’s top speed is up around 81 MPH. If the car is recharged using electricity from renewable sources, travel is virtually free from carbon dioxide emissions. The electrified C30 has a range of 94 miles and has no gears which means that the motor’s power is delivered seamlessly. And because of the electric motors, gobs of torque are available instantaneously.
Press release after the jump.
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